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# Tailwinds Academy of Aviation

Flight Training in Northeast Philadelphia

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://tailwindsacademy.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Aviation Resources & Information](https://tailwindsacademy.org/resources/) - flight-school-philadelphia, philadelphia-flight-school
- [A Dream That Took Flight in Northeast Philly](https://tailwindsacademy.org/a-dream-that-took-flight-in-northeast-philly/) - Read the latest Tailwinds blog post, designed to be real resources for aspiring and existing pilots. Learn about aviation from Philadelphia’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit flight school.
- [Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback Jonathan Jones Visits Tailwinds](https://tailwindsacademy.org/philadelphia-eagles-cornerback-jonathan-jones-visits-tailwinds/) - Read the latest Tailwinds blog post, designed to be real resources for aspiring and existing pilots. Learn about aviation from Philadelphia’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit flight school.
- [N862TW Just Got a Major Upgrade](https://tailwindsacademy.org/avionics-upgrade/) - Read the latest Tailwinds blog post, designed to be real resources for aspiring and existing pilots. Learn about aviation from Philadelphia’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit flight school.
- [Takeoff Toward Your Dreams: Join Tailwinds Academy's Free Aviation Webinar Series 2026](https://tailwindsacademy.org/2026-webinars/) - Join Tailwinds Academy's Free Aviation Webinar Series! Including how to buy an airplane, Flight Training 101, and balancing the time & money needs of training.
- [About John Gillespie Magee, Jr. (1922 – 1941)](https://tailwindsacademy.org/about-john-gillespie-magee-jr-1922-1941/) - Author of High Flight, John Gillespie Magee, Jr. was born in Shanghai, China, to American missionary parents—an Episcopal priest and a British teacher.
- [What Does it Mean for a Business to be Nonprofit?](https://tailwindsacademy.org/what-is-a-nonprofit/) - So, being a nonprofit business means you can’t make a profit, right? Wrong! That’s one of the most common misconceptions about nonprofits.
- [Why People Quit Flight Training](https://tailwindsacademy.org/why-people-quit-flight-training/) - Do you know why people quit flight training? Unfortunately, for every 10 people that begin flight training, only 2 or 3 complete it.
- [Are You A Minimalist? Minimum Flight Requirements Explained](https://tailwindsacademy.org/are-you-a-minimalist/) - Are You A Minimalist? This post explains the FAA Minimum Requirements.
- [Pilot Requirements: Private vs. Commercial](https://tailwindsacademy.org/pilot-requirements-private-vs-commercial/) - Read the latest Tailwinds blog post, designed to be real resources for aspiring and existing pilots. Learn about aviation from Philadelphia’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit flight school.
- [Tailwinds is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Organization](https://tailwindsacademy.org/tailwinds-is-now-a-501c3-nonprofit-organization/) - Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit: Tailwinds Academy has exciting news!
- [Tailwinds Academy Webinars 2022](https://tailwindsacademy.org/tailwinds-academy-webinars-2022/) - Flight Training in Northeast Philadelphia - The Tailwinds Academy of Aviation resources and blog posts: Tailwinds Academy Webinars.
- [Self-Assessment](https://tailwindsacademy.org/self-assessment/) - Read the latest Tailwinds blog post, designed to be real resources for aspiring and existing pilots. Learn about aviation from Philadelphia’s only 501(c)(3) nonprofit flight school.

