I started training with Tampa Bay Aviation in February 2024 and passed my Private Pilot check ride in October 2025. My flight training journey goes back to 90s, with long breaks in between, but TBA is the school that finally got me across the finish line.
Their onboarding was exactly what I needed—proactive without being pushy—and the Clearwater location was a few miles from home. I trained in their PA-28 fleet, and every aircraft I flew was safe, well-maintained, and taken offline only for legitimate reasons. I trust them enough that I’ll keep renting from TBA to stay current until I buy an aircraft or a share in one.
The instructor side matched what you’d expect from a Part 61 school, but the quality of instruction was consistently strong. My first CFI, Grace, eventually moved on to a regional airline, and Elliott took over to finish my training. Elliott is the kind of instructor you hope to find: calm, methodical, and fully invested in making you a safe, confident pilot. If you can train with him, you should.
TBA worked around my demanding professional schedule without complaint. I was managing a global team, and there were weeks when life had to take priority. They never made it an issue. The stage checks were thorough, and the use of multiple instructors kept evaluations objective, and their use of the Cessna/King curriculum made it easy to track and understand progress.
When my check ride day came around, the school treated it like the milestone it was. They helped coordinate the DPE, ensured the aircraft was fully prepped (including all logs), and supported me all the way.
Flight Schedule Pro isn’t perfect, but TBA uses it well. Pre-buying blocks of time helps with scheduling priority, though they don’t really push this option (if you have the capability, I recommend it).
If you’re considering training here, the best advice I can give is: do your written first. It frees up your headspace so you can focus on flying and reviewing/studying.
After three decades of dreaming, Tampa Bay Aviation helped me finally achieve my Private Pilot certificate.
Did my Instrument and Commercial ratings with TBA, had an awesome experience! What set my experience apart was my instructor Blair, he adjusted to my learning style and made everything so easy to understand while being an incredible pilot himself as well. Would definitely recommend to future pilots!
*** SAVE YOURSELF THE TROUBLE AND USE ONE OF THE MANY OTHER FLIGHT SCHOOLS IN TAMPA. ***
This company fraudulently charged me for 1.5 hours of training I never received due to a miscommunication on their part. When confronted, they only quoted their cancelation policy and neglected to take any responsibility for scheduling the flight at the wrong location. They are now not answering phone calls or emails.
Called Tampa Bay Aviation at Tampa Bay Executive airport and booked a flight. The day of the flight, I arrived on time at that location prepared for the flight. After waiting several minutes, I asked where my flight instructor was. They informed me that my flight was booked with the Clearwater location an hour away. There was no way I could make it there AND make the hour drive back home, so they rescheduled the flight.
While there, the staff even admitted that these kinds of scheduling issues happen often.
My email reservation also does not specify a location.
Later that night, I received a charge on my credit card for 1.5 hours of training. I called to dispute it but they only quoted their cancelation policy and failed to acknowledge the glaring mistake on their part.
If you centrally book for three locations, it is YOUR responsibility to specify that and clearly communicate what lcoation you are scheduling.
Again, there are several other flight schools in Tampa. Highly recommend seeking other ones before you waste your money at this place.
I booked an intro flight for my husband`s birthday and we had a blast!!! To begin with, our pilot, Chris was great!!! He is such a passionate, nice and outgoing person! A true professional! Chris went through all of the details of the plane and our upcoming flight before we took off. He also asked if we want to go sightseeing only or to have a pro flight experience, focusing on how to operate the plane etc. as well. We combined both and it was amazing! Through the whole flight, take off and landing we felt safe and comfortable. Honestly, one of the best experiences we ever had and husband LOVED the gift! 10/10
My wife and I took a tour at 5:30 (I had looked up the sun set time prior to booking) and the experience was breathtaking! Our pilot, Jenna, was outstanding and circled around the Don Cesar several times so that we could capture the setting sun on our camera phones. Our flight was smooth, like we were floating 500 feet up in the air - nothing like a plane ride.
Matt at the front desk was great too, providing personalized service, confirming my reservation with an email. He was available by text and email, which was certainly a plus! We're looking forward to booking directly with Tampa Bay Aviation for a longer tour for a birthday celebration later in the year!
