Epic Expectations in 2025
A note from Epic’s founder and CEO, Danny Perna:
Happy New Year! Thank you to all students, staff, and instructors who for the past 25 years have contributed to Epic’s success. From my very first flight student Sam (above left) in 1999, to the hundreds of students currently attending, I appreciate each and every one of you.
We began with a used Cessna 152 (pictured with Sam and me), and we now purchase all training aircraft brand new from the factory. Our fleet continues to grow as does our staff with more than 200 employees. In 2025, we will open new locations, add to our fleet, and continue to welcome students from around the world for pilot and aircraft mechanic training.
Although much has changed since 1999, the Epic principles are the same, and our motto is still, “Safety first!” Thank you for being a part of the Epic journey!
New Flight Students in December
These incoming flight students are attending the New Smyrna Beach campus, and we are thrilled to welcome students to all Epic campuses! We look forward to watching you achieve your dreams!
Welcome New Aircraft Mechanic Students!
Welcome to our newest aircraft mechanic students who began classes last month at our CVG campus in Erlanger, Kentucky. They are already hard at work training to become FAA-certified aviation maintenance technicians.
Epic Alumni News: Career Updates
We love to hear from our graduates! Check out these amazing career updates!
Adithya Rameshkumar is a First Officer flying the Embraer 170/190 for Star Air in India.
Abdoul Bayire, who is from Burkina Faso, is now a First Officer flying the Embraer 170/90 for Air Burkina. He shared this about his time at Epic: “One of the best flight schools I’ve ever seen. In 9 months from zero experience, they trained me to become a professional pilot. During my initial type rating in my company, I realized that I had the best initial training in flight school compared to my other colleagues. Thanks for everything, Epic.”
Ahmad Kollere who is now a second officer at Rano Air flying the ERJ145. Ahmad completed all of his flight training at Epic and shared these kind words: “Training at Epic Flight Academy has been an incredible experience. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and dedicated to helping students succeed. The facilities are top-notch, and the flight training equipment is up-to-date, which makes the learning process smooth and effective. Thanks to the comprehensive curriculum and supportive environment at Epic Flight Academy.”
James Joao is now a Captain at Republic Airways flying the E175! What an incredible accomplishment! James earned 5 ratings at Epic (IR, CSEL, CFI, CFII, and CMEL).
Sebastian Gonzalez is from Peru. He recently became a First Officer at LATAM Airlines flying the A320 series! He shared: “I feel very proud of having been a part of Epic, since they gave me the knowledge and tools to overcome the challenges that involves becoming a pilot. I will always feel grateful to my instructors and the academy.”
Andrew Symons is now an aircraft mechanic at AOG MX Maintenance.
Are you an Epic graduate? Please send us a career update!
Fastest, Biggest, and Highest!
Have you read any good aviation articles lately? Check out our latest on the fastest, biggest, and highest aircraft in history! Brush up on your aviation trivia!
Aircraft Mechanic Passes
These aircraft mechanic students passed the following FAA practical exams last month:
Airframe
Ashton Cobb
Cameron Shirrell
Carson Hobin
Pilot Checkrides
Congratulations to Dawson Almeroth (L) on passing his instrument checkride on his first attempt at our Tucson campus! He is pictured with his instructor, Yonnic Adams.
These flight students passed checkrides on their first attempt last month!
Private Pilot
Wilson Alejandro Pineda Torrealba
Chase Robb Homoky
Malachi Lennon
Shemuel Ben Joel Ortiz
Brian Timothy Mullins (TUS)
Cole James Ward (TUS)
Instrument Rating
Jesse Chung
Dominic Noenurai Dobier
Dillon Joseph Graham (TUS)
Dawson James Almeroth (TUS)
Jacob Stanley Ledford
Miranda Hinojosa (TUS)
Christopher Martin Curnow
Owen Stephen Scott (TUS)
Roxanne Valerie Bartlett
Samer Youssef Elmorsy
Eric Scott Jones (TUS)
Commercial Single-Engine
Eric Scott Cinnamon
William Kevin Angelette (TLH)
Jeremy James Santana Franco (OCF)
Christian Robert Nelson
Kylie Renee Evans
Commercial Multi-Engine
Abdel Rahman Emad Zaki Mansour
Sebastain Robert Oshiro Doroba
Chance Jamari Curry
Jayden Ash Scott
Isaiah Emanuel John Layne
Brian Scott Grainger
Logan Thomas Ahlers
Deon Nnaoma Chinemere Apakama
Aurora Madison Engel
Ulric Keshawn Jarvis Jr
Certified Flight Instructor
Edward Groves Campbell (TUS)
Jet Michael Crews
Martin James Hejnar
Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument
Pasquale Iazzetta
Kyle Robert Mooney
Brendan Jack Kenny
Bradley Jo Graham
Wesley Nathan Weingord
Erik James Allen
Tyler Austin Hencken
Ilker Caki
Michael John Bashta
Mason Tyler Sereda
Multi-Engine Flight Instructor
Roderick Josip Pluscec