Famous People of Tampa Bay Soaring

Kudos to our pilots at TBSS, as well as our instructors. Here are some achievements at our club. Student pilot flying solo for the first time, becoming a Private Pilot – Glider (PPC-G), adding a Commercial Pilot Certificate – Glider (CPC-G) to their license, or becoming a Certified Flight Instructor – Glider (CFI-G). All of them are fantastic accomplishments, Congratulation, to our TBSS Famous People!! Have fun & fly safe.

Isaiah Steenberg, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Isaiah Steenberg for his solo flight in a Blanik L23 on February 11th, 2024 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Isaiah is seated in the Blanik being congratulated by Tampa Bay Soaring Society’s Chief Flight Instructor John Kamis. Congratulations Isaiah from all the members of TBSS!
Steven Tellmann CFI - G check ride
Congratulations to Steven Tellmann, who completed his CFIG check ride on January 26, 2024. Stephen is an active member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and is also a member of Lakeland Aeroclub. Stephen is in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the left and John Kamis on the right. Congratulations from all the members of TBSS, Steven. Now it’s time to get to work!
Shona Fenion Commerical Pilot Check Ride
Congratulations to Shona Fenion for completing her commercial pilot glider check ride on January 25th. in Zephyrhills, Florida. Shona is from Scotland and is in the U.S. to pursue her airline transport pilot rating. Shona is shown in the middle being congratulated by her instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Congratulations Shona from all the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society!
Blake Crockett PPG Check Ride
Congratulations to Blake Crocket for completing his private pilot glider check ride in a Blanik L-23 on January 24, 2024 at Zephyrhills, Florida. Blake is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and Lakeland Aeroclub. Blake is in the middle being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Congratulations from all the members of TBSS Blake!
Steven Tellmann Commercial Pilot check ride
Congratulations to Steven Tellmann for passing his commercial pilot glider check ride on January 25th, 2024. Steven is a member of TBSS and Lakeland Aeroclub. The 25th is also Steven’s 18th birthday! But why not? He soloed on his 14th birthday and passed his private pilot glider on his 16th birthday! Way to go Steven! Stephen is in the middle being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right.
Qwest Hipps Private Pilot Glider Check Ride
On January 24th, 2024 Quest Hipps successfully completed his private pilot – glider check-ride in a Blanik L23 at Zephyrhills, Florida. Quest is a member of TBSS and Lakeland Aeroclub. Quest is in the middle being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Good job Quest!
Brice Ross, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Tampa Bay Soaring Society member Brice Ross for his solo flight in a Blanik L 23 on December 20, 2023. Brice is seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Good job Brice!
Qwest Hipps, first solo flight,
Quest Hipps celebrated his 16th birthday by soloing in a Blanik L23 at Zephyrhills on 12-2-2023. Quest is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and a member of the Lakeland Aeroclub at Lakeland High School. Quest is seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis in the middle and his mentor Eric Tellmann on the right. Good job Quest!
Blake Crockett, 1st solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Blake Crockett for completing a solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on November 12, 2023. Blake is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and a member of the Lakeland Aeroclub at Lakeland High School. The tow pilot for his flight was his classmate Steven Tellmann, Blake is in the glider being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Good job Blake!
Natan Ellsberg, CFI-G, Grob 103
Congratulations to Natan Ellsberg from Israel for successfully completing his Flight Instructor – Glider rating on November 8. 2023 with Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Natan is in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the left and his instructor John Kamis on the right. Congrats Natan!
Sloan Davis, Private Pilot Glider add on
On November 6. 2023 Retired UPS pilot Sloan Davis completed his Commercial Glider add on check ride at Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Sloan started his flying in 1977 by hitchhiking to the Gainesville, FL. airport because he didn’t have a car. Fast forward to 2023 and here he is with a 30+ year career flying freight and a GLIDER pilot! Sloan is in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right and recommending instructor John Kamis on the left. Congrats from all the members of TBSS
Matt Macedo, 1 solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Matt Macedo for passing his Private Pilot Glider check ride on November 6, 2023 at Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Matt is in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank. His instructor John Kamis is on the left. Way to go Matt.
Tyler Cole, 1 solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Tyler Cole for his solo flight on September 17. 2023 at Zephyrhills, Florida. Cole is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and an Aeroclub member at Lakeland High School. Tyler is in the Blanik l-23 being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. God job Tyler!
Congratulation to our new Private Pilot Bartosz Korec. His Checkride was on August 16.2023 at Zephyrhills Airport. He is being congratulated by DBE Franklin Burbank on right, Bartosz in middle and his instructor Andy Kowalik on left. Great Job, well done! from your TBSS club.