## Pages

- [Home](https://tailwindsacademy.org/) - Philadelphia's only nonprofit flight school offering both private lessons and full scholarships. Take the first step toward a pilot's license or donate today!
- [Where Are They Now](https://tailwindsacademy.org/where-are-they-now/) - We offer Ground School Training in Philadelphia
- [Becoming a Pilot: Flight Training](https://tailwindsacademy.org/becoming-a-pilot/) - Learn the steps necessary for becoming a pilot, including different types of pilots' licenses and more.
- [Team](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/) - About us. World class flying lessons in Philadelphia. Well maintained aircraft rentals. Our students and renters our our top priority.
- [Jameel Worthy](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/jameel-worthy/) - Jameel Worthy Home » Team » Jameel Worthy About Jameel Worthy Jameel Worthy is a results-driven entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with a proven record of building and scaling organizations across multiple industries. Jameel holds a strong passion for entrepreneurship and diversity in the aviation space, and is Founder of Airworthy Leasebacks, an aviation company
- [Nonprofit Academy of Aviation](https://tailwindsacademy.org/nonprofit-tailwinds-academy/) - Philadelphia's Only Nonprofit Academy of Aviation Current Students Tailwinds Supports the Frankford High School Aviation Program In 2019, Tailwinds Founder Howard Cooper was approached by Frankford High School in Northeast Philadelphia to explore providing flight training for students enrolled in the school’s Aviation Academy. The partnership took flight in Fall 2022, when the School District
- [Meredith McLain](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/meredith-mclain/) - Home » Team » Meredith McLain About Meredith McLain Meredith brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, and relationship management. She has developed and executed successful fundraising initiatives, cultivated donor and corporate relationships, and created data-driven strategies that strengthen organizations and advance their missions. As Development Director for Tailwinds Academy of
- [Aircraft](https://tailwindsacademy.org/aircraft/) - Aircraft Rental, excellently maintained planes. Cessna 172, Cessna 150
- [Introductory Lesson](https://tailwindsacademy.org/intro-lesson/) - Introductory Flight Lesson- Discovery Flight, The Gift of Flight
- [Tailwinds a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization](https://tailwindsacademy.org/tailwinds-a-501c3-nonprofit-organization/) - 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Tailwinds is now officially a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Home » Tailwinds a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization To The Tailwinds Family: I’m writing to share an exciting transformation at Tailwinds Flight Education. We have transitioned from a for-profit business to a nonprofit organization (501(c)3) and will now be known as the Tailwinds Academy of
- [Howard J. Cooper](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/howard-j-cooper/) - Howard J. Cooper Home » Team » Howard J. Cooper About Howard J. Cooper With some 25-years of experience as an educator, Howard came to aviation with a passion for teaching. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education (Boston University), is a Certified Flight Instructor and an Advanced Ground Instructor. He is happiest when teaching
- [Jonathan Suarez](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/jonathan-suarez-2/) - Jonathan Suarez Home » Team » Jonathan Suarez About Jonathan Suarez Jonathan is a standout graduate of our Frankford High School Scholarship program. He holds the distinction of being the first participant to complete his Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Flight Instructor training. Beyond his flying expertise, Jonathan contributes to the administrative operations of the flight
- [Jasmine Pitts ](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/jasmine-pitts-2/) - Jasmine Pitts Home » Team » Jasmine Pitts About Jasmine Pitts Jasmine Pitts is a former English teacher with a passion for instruction. She is a current CFI and AGI who grew up in Pennsylvania before moving to Southern California to begin a career in aviation. While in SOCAL, she had the opportunity to work
- [Simulators](https://tailwindsacademy.org/simulators/) - AATD Simulator in Philadelphia| IFR Currency| 24/7 Access
- [Products](https://tailwindsacademy.org/products/) - flight-school-philadelphia, philadelphia-flight-school
- [Permission to Fly](https://tailwindsacademy.org/permission-to-fly/) - Permission to Fly: Learn about the different clearances and regulations every pilot must comply with.
- [Introductory Lesson Checkout](https://tailwindsacademy.org/intro-lesson/introductory-lesson-checkout/) - Get ready to take off with this introductory lesson! This is your first step to learning to fly a private plane.
- [Donate](https://tailwindsacademy.org/donate/) - Donate Now: Support the Tailwinds mission and expand aviation opportunities.
- [If You're Already A Pilot](https://tailwindsacademy.org/if-youre-already-a-pilot/) - flight, training, philadelphia, lessons, pilot, CFI, bucks-county, montgomery-county, flight-school
