About Our Flight School
The year we opened our doors and took our first flight.
Number of Aircraft on our flight line.
Number of Instructors working full time.
Our Story
First Landings Aviation was founded to bring sport pilot training to the Central Florida region focusing on fun, safe, affordable flying. Our success has been based not on flight hours or revenue but on the proficient safe pilots that First Landings has been producing since its first day in business. The joy of flight is something most don’t get the chance to experience, but here at First Landings you can experience that joy first hand. Since opening our doors for business First Landings has shared that joy with more than two thousand individuals and that number continues to grow every day. First Landings takes pride in offering a well-maintained, safe, and a diversified aircraft fleet. Our facilities and aircraft are state of the art, and we conduct our training in a relaxed, fun, and safe atmosphere. We promote a community that fosters our love of aviation. We organize fly-out events routinely that give everyone a reason to fly. Whether it is lunch at a local airport, an afternoon flying to the beach, or an overnight trip out to the Bahamas, First Landings and our students/customers always are having fun and expanding their horizons. We hope you join us, whether you are a new comer to aviation or a seasoned pilot, First Landings would like to be the place where you enjoy one of the greatest experiences a person can have.
– Adam Valencic
Who We Are
Our Team at First Landings Aviation
Our difference is simple! First Landings flight instructors are the right mix of instructors, new and experienced, with a wide range of different types of flying, including: airline pilots, recreational pilots, and commercial pilots.
Our Senior Flight Instructors have many years instructing future pilots. They know what piloting at regional airlines, national carriers and on corporate aircraft is like because they’ve all experienced it. Their past positions include airline first officers, captains, and instructors. With this great experience, they’ll be able to help you become the best pilot no matter where your dreams take you.
Adam Valencic
Founder & CEO
At the age of 19 Adam began taking flying lessons and earned his Private Pilot’s certificate in July of 2005. Adam came to Orlando, FL to attend the University of Central Florida, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. While at UCF Adam began plans for First Landings Aviation. His outlook on flying is simple…have fun and show the students the safe way to fly an airplane. He is dedicated to sharing his love of aviation with others through affordable, quality flight training, which is the driving force behind First Landings Aviation.
Jose Diaz Reyes
Chief Mechanic
Jose is a native of Puerto Rico and after 15 years in the casino industry, Jose decided to attend college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from UCF. While at UCF, Jose earned his wings here at First Landings and hasn’t looked back.
Jose completed his mechanics training and is a certified aviation repairman. He is in charge of maintaining the First Landings fleet to impeccable standards.
Lisa Kuykendall
Flight School Coordinator
Lisa is the newest addition to our team, she is most likely the team member on the other end of the phone and the first face you see in the office. Her attention to detail and customer service skills are an asset to First Landings.
She currently holds a Private Pilot certificate she earned here at First Landings and will be continuing her education towards an eventual career as a professional pilot.
Roxy
Human Resources
Roxy is First Landings Aviations resident golden retriever. She is 11 years old and loves flying. You can typically find her hanging around the FBO, or going for rides on the golf cart. She loves to be overwhelmed with attention and the occasional dog treat.
She holds a King Air 200 type rating among other certifications.