Dan Donoghue, Private Pilot check ride. Blanik L23
Congratulation to Daniel J. Donoghue Sr. from all of the members at the TBSS for completing his Private Pilot- Glider checkride on August 16th. 2023, at the Zephyrhills Airport. Dan is shown in the middle being congratulated by DBE Franklin Burbank on the right and his instructor Andy Kowalik on the left. Way to go Daniel!
Congratulations to Bartosz Korec on his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on Sunday, February 26, 2023. Korec is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. He is seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor Andy Kowalik. Good job guys!
Congratulations to James Griffin for completing his solo flight at Tampa Bay Soaring Society in Zephyrhills, Florida. He completed the flight on August 20th, 2022 in a Blanik L23 with his family watching on. James is in the glider being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Congrats James, from all the members of TBSS!
Congratulations to Jason Bagley for completing his private pilot glider check ride on August 16, 2022. Jason took the test in a Blanik L23 at Zephyrhills, Florida. Jason is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. He is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the left and his instructor John Kamis on the right.Way to go Jason!
Congratulations to Andrew Sutton for completing a solo flight in a Grob 103 on July 9, 2022 at Tampa Bay Soaring at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Andrew is seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis. Way to go Andrew! Just another day in paradise!
Congratulations to TBSS member Normen Schindowski for passing his private pilot glider check ride on June 27, 2022. This amazing display of talent was carried out in a Blanik L-23. Normen is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right and his instructor, John Kamis on the left. Congrats Normen, from all the members of TBSS!
Congratulations to Dan Donoghue for completing his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on 6/8/2022. Dan is shown seated in the glider and being congratulated by his instructor, Andy Kowalik. Congratulations from all of the members of the Tampa Bay Soaring Society, Dan!
Congratulations to Nadav Egosi for soloing on his fourteenth birthday. Nadav flew his first solo in a Blanik L-23 on 3-26-2022, in not too ideal conditions. It was windy, but he did great job in front of his family and relatives who were waiting with birthday cake! Nadav is seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Congratulations from the members of TBSS, and thanks for the cake Nadav!
Congratulations to Erik Frazier, who is a new CFIG at Tampa Bay Soaring Society. He passed his check ride on March 29th, 2022, in a Grob 103. Erik is in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the left and his instructor, John Kamis on the right. Erik is a Spirit pilot and well known air show pilot. He flew air shows in Pitts and P-51’s. With his experience, he is a welcome addition to our instructor’s staff and a great tow pilot! Congrats Erik, from the members of TBSS!
Congratulations to Normen Schindowski for completing his first solo flight in a Blanik L 23 on March 19, 2022 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Florida. Normen is an enthusiastic member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and his big day finally came! Normen is shown seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Congratulations Normen, from all the members of TBSS
Chris Licitra Commercial Pilot Glider (CPG)
Congratulations to Chris Licitra for completing his Commercial Glider add on rating in a Blanik L23 on February 17, 2022 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport Florida. Chris is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the left, and his recommending instructor, John Kamis on the right. Good job Chris!
Jason Valenzuela Private Pilot Glider (PPG)
Congratulations to Jason Valenzuela from all the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Jason completed his private pilot Glider checkride in a Blanik L 23 on February 18, 2022. Jason is shown in the middle being congratulated by the DPE Franklin Burbank on the left and his recommending instructor, John Kamis on the right. Way to go Jason!
Tom Witherspoon, Commercial Pilot Glider (CPG)
Tom Witherspoon successfully completed his commercial glider add on rating in a Blanik L-23 on February 16, 2022 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Tom is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right, and his recommending instructor John Kamis on the left. Congratulations from the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society Tom!
Jim Crowley, Private Pilot Glider (PPG)
Congratulations to new private pilot glider, Jim Crowley. Jim completed his private pilot glider check ride on February 16, 2022 in a Blanik L 23 at Zephyrhills municipal airport, Florida. Jim is an active member of Tampa Bay soaring society. Jim is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right and his recommending instructor, John Kamis on the left. Congratulations Jim from all of the members of TBSS
Karol Frenzl, Private Pilot Glider (PPG)
Congratulations to Karol Fenzl for passing his Private Pilot Glider Check Ride on February 23, 2022 in a Blanik L-23 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport in Zephyrhills, Florida. Karol is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. He is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right and his instructor Andy Kowalik on the left. Congratulations Karol from all the members at TBSS!
Eric Tellman, Certified Flight Instructor Glider (CFI-G)
Congratulations to Eric Tellmann who passed his CFI-G check ride on January 24, 2022 at Zephyrhills Florida.Eric was then able to endorse his son, Steven, for his private pilot-glider check ride the next day.Sounds like a family affair here at TBSS!Eric‘s recommending instructor, John Kamis is shown on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank is on his right.Congratulations Eric, from all the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society.
