Bryan was born and raised in Normal, IL where he took an interest in aviation and began flying in 2014 at 17 years old. He attended the University of Alabama, Roll Tide, and graduated in the spring of 2019 with a degree in Computer Science. Realizing his heart was in aviation instead of computer science, he moved to New Orleans to earn his instrument, commercial, and CFI ratings with Gulf Coast Aviation while working as a programmer on the side. In his free time, Bryan enjoys whitewater kayaking throughout the southeast, watching Chicago sports teams, and reading. Now proudly a member of the Gulf Coast Aviation team, he looks forward to sharing his knowledge and passion of aviation with students.
Ryan Jones
Ryan was born and raised in New Orleans. He began studying aviation at Gulf Coast Aviation in 2018 with a goal to receive his Private Pilot Certificate while simultaneously studying Construction Management at LSU. Since then, he has received his Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and his CFI Certificate. In September of 2020, Ryan began working part time at our Baton Rouge location while he finishes up his bachelor’s degree. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree, he has recently moved to our New Orleans location.
Patrick Box
Patrick grew up outside of Augusta, Georgia. He attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, where he obtained Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education. After spending nine years in public education, Patrick enlisted in the Marine Corps as a musician. After seven years in the Marine Corps, he decided to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming an aviator. He enrolled with Gulf Coast Aviation in 2021, earning his private pilot’s license, instrument rating, commercial pilot’s license, and CFI rating while finishing up his last year of active duty in the Marine Corps. In his free time, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children, running, and woodworking.
Bryan Zar
Bryan’s interest in aviation was sparked at a young age during his family’s annual trips to the Belle Chasse Naval Base’s New Orleans Air Show. After graduating from LSU in ’02 with a business degree, Bryan’s career path focus was in the restaurant industry. This was a natural career selection for Bryan since he already acquired six years of experience working in a restaurant near his family’s home since age fifteen. Shortly after graduating from LSU, he joined a national restaurant group and had the opportunity to work and live in over twelve different cities across the United States, most notably, San Francisco (where he met his beautiful wife, Brooke), Napa and Washington, DC. In 2009, Bryan, along with his wife Brooke, purchased his first business, Restaurant des Familles, which incidentally was the very first restaurant Bryan worked as a young teenager. The Times-Picayune did a featured story on Bryan’s journey from busboy to owner that can be viewed here.
In 2019, Bryan and Brooke opened their second restaurant in the Warehouse District of New Orleans and named it NOLA Caye.
In July of 2021, Bryan began flight lessons with Gulf Coast Aviation to pursue yet another lifelong goal of obtaining his pilot’s certificate. Not only did Bryan obtain his Private Pilot Certificate, but he also acquired his Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Certificate and CFI within a thirteen month period. Bryan now enjoys helping others fulfil their aviation goals while instructing at Gulf Coast Aviation on a part-time basis.
Dave “Howie” Howard
Howie hails from Niagara Falls, NY though he grew up mostly in Nashville, TN. He made the trek to New Orleans to attend Naval ROTC at Tulane University and earn his commission in the Navy. After graduating in 2006 with a degree in Computer Science, he moved to Pensacola, FL to begin flight training. He earned his wings in 2008 and moved to San Diego, CA to fly the MH-60S. On that tour, he deployed twice to Iraq and Kuwait to fly MEDEVAC during both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. When his time in San Diego was complete, he moved to Lakehurst, NJ to become the Airport Manager of Maxfield Field (KNEL) in charge of all aspects of the airfield to include Line Operations, Air Traffic Control, and Ground Electronics while earning his Aviation Master of Business Administration degree from Embry Riddle. Upon completion of his time in NJ, the Navy transferred him to Okinawa, Japan. Over three years in Okinawa, Howie was responsible for military airspace throughout Asia and Australia. After his rewarding time in Okinawa, Howie decided to give civilian life a try and moved back to New Orleans to become the Airport Manager and Assistant Airport Director here at the Lakefront Airport! After a couple of years at the airport, the call of the cockpit became too strong. Howie earned his CFI and began working for Gulf Coast Aviation in July 2019 and is also the Director of Operations. In his free time, Howie and his wife Jacquelyne enjoy traveling the world. When they aren’t traveling, they can be seen absorbing as much New Orleans culture as possible, to include as many Tulane sporting events as time allows!
