Meet The Team

Marvin Harrigan - Co-Owner

Commercial Pilot - ASEL, ASES, AMEL, CFI-I, MEI

  • “Born in St.Thomas USVI and raised on a tiny island called Anguilla in the Eastern Caribbean, it was always a passion of mine to fly for as long as I can remember. My brother and I would climb the tallest trees possible only to pretend we were pilots swaying in the wind on the thinnest of branches as if we were living on the edge filled with excitement and adventure. It wasn't until I was 30 years old that I decided to pursue this dream of becoming a pilot. I started my flight training at St Petersburg Airport and continued at Tampa Executive. It was here that I met Michele Keilman who was a mentor and my most influential instructor. With her guidance I learned about all the joys and thrills that are associated in this amazing field of aviation. I now seek to help those that share a similar passion to achieve such dreams and goals in any way that I can.”

Stacy Sosa - Co-Owner

Commercial Pilot - ASEL, AMEL, CFI-I

  • “I was born in Miami and grew up in Guatemala and Qatar. I moved back to the US to attend Florida State University. While at FSU I decided to get my Private Pilot Certificate and I immediately fell in love with flying. I come from a family of pilots and I always admired and looked up to my dad and wanted to follow in his footsteps. As soon as I graduated college, I decided to get the rest of my ratings to become a CFI. I'm loving and enjoying every day of my pilot career and I want to share this passion with everyone who has an interest in aviation.”

Ethan McCoy - Instructor

Commercial Pilot - ASEL, AMEL, CFI-I

  • “My first introduction to aviation came from my grandfather who was a fighter pilot for the Air Force. As a kid, his model airplanes, flight suits and other memorabilia inspired me. Growing up in Tampa, attending the air shows at MacDill AFB and Sun n Fun were always exciting and added to my intrigue of aviation. I earned my PPL just before my 18th birthday and finished the rest of my certificates after graduating from the University of Florida. Becoming a CFI has been such a unique experience, and without a doubt made me a better person and pilot.”

Thomas Nordberg - Instructor

Commercial Pilot - ASEL, CFI-I

  • “I was born and raised in East Lansing Michigan and I was lucky enough to do my first discovery flight in high school when I was 17. I quickly fell in love with aviation and was able to attain my Private Pilot certificate when I was 18. I then went to Michigan State University where I studied Economics while I was working on my Instrument rating. After my college experience I decided to move down to St Pete, Florida to finish up my Commercial certificate and eventually get my CFI. Aviation has become a large part of my life and I enjoy working with people that share a similar passion.”

Don Opperman Jr - Instructor

Commercial Pilot - ASEL, CFI

  • “I was born in Virginia, rasied right here in the Tampa Bay area, and am a graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in business. Since graduating, I have worked in corporate banking in a variety of risk management and compliance functions. The risk management skills I use in this career are very applicable to the aviation world and bring much of that approach to my instruction.

    Aviation has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and I enjoy sharing that passion with anyone who will listen. Being a professional pilot was not something I ever thought I would be able to achieve. With a lot of hard work and the help of some amazing instructors and mentors along the way, that is now a reality. I’m here to give back by providing the best possible flight instruction in a safe and welcoming environment to help you achieve your own goals and have some fun along the way. See you in the skies!”

Timothy Dowd - Staff

Commercial Pilot - ASEL

  • Coming Soon

Spencer Russo - Instructor

Commercial Pilot - ASEL, CFI

  • Spencer grew up in a small town on the shoreline of Connecticut where his summers were filled with cliff-jumping into the Connecticut River and winters were consumed by snow-ball fights with friends. From a young age, Spencer felt a strong desire to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps and attended Texas A&M University in 2015 to pursue his commission.

    Upon graduation in 2019, Spencer commissioned as a Marine Officer where he led Marines and Sailors as a Field Artillery Officer. Upon separation from active-duty service in 2023, Spencer decided to pursue a new passion: aviation. Spencer joined the Superior Aviation Gateway team as a Student Pilot in the Career Pilot Program and has worked diligently to obtain his certificates and ratings. Currently a Certified Flight Instructor, Spencer now seeks to continue his aviation education with aspirations of becoming an Instrument Instructor and Multi-Engine Instructor. Spencer’s ultimate objective in aviation is to become a Designated Pilot Examiner, guiding and inspiring future aviators. Passionate about experiencing the full spectrum of aviation, Spencer looks forward to every opportunity to grow, teach, and contribute to the aviation community.

Brian Caplinger - Instructor

Commercial Pilot - ASEL, AMEL, CFI

  • After graduating from Jesuit High School in Tampa, I earned my business degree at the University of Miami. I worked in finance for several years, then started, built and sold my company. Now I enjoy providing students a safe, calm learning environment that allows them to grow at their own pace. I take great pride in helping students succeed in achieving their goals!