OUR TEAM
Jeff Kibbe
CFI, CFII, MEI, ASEL, AMEL
Jeff has always had a love for flying; his parents will tell you when he was a kid, he could never put down his toy airplane and no matter what he was doing, his airplane was by his side. Jeff grew up and trained in the Houston area and is a proud Texan.
He trained at the Houston ATP location before moving to Upstate New York to work as a flight instructor because he wanted to see how far aviation could take him away from his hometown. He believes that he is truly blessed for the opportunity to see the world in such a different and freeing perspective. Jeff owns a 1946 Aeronca Champ and loves to show anyone who will go how beautiful flying is.
He is happy to help you in obtaining your Private, Instrument, Commercial, or Multi-Engine certificates/ratings as well as endorsements such as complex, high performance, and tailwheel.
George Amenta
CFI, ASEL
George started flying when he was in high school and got his pilots license before his drivers license.
He attended Dutchess Community College and received his instrument and commercial ratings while obtaining an Associates Degree in Aviation Science.
He has been involved with aviation in the Hudson Valley since 2015 and says it is one of the best areas to learn to fly.
He offers training to those looking to get a private or commercial license, as well as giving high performance and complex endorsements.
Debbie Cassidy
CFI, CFII, ASEL, UAS
Debbie has been flying since she was 15 years old and received her private pilot license while attending high school. Her mother got her a discovery flight and it opened her eyes to the world of aviation. That flight showed her that anyone with the will, passion, and determination can fly!
Debbie attended Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and received her bachelor’s in Aeronautical Science. During that time she also trained to receive her instrument, commercial, and CFI licenses. In college, she participated in important aviation groups, such as Woman in Aviation and PALS (angel flights for people in need). Her goal is to share her passion with people that don’t yet realize this is an option for them.
She is happy to help you obtain your private, instrument, and commercial certificate/rating, as well as your UAS if you are interested in becoming a drone pilot.
Luc Gregoire
CFI ASEL
Luc's flying experience dates back to 1999 when he was looking to fill the void of his passion for sailing, which he left behind in Canada.
Following a long corporate executive career, Luc decided to take his hobby to the next level and become a CFI to give back to the flying community, both by instructing as well as volunteering for the PALS organization (Patient Air Lift Services), flying remotely-based patients to urban medical centers. Having a daughter and 2 grand-daughters, Luc was inspired by WF's mission to increase the interest of women towards aviation, whether professionally or simply to discover the pure joy and freedom of flight.
Luc keeps his Piper Arrow at Sky Acres, which he uses for PALS and for his own fun adventures, including accessing various points of the Appalachian Trail, with over 400 miles under his boots so far (trail name - Flyer!)
Luc provides training towards private or commercial licenses, as well as high performance and complex airplane endorsements. He can also conduct your bi-annual flight review, or just help you regain proficiency if its been a while since you've flown. He is also happy to take you up to simply discover the wonder of flight. Above all else, Luc places emphasis on safety and is always eager to share a good story from decades of fun flying adventures.
Sue Smey
Private Pilot, Instrument Rated, ASEL, Owner
The name "Whiskey Foxtrot" has more of a meaning than just the words. The initials W.F. stand for Women Fly. We are here to encourage all women of all ages to not only think outside of the box, but to actually STEP outside of the box.
One of Oprah's famous quotes, "Whatever you fear most has no power, it's your fear that has the power.", has such a deep meaning.
Just having the courage to step out of that box can be so scary for most. I am here as a testament that I chose to face that fear, and look at me now. I am a pilot, I own a flight school, and most importantly I am so empowered.
Traditionally, this field has always been considered a man's job but the number of women is growing. Women now make up about 7% of all certified pilots, and we here at Whiskey Foxtrot are here to make that number grow.
We are here to teach, support, and be by your side as you take the journey of your life.
Normal is boring..... Be a pilot!!!
Stephen Kalwasinski
CFI, ASEL, ASES
Stephen began flying straight out of high school and hasn't looked back since. He obtained his private pilots license at 19 years old and had his first job flying skydivers by the age of 20. Currently he flies for a part 135 outfit as a full time PC-12 pilot in the Caribbean as well as the Northeast.
Stephen sees instructing as a fun way to spend a day off and believes that learning to fly should be simple, safe, and fun. He owns a 1946 Aeronca Champ that he likes to fly during his free time.
He is happy to help you in obtaining your private, commercial or CFI certificate as well as endorsements such as high performance, complex, spin, or his favorite, tailwheel!