Mohamad Chehab
Mohamad was born and raised in the countryside of southern Lebanon. He started his aviation career in 2010 at the age of 17 and graduated in 2012 with a degree in aviation from the Royal Jordanian Air Academy in Amman, Jordan. Mohamad then went back to Beirut and worked as a Safety Officer at the Aeroclub of Lebanon. He moved to New Orleans in August 2015 where he received his CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates. He joined the Gulf Coast Aviation team in May 2019 where he takes pride in his students’ progress and plays a positive role in the aviation community of New Orleans.
Ashlyn Ponder (Baton Rouge)
Ashlyn was born and raised in South Ga and has always had a love for aviation. She has flown
along side her dad since five years old in his Citabria and throughout his career. She moved to
Louisiana for college but found she wanted to fly more. She attended Gulf Coast Aviation for her
Private, then moved back to Georgia, where her dad instructed her through her Instrument. After
her Instrument is where she attended American Flyers in Pompano Beach, FL for her
Commercial and their CFI-CFII program.
Ashlyn enjoys water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, CrossFit and reading, but “nothing compares to
flying and looking down at whatever the world has to offer.”
Ryan Landry (Baton Rouge)
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ryan joined the US Air Force in 2010. He was stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was a crew chief on the F-22A Raptor in the Test and Evaluation Squadron. In 2016, Ryan earned his private pilot certificate to accomplish a lifelong dream of his. It wasn’t until 2020 when he was working as a Probation and Parole Officer that Ryan wanted to fly professionally. He found Liberty University’s online aviation program coupled with Gulf Coast Aviation’s partnership and enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree path. Ryan earned his instrument, commercial, and CFI ratings through Gulf Coast and his bachelor’s degree from Liberty University. Ryan is currently working towards his Masters of Science in Aviation Leadership at Liberty University and works at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as an Aviation Safety and Compliance Officer.
Wade Hammond (Baton Rouge)
Born in Savannah, Georgia, Wade and his family lived all throughout the country before finally
settling in Covington, Louisiana in 2000. In 2006, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and
spent three of his eight years in the Reserves on active duty stationed in Belle Chasse,
Louisiana. Having a lifelong dream to learn how to fly, in late 2018 he discovered Liberty
University’s unique online aviation program and how they partner with the VA and local flight
schools around the country (i.e. Gulf Coast) to complete a student’s actual flight training. After
he gained his private pilot’s license in May 2019, he then went on to obtain his instrument,
commercial, and CFI ratings with Gulf Coast through Liberty’s program. An avid golfer, Wade
enjoys spending his spare time catching a quick round on the links with his friends and family.
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.
Shawn Crump (Baton Rouge)
Shawn has been an aviation enthusiast since the age of three and flew RC planes as a kid. Soloed at age 16, Private Certificate at 17, Commercial at 18. He is a former airline pilot, current corporate pilot, and has flown many general aviation airplanes ranging from floatplanes to the Gulfstream-IV. With 10,000+ hours, 10 type ratings, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, Comm ASEL, and ASES, he is an excellent instructor and an asset to Gulf Coast. He is Currently PIC on a LR45 under FAR part 135.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Steve Knapper
Steve, our Chief Instructor, began working for us in 2012. He holds Chief Pilot – Single Engine Licenses and Ratings and is a CFI and CFII. Steve received his private license out of Greater Cincinnati airport in 1969 and has logged more than 5,000 hours in many different aircraft. He has flown in all aspects of aviation including charter and instruction. He is also a Lt Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol where he has served for more than thirty years. Steve recently received his Master Pilot Award from the FAA for promoting safety for more than fifty years. He is always around to give advice and guidance to our instructional team.