- [Holiday Party Fundraiser 2025](https://tailwindsacademy.org/holiday-party-fundraiser-2025/) - Join us for our 2025 Annual Holiday Party & Fundraiser December 21st, 202510 am – 1 pm EST Aviation Institute of Maintenance3001 Grant AvePhiladelphia, PA, 19114 RSVP Silent Auction Items It's that time of year! We’re gearing up for our Annual Tailwinds Holiday Party & Silent Auction and you should have already received our invitation. Please
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://tailwindsacademy.org/flight-school-faq-videos/) - Frequently Asked Questions: How does it work? What does it cost? How can I get started? Watch these videos or read the answers.
- [Costs](https://tailwindsacademy.org/costs/) - Wonder how much is costs to get a pilot license? We give you real answers.
- [Contact](https://tailwindsacademy.org/contact/) - Contact us! Looking for a flight school near you? We can help you earn your pilot license, access recurrent training, or rent an aircraft.
- [About](https://tailwindsacademy.org/about/) - About The Tailwinds Academy of Aviation Tailwinds Flight Education, LLC was established at Northeast Philadelphia Airport in 2018. In 2024 it evolved into The Tailwinds Academy of Aviation – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, operating under 14 CFR Part 61. While we continue to offer traditional tuition-based flight training, our mission has expanded to include providing
- [Ryan d. Tollini](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/ryan-d-tollini-2/) - Ryan D. Tollini Home » Team » Ryan d. Tollini About Ryan D. Tollini In his current role Ryan is responsible for management of flight operations, company aviation assets, and tasked with providing safe, efficient, flexible, and appropriate transportation solutions to support critical business travel. In addition to managing company assets, he also leads a
- [Sarah Hopkins](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/sarah-hopkins/) - Sarah Hopkins Home » Team » Sarah Hopkins About Sarah Hopkins Sarah is a seasoned employment and commercial litigator and people operations executive leader. She brings with her legal, human resources, and operations experience and expertise. She serves on Tailwinds Academy of Aviation’s Board of Directors’ Personnel and Governance Committees. As an Executive Team member
- [Richard Hopkins](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/richard-hopkins/) - Richard Hopkins Home » Team » Richard Hopkins About Richard Hopkins With nearly 20 years in the financial world, Richard brings a wealth of experience to the Tailwinds Academy board. His career spans accounting, financial planning, consulting, and leadership roles where he’s made complex problems look simple. Richard has worn many hats throughout his career—from
- [Geoff Hopkins](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/geoff-hopkins-2/) - Geoff Hopkins Home » Team » Geoff Hopkins About Geoff Hopkins Geoff Hopkins is a Principal at RSM US LLP within consulting and focuses on M&A activities, cloud infrastructure, productivity and security, specializing in Microsoft Azure and 365. Geoff holds several certificates and endorsements originally hailing from Australia as a private pilot and now lives
- [Irv Halter](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/irv-halter/) - Irv Halter Home » Team » Irv Halter About Irv Halter Irv Halter is a retired Air Force Major General who originally hails from Salem County, NJ. Irv started flying when he was 16 and passed his Private Pilot checkride at Northeast Philadelphia Airport when he was 17. He graduated from the United States Air
- [Alina Gagliola](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/alina-gagliola-2/) - Alina Gagliola Home » Team » Alina Gagliola About Alina Gagliola Alina Gagliola is currently a Captain on the Embraer 145 at Piedmont Airlines based in Philadelphia, PA. She earned her Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Alina’s interest in aviation started as a freshman in high school from frequently traveling the world.
- [Jeff Frank](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/jeff-frank/) - Jeff Frank Home » Team » Jeff Frank About Jeff Frank Mr. Frank earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Drexel University in Philadelphia. He is a partner in ITG Embedded Design, a consulting organization specializing in Military and Industrial Electronic Design and Manufacture. Mr. Frank is also a very
- [Yanser Polanco](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/yanser-polanco-2/) - Yanser Polanco Home » Team » Yanser Polanco About Yanser Polanco Yanser Polanco is a dedicated pilot with a strong foundation in aviation and a relentless commitment to excellence. Completing his flight training while in high school, he earned his pilot’s license at just 18—demonstrating exceptional dedication, time management, and technical proficiency. After graduating high
- [Briana Fleming](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/briana-fleming-2/) - Briana Fleming Home » Team » Briana Fleming About Briana Fleming Meet Briana Fleming, a dynamic operations leader who has taken the helm as Director of Operations at The Tailwinds Academy of Aviation. With a proven track record in team leadership and operational excellence, she’s now bringing her organizational expertise to the world of flight
- [Paul Weintraub](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/paul-weintraub/) - Paul Weintraub Home » Team » Paul Weintraub About Paul Weintraub Paul Weintraub’s passion for flying began in his teenage years when he first started taking flying lessons. Though life’s twists and turns temporarily paused his aviation pursuits, the dream never faded. In 1995, while working in France, Paul completed his flight training and earned
- [Bob Smith](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/bob-smith/) - Bob Smith Home » Team » Bob Smith About Bob Smith Growing up in a small farming community in West Tennessee, Bob Smith dreamed of being a pilot—but that dream always seemed unattainable. Instead, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany before moving to Pennsylvania to take a job as an industrial chemist. Bob
- [Greg Hill](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/greg-hill/) - Greg Hill Home » Team » Greg Hill About Greg "Doc" Hill Greg earned his pilot certificate in 1999 and has flown many different aircraft from single engine Cessnas to larger multi-engine turboprops. Recently retired as a Family Practice physician, “Doc Greg” decided to share his love of aviation with new pilots. Having worked as
- [Luis Cortez](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/luis-cortez/) - Luis Cortez Home » Team » Luis Cortez About Luis “KOTEX” Cortez Luis Cortez is a former USAF-trained Pilot and Instructor possessing CFII, AIGI, and ATP ratings. He has been in aviation since he was 19 years old. During his military career, he has flown all over the world in numerous aircraft over the course
- [Sajeeb Baksh ](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/sajeeb-baksh/) - Sajeeb Baksh Introductory Lesson How Much Does It Cost Home » Team » Sajeeb Baksh About Sajeeb Baksh SaJeeb Baksh, originally from Bangladesh, is a former US Marine and an FAA certificated instructor (CFII, AGI, IGI, sUAS). Upon returning from a stint in Okinawa, he started flight training in 2001 while stationed at New Bern
- [Gracie Brookes](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/gracie-brookes/) - Gracie Brookes Introductory Lesson How Much Does It Cost Home » Team » Gracie Brookes About Gracie Brookes Gracie has dreamed of being a pilot ever since she was a kid. She got her private pilot’s license in Utah, and continued the rest of her training in San Diego. After that, she moved east to
- [Jigar Patel](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/jigar-patel/) - Jigar Patel Introductory Lesson How Much Does It Cost Home » Team » Jigar Patel About Jigar Patel Ever since the age of 5, Jigar has dreamed of becoming a pilot. Following his dream and attended college at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He got his degree in Air Traffic Control, and this knowledge helps set
- [Bonnie Day](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/bonnie-day/) - Bonnie Day Introductory Lesson How Much Does It Cost Home » Team » Bonnie Day About Bonnie Day Bonnie Day has always had her eye toward the sky. She grew up near Northeast Philadelphia Airport, where she watched planes come and go with fascination. Now, as Office Manager at Tailwinds, she is pursuing her private
- [Joel Neuman](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/joel-neuman/) - Joel Neuman Introductory Lesson How Much Does It Cost Home » Team » Joel Neuman About Joel Neuman I was born in the 60’s, Bell-Bottom Jeans, Beatlemania, Tie Dye T-shirts and so forth. But for me, I was fascinated with aviation and becoming an astronaut. I was born in Chicago but grew up in Montreal,
- [Mike Senica](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/mike-senica/) - Mike Senica Lorem ipsum consec tetur adipiscing elit. Introductory Lesson How Much Does It Cost Home » Team » Mike Senica About Mike Senica Mike Senica isn’t your average pilot. Before becoming a pilot Mike spent some time as a professional wrestler. In between flying gigs, Mike spends his time as a NASCAR truck racer
- [Jason Court](https://tailwindsacademy.org/team/jason-court/) - Jason Court Lorem ipsum consec tetur adipiscing elit. Introductory Lesson How Much Does It Cost Home » Team » Jason Court About Jason Court When Jason Court was 13 years old, he caught sight of an aircraft carrier while fishing with his father off the coast of California. At that moment, he knew he wanted

## Content Blocks

- [Pop Up Slider Left](https://tailwindsacademy.org/ct_content_block/pop-up-slider-left/) - Tailwinds is now officially a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn More
- [FooterCTA](https://tailwindsacademy.org/ct_content_block/footercta/) - Ready to get started? Are you ready to take the next step. Let’s connect to talk about your flight training goals and how Tailwinds Flight School can provide you the ultimate flight training. Get Started

## Categories

- [Getting Started](https://tailwindsacademy.org/category/getting-started/)
- [General Information](https://tailwindsacademy.org/category/general/)
- [Tailwinds News](https://tailwindsacademy.org/category/news/)