MEII (Hourly)/ state college aviation program director
Retired military fighter pilot, state college aviation program director and current flight instructor MEII instructing face-to-face and online in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills area. Eight years of experience teaching online, utilizing both Part 141 and Part 61 courseware.
Reach out to discuss and see if I might be a good fit for your flight training goals, schedule and budget.
Details
StateFlorida
CFI InsuranceYes
Aircraft Access for Pilot TrainingYes
Open to traveling across the countryNo
Aircraft Category
Single Engine Land
Multi Engine Land
Held Pilot Certifications*
CFII (Instrument Flight Instructor)
MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor)
Multi Engine Rating
Commercial ASEL (Airplane Single Engine Land)
Commercial AMEL (Airplane Multi Engine Land)
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
Training Stages (Can offer)
Private Pilot License (Certificate) - PPL
Instrument Rating - IR
Commercial Pilot License (Certificate) - CPL
Multi Engine Rating - MER
Unmanned Aerial System - UAS (/Drone)
Specific Aircraft Access
C152, C172, Piper Cherokee
Aircraft Experience (Instructed in)
C152, C172, Piper Cherokee, F-4F Phantom II
Aircraft Experience (Piloted)
C152, C172, Piper Cherokee, F-15C Eagle, F-4F Phantom II
Home Airport(s)
BKV: Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport;
X39: Tampa North Aero Park Airport;
KZPH: Zephyrhills Municipal Airport
Pilot Training Provided
Certificates/Ratings Flight Lessons
Ground School
Intro/ Discovery Flight
Flight Reviews - Biennial Flight Reviews (BFRs)
Checkride Prep
Safety Pilot
Time Building
Spins, Upset Recovery
Formation
Aircraft/Avionics-Specific Training
Cross-Country Flying
Flight Planning (VFR, IFR)
Currency Training
Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)
Type Ratings Held
Civilian Commercial ASEL
Civilian Commercial AMEL
Military AMEL
ATP/CTP & ATP Multi AKT Complete
Ground School Programs Experience
Gleim Aviation
Sporty's
Jeppesen
Rod Machado
Location
Reviews (0)
About
Hello, I'm Rob T.ID VerifiedIdentity verified through StripeEmail VerifiedEmail address verified
2018 Director of Aviation Programs, Pasco Hernando State College
2017 Retired Colonel
2016 Director of Safety, Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, VA
2014 Director of Operations and Plans, 7th Air Force, South Korea
2013 Air War College, AL
2012 Operations Branch Chief, Joint Deployable Analysis Team, FL
2011 Strategy Branch Chief, Joint Deployable Analysis Team, FL
2008 Airpower Strategist, Special Operations Command, FL
2007 School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, AL
2006 Air Command & Staff College, AL
2005 Air Force Doctrine Center, Chief Fighter Branch, AL
2003 Adjunct Professor, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
2002 F-4F Instructor, Sq. Weapons Officer, NM
1999 F-15C 4-Ship Lead, Flight Commander, Okinawa Japan
1998 F-15C Training Pipeline, Tyndall AFB, FL
1997 Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, TX
1995 AC-130H Navigator, Combat Mission Planner, FL
1994 Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training, TX
1993 Command Post Emergency Actions Officer, MI
1992 Commissioned Officer, USAF
1988 Student, The Ohio State University
2013 Master of Strategic Studies
2008 Master of Airpower Art & Science
2007 Master of Military Arts & Science
2005 Master of Aeronautical Science, ERAU, Summa Cum Laude
1992 Bachelor of Science, Aircraft Systems, OSU, Cum Laude
2018 Director of Aviation Programs, Pasco Hernando State College
2017 Retired Colonel
2016 Director of Safety, Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, VA
2014 Director of Operations and Plans, 7th Air Force, South Korea
2013 Air War College, AL
2012 Operations Branch Chief, Joint Deployable Analysis Team, FL
2011 Strategy Branch Chief, Joint Deployable Analysis Team, FL
2008 Airpower Strategist, Special Operations Command, FL
2007 School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, AL
2006 Air Command & Staff College, AL
2005 Air Force Doctrine Center, Chief Fighter Branch, AL
2003 Adjunct Professor, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
2002 F-4F Instructor, Sq. Weapons Officer, NM
1999 F-15C 4-Ship Lead, Flight Commander, Okinawa Japan
1998 F-15C Training Pipeline, Tyndall AFB, FL
1997 Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, TX
1995 AC-130H Navigator, Combat Mission Planner, FL
1994 Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training, TX
1993 Command Post Emergency Actions Officer, MI
1992 Commissioned Officer, USAF
1988 Student, The Ohio State University
2013 Master of Strategic Studies
2008 Master of Airpower Art & Science
2007 Master of Military Arts & Science
2005 Master of Aeronautical Science, ERAU, Summa Cum Laude
1992 Bachelor of Science, Aircraft Systems, OSU, Cum Laude
Most lessons are scheduled for around one hour of flight time, but they often take closer to two hours. That’s because your flight instructor will spend time before and after each flight briefing you on what to expect, reviewing your performance, and setting goals for the next lesson.
