Not Your Average Flight School
Accelerate your career
Get real-world experience
Access our aviation network
Flying is your passion.
You deserve a school that honors that.
Too many flight schools treat flight training as a pilot assembly line. You deserve more than that.
At Berichi, we prioritize safety and skill to ensure every pilot that graduates is successful, confident and exceptionally employable the moment they graduate.
About Berichi Aviation
Berichi Aviation, a fully accredited FAA Part 141 flight school, is the exclusive Cessna Pilot Center at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. We are focused on producing the best and safest pilots, which is reflected in our 100% safety record and 100% job placement rate. We have never had an accident. We are also Veterans Affairs approved and Florida Department of Education approved.
The Flight Instructors at Berichi Aviation are comprised of former U.S. Military, Charter, and the top Professional Flight Instructors in the training industry. The team at Berichi Aviation has created a successful corridor for student pilots to enter a career as a professional pilot with the best training possible, at an affordable cost.
We are partnered/approved with over 50 colleges and universities on handshake throughout the United States, posting jobs and internships for qualified college students and alumni. We are also partnered with two financial institutions that provide loans for our students for all ratings, including housing and living expense stipends.
We are currently the highest paying flight school in South Florida. Thus, after completion of flight training, students are able to work as flight instructors and usually pay back their principal investment in less than 18 months, working as a full-time flight instructor, which is also when they usually reach the 1500 hours of flight time they need to apply to regional airlines.
Berichi Aviation has been featured on the Science Channel flying our Cessna Station Air and on Textron’s Instagram in our new Skyhawks.
Let’s fly!
What You Get with Berichi Aviation
Skyrocket your career with the expert training, facilities, and curriculum at Berichi
State-of-the-art
Fleet
Expert Instructors
Real-World Experience
Personalized Approach
Fly with Experts
Meet Your Instructors
Dr. Charlie Berichi
President & Chief Flight Instructor | Professor of Criminal Justice
Dr. Charlie Berichi is a nationally recognized aviation leader, decorated flight instructor, and respected academic in the field of criminal justice. As President and Chief Flight Instructor of Berichi Aviation, Dr. Berichi brings a rare combination of elite aviation expertise and a deep commitment to public service through education, mentorship, and law enforcement engagement. With over 9,000 hours of flight time and the highest certifications in aviation, he is widely regarded as a legendary figure in modern flight instruction.
Education
- Ph.D., International Crime and Justice – Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL
- Master of Public Administration – Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Boca Raton, FL
- Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Boca Raton, FL
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Law Enforcement Certification – Seminole State College (SSC), Sanford, FL
Academic and Public Service Leadership
In addition to leading Berichi Aviation, Dr. Berichi serves as a Professor of Criminal Justice at Florida International University. He teaches core courses such as Comparative Criminal Justice Systems and Introduction to Criminal Justice, inspiring the next generation of public safety professionals. His interdisciplinary expertise in both criminal justice and aviation uniquely positions him to foster collaboration between civil society and law enforcement communities.
As the former Elected Student Body Governor at Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton Campus, Dr. Berichi demonstrated early leadership and a longstanding commitment to student advocacy and academic excellence.
Aviation Credentials & Certifications
Dr. Berichi holds some of the most advanced and prestigious credentials in the aviation industry:
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) – Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL), Airplane Multi-Engine Land (AMEL), and Helicopter
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Gold Seal CFI, CFI-Instrument, Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), Helicopter Instructor, and Helicopter Instrument Instructor
- Commercial Pilot – Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES)
- Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic
- Type Ratings – EMB-505, HA-420, SF-50, G-1159
With expertise across jet aircraft, turboprops, and turbine helicopters, Dr. Berichi is a highly sought-after instructor and mentor in all stages of flight training, from private pilot to advanced turbine operations.