Lawrence LeDuc, Solo flight,
Congratulations to Lawrence LeDuc for completing his solo flight in a Blanik L 23 on December 26, 2021 at Zephyrhills Florida. Lawrence is shown seated in the Blanik and is being congratulated by his instructor Andy Kowalik. When Lawrence isn’t soaring, he is the manager of the safety program for a tugboat operation in the Tampa Bay area. Congratulations from all the members of Tampa Bay Soaring!
Paul Eves, Commercial Pilot Glider certificate
Congratulations to Paul Eves for completing a solo flight in a Blanik L 23 on December 26, 2021 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Paul is shown on the left being congratulated by his instructor, Andy Kowalik. Paul is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and is working on adding a glider rating to his commercial certificate. Good job Paul!
Tom Witherspoon, Solo flight
Congratulations are in order for Tom Witherspoon for completing a solo flight in a Blanik L 23 on January 1, 2022 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Tom is shown seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Congratulations Tom from all the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society!
Matt Macedo, Solo flight
Congratulations to Matt Macedo for his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 at Zephyrhills, Florida on October 24, 2021. Matt is 16 years old and working towards his private pilots license. Matt is seated in the glider and is being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis. Good job Matt!
Andres De Haai Badilla, first solo flight
Congratulations from the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society to Andres De Haai Badilla for his solo flight on September 25, 2021 at Zephyrhills Florida. Andres is shown in the glider being congratulated by his instructor Andy Kowalik. Andres is 18 years old and already holds a commercial power pilots license. Good job Andres!
Chris Licitra, solo flight
Congratulations to Chris Licitra on his solo flight in a Grob 103 on Sunday October 10, 2021. Chris is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society in Zephyrhills, Florida. Chris is on the right being congratulated by his instructor Randy Morningstar on the left. Chris is a pilot for NOAA when he’s not gliding.
David Yachabach, Commercial Pilot Glider (CPG)
Congratulations to David Yachabach for passing his commercial check ride in a Grob 103 on September 22, 2021 at Zephyrhills, Florida. David is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society and a retired Southwest pilot. David is in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right and instructor John Kamis on the left. Good job Dave!
Jean-Come Maziere, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations from the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society to Jean-Come Maziere for completing his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 at Zephyrhills, Florida on August 20, 2021. Jean-Come is seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis. Good job Jean!
Danielle DeAngelo, Private Pilot Glider (PPG)
Congratulations to Danielle DeAngelo from all of the members at Tampa Bay Soaring Society for completing her private pilot glider checkride on July 12, 2021. Danielle is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right, and her instructor John Kamis on the left. Way to go Danielle!
Jay Hoover, Private Pilot Glider (PPG)
Congratulations to Jay Hoover from the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society for completing his private pilot glider check ride on July 12, 2021 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Jay is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right, and his instructor John Kamis on the left.
Andy Kowalik, Certified Flight Instructor Glider (CFI-G)
Congratulations to Andy Kowalik for completing his check ride for certified flight instructor – glider on July 13, 2021. Andy is shown in the middle being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank on the right, and his instructor John Kamis on the left. Congratulations Andy from all the members of TBSS! Andy and TBSS would like to thank the SSA flight instructor scholarship program for providing us the opportunity to add an instructor to our ranks.
Congratulations to James “Mickey” Balkin on his solo flight in a Blanik L 23 at Zephyrhills municipal airport on June 23, 2021. When he’s not flying airliners, you can find Mickey gliding at Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Mickey is seated in the glider being Congratulated by his instructor John Kamis.
Danielle DeAngelo, solo flight
Congratulations to Danielle DeAngelo for completing her solo flight in a Blanik L 23 at Zephyrhills municipal airport on June 9th, 2021. Danielle is an active member at Tampa Bay Soaring Society. She is shown seated in the glider and is being congratulated by her instructor John Kamis. Way to go Danielle!
Jim Crowley, solo flight
Congratulations to James Crowley for completing his solo flight on May 29th, 2021 in a Blanik L 23 at Tampa Bay Soaring Society in Zephyrhills Florida. James is seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis.
Max Starkman, Commercial Pilot Glider (CPG)
Congratulations to Max Starkman for successfully completing his commercial glider add on rating at Zephyrhills, Florida on March 2nd, 2021. Max is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Max is in the middle being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Congratulations Max from all the members of TBSS!
Clark Trobaugh, Commercial Pilot Glider (CPG)
Congratulations to Clark Trobaugh for successfully completing his commercial glider add on rating on March 2nd, 2021 at Zephyrhills, Florida. Clark is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. He is shown on the left being congratulated by DPE Franklin Burbank in the middle and his instructor, Matt Laseter on the right. When not flying gliders, Clark is flying for Southwest Airlines. Good job Clark!