For specialized instruction, such as a flight review or an endorsement the session may take longer. You can always discuss the estimated duration with your instructor in advance.
If your lesson runs longer or shorter than planned, instructors on Skyfarer can make a Post-Lesson Adjustment through the platform to reflect the actual time spent.
When choosing a flight instructor (CFI), it’s easy to focus on the hourly rate—but that’s often only part of the picture. Flight training isn’t just about cost; it’s about value, progress, and quality of instruction. A “cheaper” rate may sound appealing at first, but if it takes twice as long to reach your goals, you could end up spending more in the long run.
It’s also important to understand what’s included in that rate. It may also include aircraft access and fuel. A well-qualified instructor with a thoughtful training approach can make your learning experience safer, more efficient, and far more rewarding—especially when you’re flying with friends or family down the line.
It depends on your pace and schedule! Under FAA Part 61, you’ll need a minimum of 40 hours of flight training to earn your Private Pilot Certificate — at least 20 hours with an instructor and 20 hours of solo practice. However, most students complete their Private Pilot training in 60 to 80 hours, depending on lesson frequency, study habits, the type of training aircraft used, weather, and the airport.
You should discuss this with your flight instructor to set up a training plan and keep your progress steady and efficient.
Each listing shows an instructor’s background, certifications, specialties, and student reviews. Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions — finding the right fit matters. We also have a blog article that provides specific tips and expert advice for students and pilots.
Student pilots are not permitted to carry passengers during solo flights. However, friends or family members may join you on dual lessons (when your instructor is in the plane), if your instructor approves.
Recreational and sport pilots may carry only one passenger at a time. Private pilots and above may carry as many passengers as the aircraft is legally approved to seat, as long as the flight remains within all performance and weight-and-balance limitations.
If you’re training for a Private, Sport/Recreational, Instrument, or Multi-Engine Certificate, you’ll most likely learn in a two- or four-seat airplane with a single engine and fixed landing gear. Most training aircraft carry two to four hours of fuel and cruise at around 100 mph.
If you don’t have access to an airplane, be sure to choose an instructor who does. You may see available aircraft types on each instructor’s listing page and use the filters on the search results page to find instructors with the right equipment for your training needs.
For Private Pilot training, we recommend scheduling 2–5 training sessions per week. This pace helps you stay on track to complete your program efficiently, even with occasional cancellations due to weather or maintenance.
If you’d like to train more frequently, many instructors offer off-peak availability in the early morning or evening—great opportunities to build additional flight time and maintain consistent progress.
Yes. Just let your instructor know your availability, and they can help create a schedule for you. One of the most common pilot training challenges is irregular or infrequent lessons. While full-immersion programs can accelerate progress, what matters most is consistency. Regular, steady training leads to better retention and smoother advancement—and your instructor will work with you to make that happen.
Not at all! All of your previous flight hours and experience still count. When you continue training, your flight instructor will review your logbook and current proficiency to pick up right where you left off. What matters most is your proficiency and flying to FAA standards.
Booking flying lessons is quick and easy: Select your preferred time and click "Request to book" to instantly send a booking request, you won’t be charged until the instructor accepts the booking request.
Training costs: Instructors on Skyfarer offer transparent, competitive pricing tailored to different budgets and needs.
Payments: We accept credit/debit cards.
Once your booking is accepted, you’ll receive an email confirmation and can message your instructor directly through Skyfarer to finalize details. After the session, you can leave feedback and book your next lesson anytime.
By booking on Skyfarer, your training is backed by our secure payment protection, and support from the Skyfarer team — we’re here to help if you ever need assistance. Booking on Skyfarer also keeps a record of all messages between you and your instructor in your Skyfarer inbox. We actively review and take action in response to any conduct that is inappropriate, unsafe, or dishonest.
MEII (Hourly)/ state college aviation program director
MEII (Hourly)/ state college aviation program director