Our name reflects our philosophy: to go Beyond Aviation. We believe great flight training goes beyond aircraft and checklists, it’s about building confidence, community, and connection. Led by former military, airline, and Cirrus-standardized pilots, our instructors bring decades of experience and a genuine passion for helping every student achieve their aviation goals.
By blending the structure of a professional training environment with the camaraderie of a flying club, Beyond Aviation creates a space where students feel supported, motivated, and ready to soar.
Chief Executive Officer
A South Jersey native and lifelong aviator, Bill soloed his first airplane at 18 and went on to found Beyond Aviation to bring quality, community-driven flight training to New Jersey.
Before launching the school, he held leadership roles in cybersecurity and aviation technology, advising Airbus and the U.S. government on protecting aircraft flight systems.
Bill holds type ratings in the Airbus A320 and De Havilland Dash 8, and is passionate about introducing high school students and underrepresented communities to aviation careers.
Fun Fact: When not flying, Bill maintains an extensive saltwater reef aquarium and collects model trains.
C.O.O. & Flight Instructor
A Philadelphia native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, JoAnna began flying in high school and earned her Private, Instrument, and Commercial Certificates before college graduation.
Now an Airline Transport Pilot and current Boeing 787 pilot for American Airlines, JoAnna brings years of airline experience to her role at Beyond Aviation.
She holds instructor ratings in single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument airplanes, and is also tailwheel and single-engine seaplane qualified.
Fun Fact: JoAnna began her aviation career working behind the front desk at Hortman Aviation in exchange for flying lessons.
Vice President of Flight Operations
Ron is a USAF veteran and active airline captain with over 10,000 hours of flight time. A Rutgers graduate and former Air Force instructor, Ron has flown everything from the T-37 to the KC-10 and now captains the Boeing 737 for a major U.S. airline.
He holds type ratings in the BE400, DC10, B737, B757, B767, and B777, and is both a Certified Flight Instructor and Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP).
Ron leads Beyond Aviation’s operations with a focus on safety, structure, and the highest training standards.
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Jim’s 35-year Air Force career included roles as Squadron Operations Officer, Flight Safety Investigator, Chief Pilot, and Wing Evaluator.
He has logged thousands of hours in the T-37, T-38, KC-135R, and KC-10A, and holds FAA ratings in single-engine land and sea, multi-engine, and instrument airplanes.
Today, he shares his deep experience as a mentor and instructor at Beyond Aviation, where his patience and precision set the tone for students’ success.
Fun Fact: Jim owned and restored a 1946 Aeronca Champ and enjoys cruising the Chesapeake Bay.
Advisor
Emmy Award-winning executive and entrepreneur Anthony Gaud brings over two decades of experience across aviation, technology, and media.
As the CEO of Gaud-Hammer Gaming Group and co-founder of Esports Illustrated, Anthony has helped major brands like Disney, Hasbro, and Microsoft expand into emerging digital markets.
He advises Beyond Aviation on innovation, strategy, and the integration of immersive technologies into aviation education.
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
A New Jersey native and graduate of Delaware State University, Tyler earned his ratings through their aviation program and is part of the United Aviate pathway.
He’s passionate about mentoring new pilots and is on track to one day join the flight deck at United Airlines.
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Mike, a U.S. Army veteran, trained at ATP Flight School (Trenton). Before aviation, he served in the 10th Mountain Division and earned a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis.
He’s part of the United Aviate program and aspires to fly the Boeing 787 in the future.
Certified Flight Instructor
Kevin combines his love for teaching with aviation, holding both a Bachelor’s in Education and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Rowan University.
A lifelong New Jerseyan and lifelong learner, he’s dedicated to helping students become confident, capable pilots.
Fun Fact: Kevin’s other passions include Formula 1 and beach days with family and friends.
Certified Flight Instructor
Having lived around the world as part of a military family, Braelyn brings a global perspective to her instruction.
She earned her Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Arizona State University and hopes to one day specialize in communication training for pilots.
Fun Fact: Braelyn is a proud Swiftie and rarely misses a Taylor Swift concert.
Certified Flight Instructor
Sam’s aviation journey began with gliders and the Civil Air Patrol before becoming an Army National Guard pilot.
He’s qualified in the UH-72A Lakota and UH-60 Black Hawk, and has served in numerous VIP and transport missions around Washington, D.C.
His students benefit from a rare mix of discipline, leadership, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Certified Flight Instructor
A South Jersey native and former 911 dispatcher, James earned his Commercial and Instructor ratings through CAE Oxford Aviation Academy in Arizona.
He’s currently part of both the American Airlines and Piedmont Airlines cadet programs.
Fun Fact: James is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT.
Certified Flight Instructor
Ryan grew up around aviation—his father was a Blackhawk mechanic in the U.S. Army.
He completed his training at Trenton and Northeast Philadelphia Airports and now helps students find their wings at Beyond Aviation.
Fun Fact: Ryan’s favorite place to relax is by the ocean at sunset.
Certified Flight Instructor
Justin is a recent transplant to the Philadelphia area and brings 15 years of civilian and military flying experience to the team, as well as a passion for helping students become confident in the aircraft.
Justin has flown the KC-10, KC-46, T-1, and T-6 for the U.S. Air Force, as well as a variety of light aircraft. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Cybersecurity from the United States Air Force Academy and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Fun Fact: I’m on a mission to convince Bill to put the 172 on floats.
