Meet the Team

The team at Aviation Academy of Louisiana is made up of hand-selected commercial pilots, experienced flight instructors (CFI/CFII), licensed aircraft mechanics, and dedicated customer service representatives—all committed to providing top-tier flight training and support.

With a focus on safety, professionalism, and personalized instruction, every member plays a key role in ensuring your success, whether you're training in helicopters or airplanes, purchasing an aircraft, or maintaining your fleet.

Manager, ATP/CFI/CFI-I

Craig Simon

Assistant Manager, Commercial Airplane CFI, MEI

Kale LeBlanc

Assistant Manager, Commercial Airplane CFI, MEI

Chris Babin

Commercial Helicopter CFI, CFI-I

Carson Noriega

Craig has 2 decades of experience in aviation. ATP, CFI and CFI-I (certified flight instructor instrument) in helicopters. Commercially rated in single & multi engine airplanes, as well as CFI and CFI-I. He is also type rated in the Phenom 100 jet. He is honored to be certified by the FAA as a Gold Seal Instructor. McNeese State University has also awarded him a bachelors degree.

As a lifelong aviation enthusiast, and over 16 years in the oilfield industry running high paced around the clock operations, Kale supervises the behind the scenes happenings at Aviation Academy.

Chris is a dedicated pilot and flight instructor at Aviation Academy of Louisiana, inspired by his grandfather, a WWII US Marine Corps fighter pilot. A native of the Acadiana area and a USMC veteran, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He is an instrument-rated commercial airplane pilot with extensive experience in business operations and company management. Recently honored with Acadiana’s Top 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, Chris is known for his loyalty, honesty, and compassion.

Carson is recent college graduate and a helicopter flight instructor. He is also an instrument instructor.

Commercial Airplane CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Nick Manning

Commercial Airplane CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Andrew Broussard

Commercial Airplane CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Yehuda Lelah

Commercial Airplane CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Andrew Ripple

Nick is a commercially rated CFI, CFI-I and MEI. He is also type rated in the Phenom 100 jet. Formerly a paramedic, Nick brings a wealth of skills to his flight training.

Andrew is rated CFI, CFI-I and MEI as an airplane flight instructor, instrument flight instructor, and holds a bachelor degree from The University of Louisiana Lafayette in business. He is also type rated in the Phenom 100 jet.

Yehuda Lelah, a Los Angeles native, discovered his passion for aviation after studying computer engineering at Syracuse University. Returning to LA, he pursued his dream of flying and earned all his pilot ratings. Yehuda’s journey into aviation was shaped by the profound impact his own instructors had on him, and he strives to leave the same lasting impression on his students.
With a strong love for aviation and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of pilots, Yehuda is excited to share his knowledge and passion with those eager to take flight.

Andrew has always been passionate about aviation for as long as he can remember. Starting at a young age, he took his discovery flight at 16 years old and has since received his commercial and instructor certificates for both single and multi engine airplanes. With experience flying all across the Gulf and up the East Coast, Andrew offers great perspective to those looking to adventure out. As a proud LSU graduate, he is excited for the opportunity to spend more time in South Louisiana and to help train the newest generation of pilots.

Commercial Helicopter CFI

Derek Gaspard

Commercial Airplane CFI, Commercial Helicopter Pilot

John Wehrkamp

Commercial Helicopter CFI, CFI-I

Gianluca Mayer

Commercial Airplane CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Cade Bailey

Derek is an aviation enthusiast from Lafayette, LA, who has been passionate about aviation for over a decade. With six years of flying experience, he has gained expertise with multiple aircraft, including Bell, MD, and Robinson Helicopters. Derek is also the proud owner of Parish Pix, a Real Estate media business serving Lafayette and the surrounding areas. Beyond his professional pursuits, Derek enjoys the outdoors, creating video and photography content, playing basketball, and spending quality time with his wife Mikayla and their Goldendoodle, Krewe.

