Gary Gandy

Chief Flight Instructor

ASEL, ASES, MEL, CFI, CFI-I, MEI, Glider Instructor

Gary Gandy has been involved in various aspects of General Aviation for most of his life. Gary is a Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor with Single Engine Land, and, Multi-Engine Land privileges along with being an accomplished Glider Instructor. He has been a Flight Instructor for over 30 years and was also an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for several years. His depth of knowledge and sense of humor are a great resource for our students and for the entire BVFS team. Gary writes fiction novels which focus on World War One aviation for which he does in-depth historical research.

Dr. Christian Bruccoleri

Flight School Director

ASEL, CFI, CFI-I, AGI

Christian Bruccoleri is a Certified Flight Instructor with Single Engine Land with Instrument teaching privileges. Christian was born and raised in Italy and came to Texas as fast as he could! After getting a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M he decided to explore the practical side of aviation. He loved it so much that went all the way to CFI, CFI-I, and AGI. He works for industry and academia doing engineering and research for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and private entities. Christian also has a passion for World War II-era aviation.

Matt Bates, CFI, CFI-I

Matt holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with multi-engine and single-engine ratings, with Complex, High-Performance, and High-Altitude endorsements. Matt was exposed to aviation at a very young age through his parents who worked in the industry. It was only a matter of time before he got bit by the aviation bug too! Matt also studies Construction at Texas A&M University, Class of 2022. He has a passion for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. In his free time, you’ll find him enjoying south Texas.

Thomas Fordiani, CFI, AGI

Tommy Fordiani is a Certified Flight Instructor with Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL) privileges and an Advanced Ground Instructor. Tommy graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics in 2021. During his time at A&M, Tommy began flying here at BVFS and knew he wanted to pursue a career in aviation. Other than flying, Tommy is passionate about bow hunting, fishing, and spending time in the outdoors.

Dakota Beamon, CFI

Dakota is a Certified Flight Instructor with Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL) privileges. Dakota worked in airport maintenance & operations at Easterwood Airport while pursuing a career as a commercial pilot. He has trained with BVFS through all his ratings and is passionate about helping others achieve their goals in aviation. Besides flying, Dakota enjoys video games, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends.

Jerry Bean, CFI, CFI-I

Capt. J. W. Bean USN (ret). Capt. Bean is an Oregon Native. He attended Oregon State University, graduated, and was commissioned Ensign USN in 1972 with degrees in History and Naval Science. He received his wings in March 1974 and spent the next 25 years on active duty. He flew in five different squadrons and commanded Fleet Composite Squadron 10 Guantanamo Bay Cuba. He carrier-qualified on the Oriskany, Lexington, and Hancock and accumulated 125 day and night carrier landings. He qualified as a fleet adversary pilot (Top Gun) and accumulated six years of adversary experience in this capacity. He served as a test pilot at Navy Test Center Pt. Magu California. He was qualified in six jets and three multi-engine military aircraft, his favorite being the A-4 Skyhawk. His last assignment was as the Chief Engineer Air 05 for PMA 208 Missile target development. He has accumulated 4,000 hours in 23 different military and civilian aircraft and is a qualified CFI, CFII, and MEI. After retirement He received his Master’s Degree (MBA) from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, was a Professor for Mount Hood Community College aviation Program, and Created the Central Oregon Community College Aviation Program and served as a Professor and flight instructor for them.

Aianne Bernal, CFI

Aianne Bernal is a certified flight instructor with Airplane Single-Engine Land privileges (ASEL) and an Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) certificate. Aianne graduated from Texas A&M in 2022 with a business degree in marketing. He began flying in high school when he decided he wanted to pursue a professional career in aviation. Besides aviation, Aianne is passionate about fitness and enjoys being on the water. He is excited to train our customers and help them in reaching their aviation goals!

Josiah Jameson, CFI, CFI-I

Josiah Jameson is a Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor with Single Engine Land and Multi-Engine Land privileges. Josiah is currently attending Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School majoring in Accounting. He started flying at 15, followed by soloing on his 16th birthday, and his private pilot check ride on his 17th birthday. When not instructing, he enjoys flying a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza.