We believe that if a customer is paying us to learn how to fly, we need to make them the safest and most competent pilot they can be. We realize that flight instruction is not inexpensive and as such, we are committed to teaching in the most efficient manner as possible. In order to achieve these goals, we staff only highly-qualified FAA certified instructors. Our instructors have diverse backgrounds with excellent flight experience. TAS Inc. arguably employs the most experienced group of flight instructors in the area.
Ted Behrle – CFI, CFII
Total Hours – approx. 5,500
Ted learned to fly in the mid 1970′s at the Bridgeport New Jersey Airport (no longer in existence). He is the owner of TAS Inc. Ted holds a dual role of director of operations and chief pilot of Air Carrier Certificate TA9A440W, a part 135 operator.
Rick Poch – CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, Gold Seal Instructor Certificate
Total hours – approx. 11,000
Rick is a retired United States Air Force Colonel who has been with TAS Inc. since July 2002. He has been actively instructing since 1979 at USAF Aero Clubs, and also at Delaware Skyways in Wilmington, Delaware. He obtained his instructor ratings at the Edwards Air Force Base and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Aero Clubs.
Troy Gruner – CFI, CFII,
Total hours – approx. 10,000
Troy is a veteran instructor here at TAS. Troy has a fifteen year history here at TAS, and he is a student favorite. Troy has amassed over 8,000 hours of instructed flights.
Bill Mitman - CFI
Total Hours – approx. 4,500
Bill was originally trained at TAS Inc., and has been an instructor with TAS Inc. since July 2001. He has been an active part of the New Brandywine Airport Club since its inception, and owns a Piper Arrow on the field. Bill has his own law practice in West Chester.
Joe Caruso – CFI, CFII, MEI
Total Hours – approx. 1,750
Joe has more than 20 years of flying experience in General Aviation, and he has been instructing since 2004. Joe holds two Engineering degrees. Joe is trained for Garmin G1000 transition, as well as training in Technically Advanced Aircraft. He is passionate about GA and is interested in keeping the industry vibrant.
Mike Floriani – CFI, CFII
Total Hours – approx. 1,200
Mike started out here at TAS, and earned his Private Pilot Certificate with us in the 1990′s. He went on to earn his CFI rating and has been instructing locally for several years. Mike brings a very professional approach to flight instruction, and strives to help his students reach their goals with solid planning and preparation.
Dan Reed – CFI
Total Time – approx. 800 hours
Dan has been in the aviation field for the past six years. After flying small fixed wing aircraft, Dan went on to fly Chinook helicopters in the Army. Dan holds a Bachelors degree in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and he is currently working on a masters degree.
Our team of instructors is large enough to allow you flexibility in choosing the right flight instructor to fit your learning style and objectives. We will work with you to pair you with an instructor who will not only become a mentor in the cockpit and on the ground, but also a friend through your entire training program.