John is a first-generation pilot from Dayton, Ohio. His passion for aviation began early in his life, being from the birthplace of aviation. John attended Ohio University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. He was also commissioned as an Army Officer. His aviation career began after university when he attended Fort Novosel as an Army Aviator. He graduated from Army Flight School as an AH-64 Apache pilot and currently serves in the Texas National Guard. Apart from his professional aviation pursuits, John enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and working out.

Gianluca grew up in Switzerland, where he flew for more than 150 hours on the R22 and R44 and finished all the EASA ATPL Exams, before he decided to take his career to the United States. For the first five months he lived in Hawaii to complete his FAA licenses, from Commercial all the way to CFI-I. Gianluca loves teaching, where he can show his passion for aviation to other Aviation Academy students.

Cade Bailey is a first-generation pilot from Thibodaux, Louisiana, proudly serving as a Commercial Pilot Instructor at Aviation Academy of Louisiana. Demonstrating remarkable dedication and passion, Cade began his aviation training with unwavering commitment and successfully earned his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CFI-Instrument (CFI-I), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certifications within just one year. Driven by a desire to give back to the aviation community, Cade is passionate about training the next generation of pilots, sharing his expertise, and inspiring aspiring aviators to achieve their dreams in the skies.

Commercial Airplane CFI, Commercial Helicopter CFI

Hunter David

Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authority

Matt Prejean

Mechanic Helper

Aaron Mouton

Mechanic Helper

Josue Lima

Hunter David is a Commercial Airplane and Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at Aviation Academy of Louisiana. A native of the Acadiana area and a lifelong aviation enthusiast, Hunter brings a passion for flying and comprehensive expertise to his teaching. With dual CFI certifications, he provides top-quality training for both airplane and helicopter pilots. Known for his patient and supportive approach, Hunter is dedicated to helping students achieve their aviation dreams.

Matt is a licensed A&P (Airframe & Power Plant) mechanic with Inspection Authority. He was the 1st employee of Aviation Academy of Louisiana which goes to show, MAINTENANCE IS OUR TOP PRIORITY!

Aaron is a recent SLCC aviation maintenance technician graduate, who has earned his Airframe certification while pursuing Powerplant certifications. With a keen eye for attention to detail his main goal is to provide the highest quality maintenance to ensure a safe and fun flying experience.

Josue Lima, born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana, is currently an A&P apprentice. His passion for aviation took flight after a discovery flight at Aviation Academy of Louisiana, sparking his journey toward obtaining both his Private Pilot’s License and A&P certification. Eager to deepen his understanding of aircraft systems, technology, and navigation, Josue is dedicated to growing in the field. When he’s not focused on aviation, he enjoys playing basketball and going to the gym with friends.

Customer Experience Coordinator

Sydney King

Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authority

Matt Prejean

Mechanic Helper

Aaron Mouton

Mechanic Helper

Josue Lima

Sydney’s passion for aviation began at the age of 17 when she took her first flight lesson. Since then, she has been dedicated to mastering the skies and is currently working towards earning her many different pilot certificates. Aviation has evolved from a career path to a lifelong dream for her, and she is deeply committed to sharing this incredible journey with others. Sydney is especially passionate about inspiring young women to pursue careers in aviation, believing that the skies are open to everyone.

Matt is a licensed A&P (Airframe & Power Plant) mechanic with Inspection Authority. He was the 1st employee of Aviation Academy of Louisiana which goes to show, MAINTENANCE IS OUR TOP PRIORITY!

Aaron is a recent SLCC aviation maintenance technician graduate, who has earned his Airframe certification while pursuing Powerplant certifications. With a keen eye for attention to detail his main goal is to provide the highest quality maintenance to ensure a safe and fun flying experience.

Josue Lima, born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana, is currently an A&P apprentice. His passion for aviation took flight after a discovery flight at Aviation Academy of Louisiana, sparking his journey toward obtaining both his Private Pilot’s License and A&P certification. Eager to deepen his understanding of aircraft systems, technology, and navigation, Josue is dedicated to growing in the field. When he’s not focused on aviation, he enjoys playing basketball and going to the gym with friends.