Meet Our Instructors

Paul Shoemaker - CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP - Chief Flight Instructor

Paul began flying in his teens and received his initial advanced taining in the Air Force. Over the years his jobs included charter, airlines and corporate. During that time, Paul stayed active as an instructor which has always been his favorite type of flying.

John Pummel - CFI/CFII/MEI

John has been flying since 2003, and since then has learned an extensive amount of valuable information relative to the aviation industry. He proudly achieved all of his pilot ratings through Clearwater Aviation, and is honored to pass on his knowledge to the students he instructs. His future goal is to fly for an airline with the ratings, education and hands on experience he has been entrusted with from Clearwater Aviation Academy.

Josh Savage - CFI/CFII

Josh is originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts where he first recieved his private pilot's license at 17 years old. He then moved to Florida and attended Delta Connection Academy to recieve all of his ratings. Shortly thereafter, he joined Clearwater Aviation Academy as a flight instructor where he has proudly remained for the past two years. Josh's future goals are to one day fly for the airlines.

Christian Mejias - CFI/CFII

*GOLD SEAL INSTRUCTOR*

Christian first realized his passion for aviation at five years old, during his first flight aboard an airplane. From then on, he knew in his heart he wanted to become a pilot. At 16 years old, Christian attained his private pilot's license. Since then, he has continued on to achieve his Certified Flight Instructor's license and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. His passion for aviation has continued on with his students, and he excentuates the importance of perserverance and a simple love for flight in order to be successful in a career in aviation.

Don Lindsay - CFI/CFII

Bio not yet available.

Joseph Marshall - CFI

Joseph Marshall received his private pilot’s license during his senior year of high school in 2005 and continued his training during his initial years of college. He has worked in a diversity of aviation departments such as ground crew, customer relations and served as a Flight Operations Intern for Clearwater Aviation and Air America Flight Services where he performed a wide range of operational and flight duties.  Joseph received his Associates degree from St Petersburg College in Homeland Security and is currently in his senior year at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Professional Aeronautics.  

John Haverty - CFI

John has been a part of the Clearwater Aviation Team since January 2006. A long term resident of Pinellas County, John attended local schools and college. Heading towards the twilight of a thirty year Fire and Emergency Medical Service career, John continues to function as a BayFlite aero medical crew member in addition to his role as a Certified Flight Instructor for CAA. In the future a greater role with Clearwater Aviation is part of John’s plans, moving towards additional qualifications.

Jeff Dobbs - CFI/AGI

Jeff has been interested in the aviation industry as long as he can remember. Once his tour of duty was up in the Army in 2007, he began his flight training at Clearwater Aviation. His goal of being a flight instructor has now been fulfilled!

Matt White - CFI

Matt was born in Penasacola, FL and moved several times until he ultimately settled in St. Petersuburg at the age of eight. Upon graduation in 2006, Matt attended the University of South Florida and has since transferred to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he is attaining his bachelor's degree in Professional Pilot Technology. Matt has proudly completed all of his training at Clearwater Aviation Academy, from his private pilot's license to his Certified Flight Instructor's license.