Craig Steel – From Hospitality to the Flight Deck!

At SkyEagle Aviation Academy, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where passion meets professionalism, and every student and instructor is part of a close-knit aviation family. When you’re stepping for your first lesson or logging hours toward your next rating, we are committed to ensuring that your journey in aviation is rewarding and inspiring.

We are excited to introduce our new General Manager, Craig Steel, and share his inspiring journey of growth and success in aviation. His dedication, passion, and leadership make him an invaluable part of our team. We warmly welcome Craig to our team!

Craig Steel’s Inspiring Journey: From Hospitality to Aviation Leadership

Craig Steel’s journey into aviation is anything but conventional. After a highly successful career in hospitality and restaurant development, where he led multimillion-dollar operations and earned accolades such as Hilton’s Manager of the Year (2021) and Restaurant of the Year (2021 & 2022), Craig made the bold decision to pivot to his lifelong passion – flying.

Determined to pursue a career in aviation with the same level of excellence that defined his hospitality success, Craig enrolled in ATP Flight School, completing their program in 8 months while maintaining a 100% first-time pass rate on all FAA check rides. His strong work ethic and leadership skills quickly set him apart, and shortly after earning his instructor certificates (CFI, CFII, MEI), he joined SkyEagle Aviation Academy, where his leadership propelled him through the ranks – first as an Instructor, then Assistant Chief Pilot, and now General Manager.

In his current role, Craig oversees flight operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters synergy between the flight, maintenance, and administrative departments, while still finding time to do some instructing with our students. His hands-on leadership approach continues to elevate SkyEagle, reinforcing a culture of inclusion, excellence, and professionalism.

What drives you to run the Flight School?

“My passion for excellence and creating a welcoming environment – which I specialized in during my previous career – remains just as important to me today. I strive to make the Academy not just a Flight School, but a community of individuals all sharing a common passion – aviation. We have a great vibe in the school, and I make it a priority to engage with every student who walks through our doors. Through awards, events, and activities, I ensure that each student feels valued and part of our SkyEagle family as they push toward their goals.”

Finding the Right Flight School

“I’m incredibly grateful that I found SkyEagle. I wanted to be part of a Flight School with its own identity – where instructors can truly be themselves and connect with their students. Through incredible ownership, our fantastic in-house maintenance team, and everyone involved who keeps the operation running every day, I am truly blessed to be part of such a special organization. I have flown hundreds and hundreds of hours with SkyEagle, and it will forever be a massive part of the beginning of my professional pilot journey, no matter where the future takes me.”

Craig’s story is one of adaptability, determination, and relentless pursuit of growth. His journey from award-winning hospitality executive to accomplished aviation professional exemplifies the power of skill transfer and the importance of chasing one’s true passion.

Andrey Borisevich is the CEO, Training and Development Manager of SkyEagle Aviation Academy in Florida, responsible for new training programs, marketing, and business strategy. An aerobatic pilot, entrepreneur, and owner of the academy, Andrey has over 20 years of experience in aviation. He has flown more than 65 aircraft types and holds both fixed-wing and helicopter licenses. His YouTube channel, “Andrey Borisevich About Aviation”, offers aircraft reviews, flight training insights, and advice for aspiring pilots​.

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