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You are here: Home / Page Templates / Blog Page

Mar 02 2018

Josh White

Josh White

Joshua White joined Gulf Coast Aviation with his CFI, MEI, and IGI. He was previously in sales but with a passion for the sky. In 2016, Joshua decided to leave the sales world behind and pursue his dream of flight. He was able to complete his Private Pilot license with Gulf Coast Aviation before heading to Addison, TX. There he completed his Instrument and Commercial training with American Flyers. Staying with American Flyers, he completed the CFI training at their Pompano Beach location before heading back home. Joshua continues to expand his knowledge about aviation by graduating with a Bachelors at the end of 2018 from Liberty University School of Aeronautics. Now, Joshua lives in Mandeville bringing all of his knowledge to others at the Lakefront New Orleans airport who want to pursue their dreams of flight!

Contact Josh








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Written by Front Desk · Categorized: Staff

Mar 02 2018

Joel Kent

Joel Kent

Joel Kent joined the Gulf Coast Aviation staff in January 2018. He began flying in 2006 and earned his Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Airplane rating under Part 141 before entering navy flight school. He is an active-duty Naval Aviator who currently serves as an Aviation Safety Officer and C-130 Hercules International Overwater Transport Aircraft Commander. He was previously an Instructor Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander and NATOPS Instructor in the E-2 Hawkeye and an Instructor Pilot in the T-45 Goshawk.

Joel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Systems from the US Naval Postgraduate School. He holds an Air Transport Pilot Certificate for Airplane Multi-Engine Land and is a Certificated Flight Instructor for single-engine and multi-engine airplanes and Instrument Airplane. He is a graduate of the US Navy School of Aviation Safety and the US Air Force Advanced Instrument School. He has flown more than 3300 hours in a variety of aircraft and performed 200 carrier arrested landings.

Contact Joel








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Written by Front Desk · Categorized: Staff

Dec 21 2017

Blase Dombrowski

Blase Dombrowski

Blase Dombrowski joined the Gulf Coast Aviation team as a full-time flight instructor with his CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings after moving to the New Orleans area in September of 2017.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Blase completed his private pilot license at Capitol Airport in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He then spent a year as a flight instructor with ATP Flight School in Daytona Beach, Florida. Prior to making the move to focus full-time on his aviation career, Blase also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a flight instructor and pilot with Gulf Coast Aviation, Blase brings to the table a broad range of experience working with students from a variety of backgrounds, as well as a strong passion for aviation.

Blase lives in Metairie, Louisiana with his wife and their three (yes, three!) dogs. Aside from aviation, his interests and favorite activities include hiking with his wife and dogs, cooking delicious food (or finding it somewhere in NOLA), competitive shooting, and riding and driving (and often fixing or restoring) motorcycles and classic cars.

Contact Blase








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Written by Front Desk · Categorized: Staff

Oct 26 2017

Nathaniel Hand (Baton Rouge)

Nathaniel Hand (Baton Rouge)

Nathaniel started flying at a young age and received his Private Pilot Certificate with Gulf Coast Aviation. He completed his flight instructor ratings (CFI and CFII) at the beginning of 2017 and started working at our New Orleans location. He is currently working on his engineering degree at LSU. Going back to school for the 2017 Fall Semester, he helped us open our new Baton Rouge location in September. He also flies for Southern Seaplane for their 135 operation.
**Nathaniel was not involved in the making of this biography. Please contact him for details.

Contact Nathaniel








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Written by Front Desk · Categorized: Staff

Oct 04 2017

Brian Capone (Baton Rouge)

Brian Capone (Baton Rouge)

