Based at KPIE · St. Pete–Clearwater International
Learn to fly over Tampa Bay.
West Tampa Bay Flyers trains pilots from first discovery flight through commercial certificate, in a fully IFR-certified fleet based at KPIE in Clearwater, Florida.
About Us
At West Tampa Bay Flyers, flight training is designed to prepare you for your future aviation endeavors and build confidence along the way. Based at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (KPIE), you'll train above some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, from the sparkling waters of the Gulf of America to the world-famous beaches of Clearwater and the Tampa Bay coastline. With Florida's aviation community continuing to expand, there's no better place to begin your journey than right here in the heart of Tampa Bay.
KPIE provides the perfect environment to become a confident, capable pilot. Students train in an active airport environment with a variety of aircraft and real-world traffic, giving you valuable experience with radio communications, airport operations, and the decision-making skills that matter beyond your checkride. Whether you're pursuing your first solo, private pilot certificate, instrument rating, or a professional aviation career, West Tampa Bay Flyers puts you in the cockpit, in an incredible location, and on a direct path toward your aviation goals.
Mission
To provide professional and exceptional flight instruction in well-maintained, IFR certified, aircraft.
Values
- Safety
- Integrity
- Accountability
Goals
To continue expanding our alumni network and fleet in the Tampa Bay area.
Training Programs
A clear path from first flight to the flight deck.
-
01
Introductory Flight
Take the controls on your first flight with an instructor alongside — no experience required. The usual first step before enrolling in a certificate program.
-
02
Private Pilot Training
Earn your Private Pilot Certificate: the foundation for every certificate and rating that follows. Enjoy flying your family and friends or flying solo without an instructors' endorsement!
-
03
Instrument Rating
Train to fly by reference to instruments alone in our WAAS-equipped, IFR-certified aircraft — add all-weather capability to your certificate.
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04
Commercial Pilot Training
Build toward professional-level precision and prepare to fly for compensation or hire.
Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)
Stay current and confident flying IFR with a thorough proficiency check.
Flight Review
Meet your biennial flight review requirement with a instructor who'll sharpen, not just sign off.
Aircraft Ferrying
Need an aircraft moved? We provide professional ferry services across the region.
Instructor Rate
$75/hr
Aircraft Rental
$180/hr
Rates shown are hourly for instruction and aircraft rental. Contact us for a full training-program cost estimate.
Our Fleet
IFR-certified. WAAS-equipped where noted.
Every aircraft in our fleet is fully IFR-certified, so training carries straight through from your first lesson into instrument flying, day or night. Select aircraft are also WAAS-equipped — see each aircraft's avionics below.
N44704 - PA-28-151 (RAM STC 160HP)
- Avionics
- GNS530
STEC 60-2 (2 axis autopilot)
Stratus ESG Transponder
GMA 430 Audio Panel - Based at
- KPIE
- Rate
- $180/hr wet
N1424X - PA-28-151 (RAM STC 160HP)
- Avionics
- Garmin GNX 375 - WAAS GPS / Mode S Transponder
Dual King KX 155 NAV/COM Radios
GMA 340 Audio Panel
Garmin GI 106 - Paired with GNX 375
King glideslope indicator - Based at
- KPIE
- Rate
- $180/hr wet
Instructors
Meet the team.
Ben Goldman
Founder / CFI / CFII
Ben Goldman is the founder of West Tampa Bay Flyers and is a Certified Flight Instructor with over 1500 hours of flight experience and 150 instruction hours given. Ben has loved aviation ever since he was a kid, and has grown up flying all types of aircraft in Tampa Bay. He loves flying turbine aircraft and twin Cessnas. As the founder and a CFI for West Tampa Bay Flyers, Ben is committed to developing students into confident and safe pilots while they achieve their aviation goals at WTF.
Gavin Curfiss
CFI / CFII / MEI
Gavin has 600 hours of instruction given and nearly 1,000 hours total experience. He took his first introductory flight during his time in college, where he graduated with a bachelor's of science in industrial engineering from West Virginia University. Gavin found his passion for aviation during his first flight and knew right away that he wanted to pursue a career in professional aviation. He is a Senior Cadet Instructor for PSA Airlines and also a Cadet for Skywest Airlines. Gavin has his SIC type rating in Cessna Citation 500 Series and has turboprop experience as well. Gavin is a knowledgeable instructor and values putting his students' safety and flight goals first.
Lars Talsness
CFI / CFII
Lars began instructing in October of 2025 and now has 700 hours of instruction given. Lars is local to the Tampa area and also completed his flight training in the Tampa Bay area. Lars is passionate about aviation and helping his students reach their goals.
Sydney Atkinson
CFI / CFII
Sydney Atkinson is a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) with over 1,200 hours of flight experience. She enjoys helping students turn their aviation goals into reality, from their first flight through advanced training and checkride preparation. Sydney emphasizes safety, confidence, and sound aeronautical decision-making in her instruction, using practical, scenario-based training to help students become capable and independent pilots. She is passionate about aviation and looks forward to sharing that passion with every student she teaches.
Testimonials
From our students.
"Benjamin Goldman is a wonderful CFI and has the ability to train applicants of any level. He is extremely knowledgeable in all facets of ground and flight training. Ben does a top-notch job both engaging proper technique and skill with the standards of the ACS and will have you performing well above them. He truly cares for his students and their progress. Ben is very communicative and has tons of real world experience that allows him to adjust quickly to any training scenario. I highly recommend Ben and WTF to any student needing proper and quality instruction."
— Mason, Instrument Rating Student
"Gavin a very knowledgeable and determined instructor. He respects his students' time and wants the best for them! When instructing, he makes sure each student understands each concept thoroughly and comes prepared to make the most of each lesson. Gavin has an immense amount of real-world flying experience and is always prepared to divide his attention between giving professional instruction and also keeping you safe and legal. He is very kind and approachable and fully supports his students throughout training and beyond."
— Amir, Commercial Pilot License Student
"My experience flying with Lars was so amazing! From day one Lars was very knowledgeable and fun to have as a teacher. He made the usually boring studying a fun experience, and the fun part of flying even more fun! Great instructor. Always putting safety first, and he is overall a great guy!"
— Michael, Private Pilot License Student
Apparel
Gear up.
Rep West Tampa Bay Flyers on and off the ramp. Pick a category to see every design, then check out securely through Stripe.
Get Started
Ready to book your first flight?
Reach out with a few details and we'll follow up to schedule your discovery flight or training consult.
- Based at
- KPIE — St. Pete–Clearwater International, FL
- Phone
- (727) 430-6615