Law Enforcement Engagement & Community Impact
Dr. Berichi is the founder of a groundbreaking initiative—the Law Enforcement Aviation Scholarship Program—developed in collaboration with the Davie Police Department and the North Palm Beach Police Department. This first-of-its-kind program provides flight training scholarships to exemplary law enforcement officers, empowering them to pursue careers in aviation while reinforcing trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
This visionary program represents a significant stride in community policing, aviation outreach, and public safety workforce development. It is a cornerstone of Berichi Aviation’s mission to support those who serve and protect.
Aviation Safety Advocate & Industry Mentor
A staunch advocate for aviation safety, Dr. Berichi is an active member of several professional aviation organizations, including AOPA, MMOPA, TBMOPA, HJOPA, and VPO. He is a regular presenter at flight instructor safety seminars and has mentored countless pilots across a wide array of aircraft and mission profiles.
Dr. Charlie Berichi’s legacy is one of unmatched excellence in flight training, visionary public service, and enduring contributions to aviation education and law enforcement development. Under his leadership, Berichi Aviation continues to define and deliver the highest standards in professional flight instruction—empowering the next generation of aviators and public safety professionals.
Certificates:
- ATP (AMEL & ASEL)
- CFI/CFI-I/MEI Gold Seal
- Commercial ASES
- Helicopter
- A&P Mechanic
Type Ratings:
- EMB-505
- HA-420
- SF-50
- G-1159
Razi Mahdavi
Executive Assistant to the President
Razi, a seasoned law firm administrative assistant, has enhanced our pilot training programming with her inventive project management abilities. Razi is extensively traveled, having lived in Iran and New Zealand prior to relocating to the United States. Her expertise includes anti-money laundering analysis and senior consultancy in the banking sector.
Donnie Ditty
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Donnie Ditty has been working on and around aircraft since 1967. He served as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician in the US Marine Corps and a Pilot in the US Army. Donnie has his Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics.
- Airline Transport Pilot (AMEL)
- Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine
- Commercial Pilot Airplane Multi Engine
- Instrument Airplane
- Certified Flight Instructor ASEL
- Certified Flight Instructor MEL
- Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument Airplane
David Scranton
FAA Certified Flight Instructor
David Scranton has always had a passion for teaching — from instructing flights to teaching consumers about the importance of investing as a Financial Advisor. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Financial Services. David now accumulates his hours of flight time jetting back and forth to manage his companies in Connecticut and Florida.
- Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine
- Commercial Pilot Multi Engine
- Instrument Airplane
- Certified Flight Instructor Airplane
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane
Anton Riegger
FAA Certified Flight Instructor
• Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument
Type Ratings:
- SF-50
Jack Jergovich
FAA Certified Flight Instructor
Jack Jergovich is an FAA-certified flight instructor with a background in corporate consulting. Born and raised in Michigan, his passion for aviation began in a 1957 Cessna 150, flying alongside his grandfather. His first career took him to Austin, Texas, where he later pursued his aviation training with ATP. Jack now holds Commercial Pilot certificates for both single and multi-engine airplanes, along with Instrument and Certified Flight Instructor (ASEL, MEL, Instrument) ratings. He finds fulfillment in helping aspiring pilots build confidence and skills as they work toward their aviation dreams.
Dr. Jake McKindles
FAA Certified Flight Instructor
Dr. Jake McKindles is an FAA Certified Flight Instructor with a background in audiology. He was born and raised in Mesa, AZ and later moved to South Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University. After graduating in 2020, he worked as an audiologist in South Florida before pursuing his true passion for flying.
McKindles obtained his flight training and certifications at Berichi Aviation, where he graduated in the top 5% of his Flight Instructor Class. He holds the following certifications: Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine, Commercial Pilot Multi Engine, Instrument Airplane, Certified Flight Instructor Airplane, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane.
His exceptional performance and skills led to his selection to join the prestigious Berichi Aviation Instructional Team. As a flight instructor, Dr. McKindles is responsible for training and guiding aspiring pilots in their journey towards becoming licensed pilots.
