Meriden Aviation Center is a centrally located Connecticut flight school serving the Meriden, Cheshire, Wallingford, Middlefield, Middletown area and beyond. We also have a sister school in New Haven, so we are convenient to you, and we can work with your available schedule! And because we are a Part 61 FAA school, we are more flexible and less structured; ideal if you are balancing training with work or family (or both).
We prioritize instructor quality, safety culture, and aircraft availability, all of which means you will have a great time, and get great training (including Garmin G430 GPS).

A little bit about the financials! We will not ask you to pay for your full tuition in advance. We prefer "pay-as-you-go" or small "block time" deposits, this way you are always in charge of your time and your commitments. We have no hidden fees, like landing or membership dues, and our flight rates always include fuel.

We are proud that our first-try pass rate for FAA checkrides is 89%.

The best place to start the process of getting your pilots license is with an discovery flight with one of our instructors.
We also provide:

• Redbird Simulator Training
• Introductory Flight
• Aircraft Rentals
• Gift Certificates
• GPS Training
• Advanced Training/Ratings

Meet the Team

• Hunter Ansich

  Operations Manager/ Chief CFI (CFI, CFII, MEI)
  Hunter's aviation career began with a unique start in rotorcraft, inspired by a high school friend. This initial experience ignited his passion for flying, leading him to transition to fixed-wing aircraft to complete all his ratings, with his sights set on a future in the airlines.
  Hunter has earned his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings with over 1,300 hours of flight time. He loves helping students succeed and takes great pride in creating new pilots. Hunter's teaching style is patient and supportive, ensuring that each student gains confidence and competence in their flying skills.
  In his free time, Hunter enjoys hunting, fishing, and working on cars.

• Brian Cooksey

  Regional Lead Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII)
  Brian is a highly experienced Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII) with over 1,500 hours of flight time. Known for his exceptional instructional skills, Brian takes the time to ensure his students fully understand the material and can succeed in their aviation endeavors.
  Brian's dedication to his students' success is evident in his patient and thorough teaching approach. He finds great satisfaction in helping aspiring pilots achieve their goals.
  In his free time, Brian enjoys fishing and hanging out with friends.

• Alex Tonioni

  Lead Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
  Alex’s passion for aviation has been a lifelong journey, deeply rooted in his upbringing. With a father working at Pratt and Whitney, Alex was surrounded by the world of aviation from an early age. His own journey into flying began with his first introductory flight, driven by his dream of becoming an airline pilot.
  Alex has earned his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings. As an instructor, he finds immense joy in watching his students progress and achieve their own aviation goals.
  Outside of teaching, Alex enjoys staying active at the gym, fishing, and spending quality time with friends and family.

• Cullen Dalton

  Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
  Cullen is a dedicated Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) who takes great pleasure in watching his students learn and understand the material he teaches. He aspires to grow alongside his students and eventually find himself at an airline.
  Cullen's commitment to his students' success is evident in his engaging and supportive teaching style. He finds great satisfaction in helping aspiring pilots achieve their goals.
  In his free time, Cullen enjoys reading and playing airsoft.

• Douglas Dringoli

  Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP)
  Douglas is a highly experienced Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII,MEI) and ATP-rated pilot, currently serving as a captain with an airline for the past 30 years. His extensive experience in aviation allows him to provide invaluable knowledge to both students and fellow instructors.
  Douglas's dedication to aviation education is evident in the wealth of expertise he shares, helping to shape the next generation of pilots.
  In his free time, Douglas enjoys working on planes and relaxing by the pool with his family.

• August Fritiz

  Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
  August Fritiz is a Certified Flight Instructor holding CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings, committed to guiding students toward safe and confident aviation careers. With expertise across single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument instruction, August brings both technical precision and an approachable teaching style to every lesson.
  Beyond the cockpit, August enjoys music and spending time at the gym, passions that reflect a balanced lifestyle and a dedication to discipline, focus, and personal growth. This combination of professional skill and personal drive makes August a dynamic mentor for aspiring pilots.