Mr. Brian Capone has been involved with aviation since 1975. He is the holder of several FAA certificates both in maintenance and operations. They include A&P/ IA, ASMEL, SES, CFII, AGI, and IGI. Mr. Capone holds a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University and two aviation associate degrees from Alabama Aviation Technical College. He has worked as a part time flight instructor and ran several flying clubs. His maintenance career spans over 30 years and includes work as a mechanic, IA, supervisor, maintenance contract administrator and FAA aviation safety inspector. He spent nine years working with the air drug interdiction program aircraft with the then U. S. Customs Service. Additionally, Mr. Capone served in active duty and reserve rolls in the USMC within various logistics, maintenance, and command billets, retiring from reserves at the rank of LtCol. As an aviation safety inspector since 1995 he has served in various Principal Maintenance positions covering operators from corporate, general aviation, flight and mechanic schools, aerial applicators, repair stations, on demand charters with both fixed and rotor wing aircraft. Since 2006, Mr. Capone has been a full time member of the Flight Standards FAA Safety Team involved with the continuing evolution of the team. He held the position of Southwest Region Assistant FAASTeam Program Manager covering five states and FAASTeam Program Manager for Louisiana Area. In 2011, Mr. Capone was selected as the manager of the Baton Rouge Flight Standards District Office. In that role he coordinated a consolidation of two offices while continuing to provide all stakeholder services. His leadership took the office through government furlough, shutdown, extensive hiring replacing 70% of the office, and resulted in receiving the Southwest Region FSDO of the Year for 2014. He retired from federal service with 32 years served. After retirement he served as the Chair of Aviation Technology at Baton Rouge Community College. In that role he established and obtained a FAA certification Part 147 school leading to an Aircraft Mechanic, Airframe and Powerplant Ratings along with college credits and courses leading to an Associate degree. After completion of getting the aircraft maintenance program and an existing Helicopter Training program running, he turned over to hired BRCC personnel and became self-employed as GingerAir, LLC in February 2016. In this capacity he provides consulting in aviation maintenance and operations that have included establishing a heliport, manual and logbook reviews, and tailwheel transition training. The current endeavor of assisting in establishing a Part 141 satellite operation for Gulf Coast Aviation is complete and he is serving as the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor.

 

Contact Brian







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Written by Front Desk · Categorized: Staff

Mar 27 2017

Brandi Smith

Brandi Smith

After two years of planning and finger crossing, Brandi moved to New Orleans from East Texas in July of 2016. Having no desire to go back, she settled in with the Gulf Coast Aviation family in March of 2017 as the Office Manager. With her love of aviation, sparked since childhood, accompanied with her 5 years of managing experience, she is always happy to assist you in any of your future aviation endeavors. Outside of the office Brandi is a part time college student at Delgado Community College, and in her free time you can catch her rollerblading at the local skate parks or walking her dogs around the French Quarter!

Contact Brandi








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Written by Front Desk · Categorized: Staff

Jul 27 2016

Matthew Roussel

Matthew Roussel

Matthew was born and raised in New Orleans but now lives in Kiln, MS with his wife Skye. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 2010 and earned a Political Science degree from LSU in 2015. He took his first flight lesson with Gulf Coast Aviation and became a private pilot in November 2014. After college, he began flying full time and earned his flight instructor certificates (CFI, CFII, and MEI) in July 2016.

 

Contact Matthew








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Written by admin · Categorized: Staff

Aug 21 2015

VIP Notice

VIP Notice

VIP Notice- New Orleans, LA
Notice Number: NOTC6148

Notice: Expect VIP movement August 27, 2015 in the vicinity of New Orleans, LA.  Pilots can expect airspace restrictions in conjunction with this VIP movement.  The FAA recommends that all aircraft operators check NOTAMs OFTEN for  mandatory airspace restrictions prior to operations within this region.

Specific instructions and restrictions are available at http://tfr.faa.gov once the NOTAM has been issued.

*Depicted TFR data may not be a complete listing. Pilots should not use the information on this website for flight planning purposes. For the latest information, call your local Flight Service Station at 1-800-WX-BRIEF.

Written by admin · Categorized: KNEW Info

Aug 19 2015

Ramp Repair Project – Status

Ramp Repair Project – Status

From KNEW Operations 2015-08-17: The contractor began the ramp repair project this morning on Sites A, B, and C. The estimated impact of this project is approximately 5-7 days, depending on weather.

All areas mentioned above were barricaded, flagged and lighted. All NOTAMS were issued to reflect the three work sites (Site A, B and C) until Tuesday, August 25th at 2200Z (reference NOTAM #08/025 for Site A, #08/023 for Site B, and #08/022 for Site C).

Saw cutting and some demolition began on Site A; the site will be completely excavated tomorrow with the plan to have both Site B and C completed by 1700L tomorrow (August 18th) or by COB on August 19th. The contractors were advised to have Site A poured first, if possible and then proceed with Site B and C. Saw cutting also began on Site C and should be completed by COB tomorrow (August 18th). The plan is to begin pouring concrete at all three sites by this Thursday or Friday.