Rohan Vazirani
Instructor In Charge (INC) | FAA Certified Flight Instructor | Progress Check Instructor
Divyesh Rohan Lalit Vazirani, known as Rohan, is a dedicated flight instructor currently pursuing his B.S. in Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Rohan’s passion for aviation began at the age of three when he first realized that people could fly planes. He has been flying since January 2020, steadily building his skills and experience in the cockpit.
Before dedicating himself to aviation, Rohan was an accomplished professional swimmer. He achieved national champion status in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, competing both in indoor swimming and open water events. Rohan raced against European champions and Olympic gold medalists, demonstrating his exceptional athletic abilities on an international stage.
In 2020, Rohan faced a significant decision: continue his rigorous training for the 2024 Olympics or pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. After careful consideration, he chose to follow his passion for aviation, seeking a stable and rewarding career in the skies.
Rohan brings a unique blend of athletic discipline and technical expertise to his role as a flight instructor. His journey from a national champion swimmer to a dedicated aviator is a testament to his determination and love for flying. He is committed to providing his students with a supportive and engaging learning environment, helping them achieve their own aviation dreams.
- SF-50
Alexander Llewellyn
FAA Certified Flight Instructor
Alexander, a native of South Florida, developed a deep love for aviation that led him to his true vocation. Transitioning from a thriving career in construction management, he found his calling in the skies. With over 2000 flight hours under his belt, more than 800 of which were spent navigating his complex high-performance Mooney across the skies from Georgia to Pennsylvania, Alexander brings a wealth of experience and boundless enthusiasm to his position as a Certified Flight Instructor at Berichi Aviation. Committed to creating a supportive and invigorating learning atmosphere, he empowers students to chase their aviation aspirations with confidence. Alexander completed his MULTI ENGINE COMMERCIAL ADD-ON, CFI, and CFI-I ADD-ON with Chief Instructor Berichi and has been a top instructor at Berichi Aviation for years.
Dr. Thomas Correa
Progress Check Instructor
- CFI/CFI-I/MEI/ATP
- Learjet Instructor
- 135 Charter Captain
- Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine
- Commercial Pilot Airplane Multi Engine
- Instrument Airplane
- Certified Flight Instructor ASEL
- Certified Flight Instructor MEL
- Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument
Daniel Diamond
Progress Check Instructor
Daniel Diamond has loved flying since he was a teenager, flying remote control planes and helicopters as a hobby. He started training in college, and shortly after received his wings. Daniel has a Bachelors in Business Administration with a specialty in Aviation Management.
- ATP
- CFI/CFII/MEI
- AGI/IGI
- ADX
- A&P/IA
- sUAS
- Certified Flight Instructor Airplane
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane
Richard Sack
Fort Lauderdale Tower Manager (ret.)
Richard Sack has been flying safely since 1985 and is a Commercial, CFI, CFII, MEI, and a Cirrus Standardized instructor pilot CSIP. Rich has type ratings in the CE500 series, C525, CL30, and LRJT. He joined the FAA in 1989 and has worked for 33 years as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in South Florida, including PMP, FXE, and MIA ATCTs, and is presently the Air Traffic Manager for FLL ATCT.
• Commercial Pilot Airplane Single Engine
• Commercial Pilot Airplane Multi Engine
• Instrument Airplane
• Certified Flight Instructor ASEL
• Certified Flight Instructor MEL
• Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument
Grow a successful career in aviation.
Move your future forward in three simple steps:
Our friendly staff is here to answer your questions so that you can make the right decision when it comes to selecting the right flight school for you.
Our dedicated instructors work with your schedule so that you can reach your goals on time and in your budget. You’ll go from 0 hours to ATP and beyond in no time.
3. Start your career with confidence
Become a safe and proficient pilot. With our 100% placement rate and airline connections, we’ll help you take the stress out of landing your first airline job.