Shane Minton, Commercial Flight Instructor Glider (CFI-G)
Shane Minton successfully passed his CFIG checkride at Zephyrhills, Florida on March 2nd, 2021. Shane is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society in Zephyrhills. Shane is in the middle being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the right and DPE Franklin Burbank on the left. Congratulations from all the members of TBSS.
Clark Trobaugh, solo flight, blanik
Clark Trobaugh completed his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on February 4th, 2021 at Zephyrhills, Florida. Clark is a pilot with Southwest Airlines and member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. He is seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor, Matt Laseter. Congratulations from all the members at TBSS!
Sean Murphy, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Sean Murphy for completing his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on January 30th, 2021 at Zephyrhills, Fl. Sean is a 14 year old and a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Sean is seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis. Good job Sean!!
Erik Tellman, Commercial Pilot Glider, add-on
Congratulations to Eric Tellmann for passing his commercial glider checkride on Monday December 21st at Zephyrhills municipal airport. Eric is an enthusiastic and active pilot with Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Eric is shown in the center being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Great job Eric!
Oleg Aksyonov, Commercial Pilot Glider, add on
Tampa Bay Soaring Society would like to congratulate Oleg Aksyonov on the successful completion of his commercial pilot glider add on rating on December 21, 2020 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Oleg is shown in the middle being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Congratulations Oleg from all the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society.
Shane Minton, Commercial Pilot Glider (CPG) add on
Congratulations to Shane Minton on the completion of his commercial glider add on rating at Tampa Bay Soaring Society on December 21st, 2020. TBSS flies year round at Zephyrhills, Florida. Shane is in the middle being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Good job Shane!
Max Starkman, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations are in order for Max Starkman for soloing in a Blanik L-23 on December 23rd, 2020 at Tampa Bay Soaring Society located at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Max is working towards his Commercial glider add on rating, soon to be followed by his CFIG. Max is shown seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis.
Khurran Amunullah, solo flight, Blanik L23
The members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society congratulate Khurran Amunullah for completing his solo flight at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport in a Blanik L-23 on 11-22-2020. Khurran is shown seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis after the flight. Good job Khurran!
Jay Hoover, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Jay Hoover for completing his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on November 27th, 2020. Jay is shown seated in the Blanik, being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Congratulations Jay, from all the members of TBSS located at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Florida.
Congratulations to Shane Minton for completing a solo flight in a Blanik L-23 at Tampa Bay Soaring Society at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Florida on December 2nd, 2020. Shane is seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis after the flight. Shane joined the club on 12/2 and soloed the same day! We’ll done!
Julian Arrocha, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Julian Arrocha For completing his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on 11/13/2020. Julian is a member of the Tampa Bay Soaring Society located on the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Florida. Julian is seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis. Congratulations Julian from all the members!
Ole Aksyonov, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Oleg Aksyonov for completing his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 on 11/14/2020 at Zephyrhills, Florida. Oleg is a member of the Tampa Bay Soaring Society located on the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Florida. Oleg is shown seated in the glider being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis. Congratulations Oleg from all the members of TBSS!
Brad Alcon, solo flight, Blanik L23
Brad Alcon completed his solo flight in a Blanik L-23 at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport on 11/15/2020. Brad is a member of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Brad is shown seated in the Blanik being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis after the flight. Congrats, Brad from all the members!
Enrique Baclay, solo flight, Blanik L23
Congratulations to Enrique Baclay for his first solo flight at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport on October 3rd, 2020. Enrique is seated in the Blanik L-23 being congratulated by his instructor John Kamis. Congratulations Enrique, from all of the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society!
Matt Marchincin, Certified Flight Instructor Glider (CFI-G)
Tampa Bay Soaring Society has a new CFIG! Matt Marchincin added a glider rating to his CFI rating on Wednesday, September 30th at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Matt is shown in the middle being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the right. Always good to have another instructor on the field! Good job Matt.
Timothy Bloch, Private Pilot Glider (PPG)
Congratulations to Timothy Bloch who passed his private pilot check ride in a Blanik L-23 on September 30th at Zephyrhills, Florida. Tim is a member of the Tampa Bay Soaring Society located at Zephyrhills municipal airport. Tim is in the middle being congratulated by his instructor, John Kamis on the left and DPE Franklin Burbank on the left. Way to go Tim!
Eric Tellman, solo flight, Grob 103 Twin Astir
Congratulations to Eric Tellman for his solo flight in a Grob 103 at Tampa Bay Soaring Society in Zephyrhills, Florida, on September 19, 2020. When Eric isn’t flying gliders he is an Airbus A320 Captain for a major US airline. Congratulations Eric, from all the members of Tampa Bay Soaring Society. Eric is on the left seated in the glider and his instructor John Kamis is on the right.