Alec Thayer
“My name is Alec Thayer, my journey with aviation began with stories from my grandfather of his time in WWII as a B-26 Captain and P47 pilot. Wanting to follow in his footsteps I decided one day I would learn to fly, I didn’t know when but eventually I started as a drone pilot working in the cinematography and inspection fields, and worked as an operator at keystone aerial survey. I found Legacy and got my private license in 2018. Since then I’ve always looked forward to flying anything I can and have gained experience in over 40 aircraft ranging from homebuilt aerobatic planes and seaplanes to antique warbirds. Almost half of my time is in a tailwheel aircraft such as a Citabria or a Maule. I enjoy any excuse to fly whether that’s working on the next rating or flying foster animals to new homes with non-profit groups. I am currently working on my ATP rating while also teaching tailwheel and seaplane courses. I look forward to giving other pilots these unique experiences”.
Tristan Weiss
“My name is Tristan Weiss. I’m from Doylestown, Pennsylvania and becoming a pilot has been my dream since I could remember. From my parents taking me to the Air and Space Museum when I was a little kid to playing on flight simulators at my grandfather’s house, aviation has always had my attention. After high school, I went to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida for 4 years and earned my degree in Aeronautical Science, as well as completing my commercial certificate, multi-engine, and instrument rating. Towards the end of my time at Embry Riddle, I decided to pursue my CFI certificate back home and found Fly Legacy aviation. I quickly realized how lucky I was to have found an incredible group of people who are all so helpful and encouraging. With the help of all these instructors and people I’ve met at Fly Legacy, I passed my CFI Checkride on Christmas eve of 2021. I still remember the feeling of my discovery flight years ago, so I’m incredibly excited to help give others that same feeling and work for the flight school that helped me get to where I am today”.
Jerin Thomas
“My Name is Jerin Mathew Thomas. Three years ago, I walked through the doors of Fly Legacy Aviation with a passion for becoming a pilot. Being a new immigrant from India, completely changing gears from computer science to aviation while working full-time jobs on the side, and putting down roots in a new country, following the dream of becoming a pilot was hard. But with continuous support from family, friends, and instructors, I was able to follow through my goals. Today, I am so honored to work as a flight instructor for Fly Legacy Aviation and am so excited to be a support system for others who want to pursue their goals in aviation”.
Carlos Lopes
“My name is Pedro Lopes. I was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal. I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising from the Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias. In 2010 I visited New York City and fell in love with the city so much that I moved there. As my first job in the US, I applied for a job as a flight attendant and it changed my life. I really enjoyed traveling and getting to work with customers but I was also really fascinated in the actual plane. After 10 years of working as a flight attendant for American Airlines I decided to take my curiosity for aviation to another level to become a pilot. I started my journey for the full time pilot course with Legacy at the beginning of 2020 and I couldn’t be happier with the help from my instructors and school staff who have helped me to get to this point. I look forward to being a supportive instructor to my future students and getting the chance to help them achieve their dreams”.
