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sun city aviation academy team of pilots and instructors at the airport

Come See
What Everyone's Talking About

Our team of experienced pilots and instructors are dedicated to providing the highest quality flight training in South Florida. Learn more about our team and how they can help you achieve your aviation goals.

How It All Started?

Founded in December 2022 by Luke Poulos, Sun City Aviation Academy embodies a lifelong passion for aviation and teaching. Inspired by his grandfather's legacy and fueled by his father's teaching experience in the medical field, Luke is driven to nurture aspiring aviators.

With a solid background in aviation, including Part 135 charter operations and Part 121 airline experience, he understands the importance of a strong foundation in flight training. He also knows firsthand how the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor can give students a competitive edge in the aviation industry.

Come Visit Us

Pembroke Pines, FL

Come visit us at our Pembroke Pines location. We are located at North Perry Airport KHWO.

Meet Our Team

Our Leadership Team

The leadership team at Sun City Aviation Academy is dedicated to providing the highest quality flight training in South Florida. With years of experience and a passion for aviation, our team is here to help you achieve your aviation goals.

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Certified Founder & CEO Luke Poulos

    Luke Poulos

    Founder & CEO

    Luke discovered his passion for teaching early in his aviation career. With over 20 years of experience and more than 4,000 flight hours, Luke is dedicated to sharing his knowledge. He holds several certifications including ATP, CFI, CFI-I, and MEI. Luke's journey in aviation was inspired by his grandfather and by his father's medical teaching background. He's not only a pilot but also a proud father who taught his own children to fly of whom now have successful careers in aviation. This passion for teaching and Luke's diverse aviation experience drives our academy's mission.

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Director of Operations Joe Cannizzaro

    Joe Cannizzaro

    Director of Operations

    Joe spent the last 30 Years working in flight school operations, and flying professionally for both a Part 121 and Part 135 Operator. Joe has been an essential part of multiple flight schools throughout his 30 years, serving as a Chief pilot and Director of Operations. Joe has over 4,000 total flight hours and currently holds a ATP, CFI, CFI-I, and MEI certificates.

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Chief Pilot Paul Janecki

    Paul Janecki

    Chief Pilot

    Paul, with 40+ years in aviation, brings vast expertise. He has 15,000+ flight instruction hours and Airframe and Powerplant and Inspection Authorization credentials. He holds a Bachelor's degree in aviation management. After college, he joined an internship at a flight school, gaining skills as an Airframe and Powerplant Technician while receiving professional flight training. This led to him earning ATP, CFI, CFI-I, and MEI certificates.

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Director of Sales, Service, & Finance Cris Freilich

    Cris Freilich

    Director of Sales, Service, & Finance

    Cris has a Bachelor's degree in business management with a background in finance, aviation, and marketing. Cris spent the last 10 years working as sales, service, and school director for several prominent fight schools in Florida. Throughout his time working at these flight schools, Cris' love and passion for aviation grew and has led him to complete his Private Pilot Certificate.

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Executive Business Manager Georgette Poulos

    Georgette Poulos

    Executive Business Manager

    Georgette holds a bachelor's degree in Alternative Medicine and is a graduate of culinary school, but she is no stranger to aviation. Being married to a pilot for 28 years and having two pilots for children, she is well versed in the aviation field. Georgette is Sun City's executive business manager and is presently pursuing a bachelor's degree in aerospace management.

sun city aviation academy student flying a plane over the city of miami

Take Our Quiz

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Pilot?

Are you fascinated by the world of aviation? Have you dreamed of flying and exploring the skies? Do you often look upward at passing aircraft, wondering if you yourself could be in the cockpit?

Begin your journey in aviation with our brief quiz. Our quiz is designed to look at your aviation related knowledge and aptitude, alongside your unique personality traits and interests, to provide insights into whether a future in aviation aligns with your aspirations.

Meet Our Team

The Backbone of Sun City Aviation Academy

Our team of staff and instructors are dedicated to providing the highest quality flight training in South Florida. With years of experience and a passion for aviation, our team is here to help you achieve your aviation goals.

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Certified Flight Instructor Gleb Sokolov

    Gleb Sokolov

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Certified Flight Instructor Jean Dorcelien

    Jean Dorcelien

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Academy - AOPA Flight Experience Award 2025
    Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Cara Ming

    Cara Ming

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Marko Pavlichenko

    Marko Pavlichenko

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Alexis Vassel

    Alexis Vassel

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Charles Mesina

    Charles Mesina

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Andrew Graeler

    Andrew Graeler

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Jacqueline Wicker-McAllister

    Jacqueline Wicker-McAllister

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Certified Flight Instructor Nicolas McCaulsky

    Nicolas McCaulsky

    Flight Instructor

  • Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Angel Christophe

    Angel Christophe

    Office Manager

  • Sun City Aviation Academy Dispatch Administrator Mafer Caceres

    Mafer Caceres

    Office Manager Assistant

  • Sun City Aviation Certified Flight Instructor Zaccur Christophe

    Zaccur Christophe

    Inventory Manager

Sun City Aviation Academy is a partner affiliate with the following organizations:

Still looking for more information on pilot training?

Get Your FREE
Pilot Training Guide!

We have a free booklet which explains everything you need to know for your pilot certificate.

Right Rudder Marketing team on the runway
Right Rudder Marketing team on the runway

Start Your Aviation Journey
With a Discovery Flight

Doing a discovery flight is the best way to determine if being a pilot is right for you. Whether you're trying it out for fun or want to fly professionally, doing a discovery flight will allow you to see the Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood from a new perspective.