Expert Team Guiding Your Success

Leadership Team

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Founder/Chief Pilot/COO

Amro Aly

As the founder of Avia Flight Academy, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of aviators and providing high-quality, personalized flight instruction for both aspiring professional pilots and recreational flyers. I am a Captain at Delta Air Lines, a former Check Airman at Envoy Air, and a Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) with FAA Gold Seal recognition. With thousands of hours of flight and instructional experience, I bring a deep commitment to safety, integrity, and excellence in aviation training. Additionally, I possess a Bachelor's degree in Physics and a master’s degree in computer security.

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Founder/CEO

Daniela Cuturilo Aly

With 15 years in corporate training and development, I’ve spent over a decade designing training programs that help people grow, and in 2019, I brought that same passion for growth to aviation. As a founder of our Stratford-based flight school, I’m dedicated to creating a learning environment where aspiring pilots feel supported, confident, and inspired every step of the way. From customizing instruction to mentoring students through each stage of training, I bring my experience in coaching, project management, and instructional design into the cockpit and classroom. For me, flight training is more than just checking boxes—it’s about building exceptional aviators who are prepared for real-world flying and lifelong success.

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Director of Operations

Patrick Canavan

Patrick Canavan currently serves as the Director of Operations at Avia Flight Academy. He holds a Commercial Pilot certificate (ASEL) and is instrument rated with a complex endorsement having completed all his ratings and training at Avia Flight Academy. Patrick also volunteers his time at Tango Flight as a mentor assisting a local high school STEM program and students building a Vans 12 light-sport (kit) aircraft.

Previously, Patrick retired as a Wall Street executive with over 38+ years of senior level CFO and Controller finance experience within the Investment Banking and Public Accounting sectors. He is a Certified Public Accountant (NY State) and holds several FINRA supervision licenses.

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Senior Lead Instructor

Kareem Mishalani

After having achieved a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, I decided to pursue flying. I found a home at Avia Flight Academy, achieving my Private and Instrument ratings. After adventuring to Florida for my Commercial, CFI, and CFII, I quickly returned to the place where I first discovered the joy of flight.

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Lead Instructor

Anthony Pizzo

I’m Anthony, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with a Gold Seal, CFII, and MEI. I grew up in the greater Boston area and started my flight education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, ultimately graduating with a Bachelor's in aeronautical science. With a passion for aviation, I enjoy flying as many aircrafts as possible while earning as many certifications as I can, to further my aviation education for myself and my students, ensuring they are provided with the utmost quality in their aviation learning.

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Lead Instructor

Matthew Campbell

My name is Matt, and I was born and raised in northern Florida, where I had originally planned to pursue a career in automotive design and manufacturing. During my time in college, I experienced an incredible discovery flight in a WW2-era Boeing Stearman, which inspired me to become a pilot. My goal is to become an airline captain and fulfill my dream of traveling the world.

Instructors

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Ahmed Ahmed

My name is Ahmed, and I am a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Commercial Pilot with a strong commitment to developing the next generation of aviators. With over 400 hours of flight instruction given, I bring both experience and a calm, student-focused approach to every lesson. I am dedicated to creating a safe, structured, and encouraging training environment that helps students build confidence and master core piloting skills.

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Don Anderson

A Connecticut native, I grew up in Portland and Middletown before graduating from Middletown High School and enlisting in the Connecticut Air National Guard. I proudly served for eight years, including a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Following my military service, I embarked on a law enforcement career with a local municipality, where I served in a variety of roles, including SWAT Commander, ultimately retiring at the rank of Captain. In recent years, I have begun pursuing my lifelong passion for aviation again. Upon retiring from law enforcement, I finished my instrument, commercial, and flight instructor ratings at Avia before joining as a flight instructor. I am an active member of Civil Air Patrol and I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management from Liberty University.

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Khem Seetaram

My name is Khem Seetaram, and aviation isn’t just a career for me—it’s a lifelong passion. I’m a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) who finds real purpose in helping others take flight, grow their skills, and build confidence in the flight deck. Teaching others to fly is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and it keeps me connected to the heart of aviation. In addition to instructing, I manage deicing operations at LGA, where I lead teams through some of the most critical and high-pressure parts of airline ground operations. My focus is always on safety, precision, and teamwork—especially during New York’s demanding winter seasons. Outside of aviation, I’m a proud dad and a husband to two incredible women who inspire and support me every day.

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Matt Robins

I originally went to school at Eastern University for exercise science, and proceeded to work in the personal training field. However, I’ve always been drawn to aviation since I was young, beginning when my father took me to an airshow. Living near an airport and watching the various aircrafts depart and land, I felt drawn to my real passion and I decided to make the career change. I attended and graduated from Skyborne Airline Academy in Florida in July 2026. I look forward to instructing those interested in aviation and the challenges that lie ahead. Other than flying, I enjoy staying active, whether it is going to the gym, snowboarding or surfing. I also enjoy guitar and music.

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Amine Rachdi

I’m Amine. As a devoted Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), my enthusiasm for aviation expands beyond my love for flying to my students as well. I am committed to ensuring a safe environment and enjoyable learning experience for all students to encourage them to be the best pilots they can be. In addition to my CFI rating, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English.

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Moises Chiquito

I joined the American Airlines Cadet Academy, where I completed an accelerated, airline-oriented training program from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument. Today, I am a PSA Airlines Cadet, progressing toward my goal of becoming a mainline pilot for American Airlines. Throughout my training, I have earned my Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Land), CFI, and CFII. Aviation has challenged me in the best ways, demanding precision, humility, leadership, and constant self-improvement. As a Posse Scholar and pilot, I carry a strong sense of responsibility to lead by example and open doors for others. My long-term goal is not only to fly at the highest level, but to represent professionalism, diversity, and excellence within the airline industry.

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FI, CFII, MEI

Shahara Murphy

Hello! My name is Shahara—I’m excited to meet you!

I’ve been in the aviation industry since 2022, when I began working as a flight attendant for Avelo Airlines. One of the experiences that truly sparked my passion for aviation was jumpseating in the Boeing 737 flight deck during ferry flights and witnessing the magic of flying up close.

Shortly after my first discovery flight out of Tweed New Haven, I enrolled in flight training full-time and never looked back.

As your CFI, my goal is to create a positive and supportive training environment where students feel encouraged to grow, ask questions, and challenge themselves. I’m passionate about making complex aviation concepts clear, practical, and easy to understand.

In my free time, I enjoy volleyball and puppy yoga. Let’s go fly and have some fun!

Andrew Lynch (2ed65974-72e4-49ac-8ba4-058b62b149a5)

CFI, CFI-I

Andrew Lynch

Andrew is a full-time flight instructor originally from Western Massachusetts; he completed his flight training and education at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. He holds his CFI, CFI-I, and Commercial Multiengine Land certificate. He also has a B.S. in Aeronautical Science, as well as an A.S. in Flight Operations and Dispatch. Outside of flight instruction, Andrew enjoys hiking, weight lifting, and reading.

Maintenance Team

Lead, A&I

Michael DeWitt

A&P

Angelo Alvarado

A&P

Taoufik Dahri

Administration &
Marketing Team

Front Desk Coordinator

Marie Holly

Marketing Staff

Hanna Aly

Safety and Compliance

Manager TBD