FLIGHT
TRAINING & FERRY
Beyond the checklist. Master the art of flight with an instructor who brings a lifetime of leadership and educational expertise to every lesson.
Book a Discovery Flight
Your first step into the pilot’s seat.
02
Come to the Airport
Arrive at Winter Haven Regional Airport a few minutes early to check in and get settled.
03
Meet Your Flight Instructor
Meet Steve Watson, review the plan for your flight, and ask any questions before you go.
04
Take to the Skies
Preflight, take the controls with your instructor beside you, and experience the joy of flight over Central Florida.
Services
Flight Training
Primary and commercial flight instruction tailored to your pace and mission. Earn your private and commercial certificates with technical precision and safety-first methodology.
Flight Reviews and Rusty Pilots are welcome! It's easier than you think -- let's get you flying again!
Ferry Pilot
Professional aircraft relocation across the continental US. Our ferry pilots are highly experienced in various airframes, ensuring your aircraft is delivered safely, efficiently, and with meticulous attention to detail.
High Performance / Complex Checkout
Transition into high-performance and complex aircraft with our expert-led checkouts. Understand the nuances of retractable gear, constant-speed propellers, and higher airspeeds in a professional environment.
Learn from an experienced leader and educator with real-world flight experience—not someone rushed through a pilot mill who is using you to build time.
Why SWAT Aviation is Different
Training for real-world flying at YOUR pace, not a pilot mill.
Tailor your training to your mission, whether that’s business flying, family trips, backcountry, or career-building time.
We don’t scoff at flight reviews or rusty pilots. If you’ve been out of the cockpit, let’s get you back flying with confidence.
ABOUT SWAT AVIATION
From the DMV to Central FL
Steve Watson’s aviation roots are in the Northeast, earning his Private Pilot Certificate in Manassas, VA (KHEF), his Instrument Rating in Morristown, NJ (KMMU), and his Commercial and CFI Certificates in Bartow, FL (KBOW).
Today, he operates out of Winter Haven (KGIF) in partnership with Synergy Aero and instructs independently at other airports throughout Central Florida.
Schedule your Discovery Flight with Steve here!
More Than a Pilot
Outside the cockpit, Steve was a storyteller and an educator. From TV news in Syracuse, NY to executive roles in EdTech and Virtual Reality, Steve has spent his career finding better ways to teach and train.
Why I Teach
"I love the magic of the first flight. When you can see the excitement turn to the realization that they can actually achieve their dream of becoming a pilot." Whether it’s taking family up the Hudson River to see the Statue of Liberty or touring the Shenandoah Valley with friends, seeing the world from 3,000 feet never gets old.
For the Alphabet-Soup Fans:
CFI, AGI, IGI, CSEL, CMEL, HP, CMPLX, TW, sUAS
Follow the Adventure
Get in Touch
PHONE
LOCATION
Winter Haven Regional Airport
2073 US-92, Winter Haven, FL 33881
FERRY PILOT • CENTRAL FLORIDA FLIGHT TRAINING •