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.

Jim Ed Cole | CFI, CFII, MEI, IGI

Jim Ed is a Certificated Flight Instructor and Commercial Pilot with Single Engine and Multi Engine ratings, as well as the Complex, High Performance and High-Altitude endorsements. While gaining 100 hours of Multi Engine time, Jim earned his Multi Engine Instructor rating as well. Jim graduated from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Agricultural Systems Management. After working as a sales rep for Caterpillar for a few years, began flying here at BVFS and fell in love with aviation. He then decided to pursue a career in aviation full time. When Jim Ed is not flying, you can typically find him hunting, fishing, golfing or anything outdoors. He is an enthusiastic instructor that looks forward to training everyone from private to commercial level pilots.

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!

Thomas (T.J) Varvaro | CFI, CFII, MEI

Thomas (T.J) Varvaro is a Certified Flight Instructor with Airplane Single Engine, Airplane Multi Engine, and Instrument privileges. TJ graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s of Environmental Design in 2021 but fell in Love with flying shortly after. He is currently working towards his dream of becoming an Airline pilot. Outside of flying, TJ enjoys playing golf, working out, and hanging out with friends.

Zach LaRue | CFI, CFII, MEI

Zach LaRue is a Certified Flight Instructor with Airplane Single Engine, Airplane Multi Engine, and Instrument privileges. Zach graduated from The University of North Texas with a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice in 2019, but decided to pursue a career in aviation after falling in love with it while earning his PPL in 2020. When not instructing, Zach enjoys running, traveling, cooking, and spending time with his wife and dogs.

George Attalla | CFI, CFII

George Attalla is a Certified Flight Instructor with Airplane Single/Multi Engine Instrument Certifications. He graduated with a Bachelors in Business. After working for family for a number of years, he decided to chase his passion and started flight training in 2021. He is currently working towards his end goal of the Airlines and is loving every step of the way. He enjoys the challenges that come with being a Flight Instructor. Other than flying, he enjoys quality family time, working on anything IT related, and reading.

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.