All men and equipment are done for the day and will resume work tomorrow between 1230Z and 1300Z. The saw-cutting machine has been left inside the perimeter for Site A (pictured below) with a flag and light attached (indicated via the NOTAM referenced above).

ARFF will ensure all lights are in working order and the flags/barricades remain in place.

IMPORTANT:
In an effort to prevent possible damage or destruction of the work site, please be mindful of how aircraft are marshalled into the ramp area where the work sites are barricaded. Site C is located approximately 50FT from the taxiway centerline, which is south of the southern edge line of the taxiway.

ramp repair a
ramp repair b
ramp repair c
ramp repair d

Written by admin · Categorized: KNEW Info

Aug 13 2015

East Ramp (“Ball Park”) Closure

East Ramp (“Ball Park”) Closure

From the Airport:

The East Ramp, often referred to as the “Ball Park”, will be closed beginning tomorrow morning, August 13th at 0700L until Tuesday, August 18th at 2000L due to filming. The producer of the film was advised that the entrance to the ramp from the active taxiway will need to be properly barricaded with lights.

Please ensure all aircraft who park on the East Ramp/Ball Park are relocated prior to the closure beginning at 0700L tomorrow morning. It is preferred that aircraft park elsewhere as the closure will commence on time.

A NOTAM has been issued to reflect this closure: NEW 08/015 NEW APRON BALL PARK RAMP CLSD 1508131200-1508190100

Written by admin · Categorized: KNEW Info

Jun 03 2015

Closure/Work on Taxiway Foxtrot

Closure/Work on Taxiway Foxtrot

From KNEW Operations:

Once again we will be scheduling work on the taxiway project. This will take care of items on the “punch list” for the recent taxiway rejuvenation project. Taxiway Foxtrot between Runway 36L and Taxiway Golf, and Taxiway Bravo between Taxiway Golf and Taxiway Foxtrot will be closed from 8:00am Wednesday June 3, 2015 and Friday, June 5, 2015. This is similar to the closure during the recent taxiway project. Sorry for any inconvenience but the work must be accomplished. More closures will follow as the work progresses and I will keep you informed.

Written by admin · Categorized: KNEW Info

Feb 07 2015

KNEW PAPI Updates

KNEW PAPI Updates

The latest information on the PAPI system is that the FAA is waiting on a removable system to be approved for use. They do not have a timeframe for when that will happen. This information came from The FAA office in Ft Worth. The local person in charge of the PAPI’s is waiting on approval to move forward. He has been instructed by the airport to put the 18R system in first.

Written by admin · Categorized: KNEW Info

Jan 31 2015

Taxiway Sealcoat Project

Taxiway Sealcoat Project

From the Airport Operations Manager:

The taxiway crack seal/sealcoat project is moving along as planned.   The schedule as we know it right now is:

  1. Friday, Jan 30, 2015, and Saturday, Jan 31, 2015:  Sections of Taxiway Foxtrot in front of Landmark and Flightline First are being prepped and sealcoated, arranged so that Landmark can get in and out via Taxiway Bravo (F closed from just east of B to Taxiway G) and Flightline First can get in and out to the west (F closed from Flightline First mid ramp to halfway across the Bastian Mitchell ramp).  Everyone should have access to their ramps from one side or the other.
  2. The terminal ramp will be closed on Monday, February 2, 2015 and Tuesday, February 3, 2015.  Please do not park any aircraft on the terminal ramp these days as there will be a movie shoot there.  Please note that this is a change from the previous plans for Sunday and Monday.
  3. Monday, Feb 2, 2015:  Sealcoat prep and work will continue on portions of Taxiway Foxtrot provided the previous sections of  F are finished and open.  Everyone will still have access to their ramps from one side or the other.  We will make every attempt to keep you advised of the latest progress.

Thank you all, in advance, for your cooperation in getting our taxiways rejuvenated, which will prolong the life of the pavement and our airport.

Written by admin · Categorized: KNEW Info

Jan 31 2015

Terminal Ramp Closure

Terminal Ramp Closure

From the KNEW Airport Operations Manager:
The Terminal Ramp will be closed on Sunday, February 1, 2015 and Monday, February 2, 2015 for a movie shoot. Please make sure that no aircraft are parked on the terminal ramp these days.

Ground traffic will be re-routed as necessary.

Written by admin · Categorized: KNEW Info

Jan 18 2015

Mary Cusimano

Mary Cusimano

Born and raised in New Orleans, Mary was introduced to aviation at a very young age. At only 3 years old, she took her first ride in a single-engine aircraft with her brother, David Cusimano, who is one of the owners of Gulf Coast Aviation. After dappling around with many career options such as nursing and real estate, Mary is excited to have landed upon such an exciting opportunity to be the General Manager at Gulf Coast Aviation. She recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, but her passion for aviation has become her top priority. She is currently working toward her private pilot license while striving to create a flight school that runs smoothly and successfully.

Contact Mary








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Written by admin · Categorized: Staff

Dec 28 2014

Robert Claypool

Robert Claypool

Robert had the good fortune to learn about general aviation in high school when he was allowed to take a trip to Mississippi in a ‘small plane.’  At that moment he was hooked.  As his career of Risk Engineer started to grow, he would take ad-hoc lessons from anyone that had a “Flight Instructor” shingle hanging up.  In 2008 he realized that he had to get more astute if he was to realize his goal of becoming a pilot.  After researching his options, he chose Gulf Coast Aviation based on their attention to fleet maintenance, and their teaching curriculum.   Due to his belief in the school, he purchased shares of the company from some partners that were leaving New Orleans. Today, Robert is actively involved in the aviation community.  He was one of the 5 founding members selected for the Cessna Pilot Schools Advisory Group.

 

Contact Robert








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Written by admin · Categorized: Staff

Dec 28 2014

Emmet Bartholomew

Emmet Bartholomew

Desiring to fly from an early age, Emmet began his flight training at New Orleans Lakefront Airport in 2007 and joined the Gulf Coast Aviation team in 2011.  He holds an ATP certificate with multiple PIC type ratings, has CFI, CFII, MEI and AGI instructor credentials and is our Assistant Chief Instructor. Emmet transitioned to professional aviation following an extensive career in corporate and governmental project management where he specialized in risk management.  His professional background provides an excellent foundation for students to build upon during their training. In addition to flight instructing, Emmet is a corporate pilot with Ochsner Health System / AirMed International, serves as Captain, mission pilot, instructor pilot and safety officer with the U.S. Air Force Civil Air Patrol, is a volunteer pilot with numerous environmental awareness organizations and is a scuba diver with the Audubon Institute Aquarium of the Americas. When not in the air or underwater, he also enjoys running, hiking, tennis, motorcycling, boating and occasionally performing music and stand-up comedy. Emmet’s diverse interests and experiences have shaped him into a well-balanced and safety conscious pilot with a passion not only for flying but for instructing.

Contact Emmet








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Written by admin · Categorized: Staff

Dec 28 2014

Steve Knapper

Steve Knapper

Steve, our Chief Instructor, is the old “guiding hand” of our instructional team, offering advice daily to both instructors and students alike.  Soloing in 1968, Steve has logged 4,300 hours flying both charter and student instruction.  Aviation is his passion as evidenced by his 30 + years as a Civil Air Patrol search and rescue pilot and check airman for the New Orleans area.  In his spare time, Steve is a FAAsteam Representative giving instruction towards the Wings program.

Position:
– Chief Pilot – Single Engine
Licenses and Ratings
– CFI
– CFII
Contact Steve








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Written by admin · Categorized: Staff

Dec 26 2014

Aircraft Scheduling Links

Aircraft Scheduling Links

schedulingHere are some helpful links for scheduling the Gulf Coast Aircraft
Weight and Balance
Show Schedule
Schedule a Discovery Flight
Rates

Written by admin · Categorized: Uncategorized

Dec 22 2014

Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Financial Aid2Financial Aid is available through our partners at:

Liberty University
Pilot Finance

Please feel free to click on their respective links to learn more.

Written by admin · Categorized: Boilerplate

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Contact Us:

Gulf Coast Aviation
New Orleans
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd
Historic Main Terminal Ste 148
New Orleans, LA 70126

Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Metro Airport
4225 Chuck Yeager Ave. Ste 201
Baton Rouge, LA 70807

Call us: 504-246-2700 (New Orleans)
225-357-5556 (Baton Rouge)
Email us: info@gulfcoastaviation.com

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