A Flying Club on a Mission
In 2018, a group of pilot-friends unofficially started our own local flying club (Tampa North Aero Club) headquartered at Tampa North Aeropark (X39). At the time, the flying club existed only to promote and share flying within a group of friends, and not externally to the non-flying public. Since 2020, we’ve expanded our reach to engage youth, military families, veterans, and individuals with pathways in aviation, entrepreneurship, and STEM here.
As a nonprofit educational organization, we foster community, collaboration, and a culture of safe, fun, and affordable flying. Our programs include flight training, FAA-certified BATD simulator sessions, drone (sUAS/UAV) training, aviation maintenance, youth aircraft factory (kit-aircraft building), STEM Career Pathways and initiatives that promote general aviation awareness—particularly within underserved communities here.
Our club airplane is a 1961 Cessna 172B, with a brand-new zero-timed overhauled engine and a soon to be upgraded avionics panel! In addition, we’ve a Pietenpol open-cockpit, tail-wheel aircraft.
Infinity Aero Club Tampa Bay, Inc is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit educational organization and all contributions are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. You may view our proof of exemption here.
Our Vision
Infinity Aero Club Tampa Bay (iACT) is dedicated to empowering underserved and underrepresented communities through the transformative power of Aviation, STEM education, and Entrepreneurship (STEMAviA). Since 2020, iACT has impacted more than 200,000 individuals through flight training, STEM education, mentorship, and workforce development programs. Our purpose is to inspire, train, and launch the next generation of aviators, innovators, and entrepreneurs by breaking financial and systemic barriers that limit access to aviation, STEM, and business opportunities—for youth, veterans, and individuals in underserved communities. Looking ahead, our vision is to impact over 1 million lives by 2030 through hands-on aviation and aerospace training, entrepreneurship education, and workforce development initiatives—building a diverse pipeline of future pilots, engineers, and industry leaders here.
Through hands-on experiences, community partnerships, and innovative programs, iACT expands access to aviation and STEM while equipping participants to lead and innovate in global industries. Over the past five years, our CEO has secured more than $750,000 in funding and now leads the Flight Plan 2030 global outreach campaign—aimed at impacting one million lives through the Red Tail Roost Flying Aviation Tribute: Hidden Treasures Tour across local, national, and international communities here.
About Ricardo
In July 1983, Ricardo arrived in Brooklyn New York from Jamaica, West Indies. In 1990, after completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy where, after ten years, he was selected for an officer commissioning program; serving an additional 18 years. In late 2018, Ricardo retired from the U.S. naval service as a Lieutenant Commander, after serving his country with distinction and honor as a naval intelligence officer. He transitioned from military service and embarked on a career as a real estate investor, military consultant, and social justice entrepreneur.
Ricardo’s entrepreneurial successes involved owning, mentoring, and collaborating on twenty start-up businesses over the span of 33 years. Currently, his day-to-day activities involve working as a military consultant, directing and managing three companies: a national security and homeland defense consulting company, a not-for-profit aviation flying club, and a real estate investment firm specializing in vacation rentals and new home construction.
Ricardo’s current passion and focus have been working to collaborate in partnership with local government and businesses on making aviation, STEM, and entrepreneurship-focused outreach programs more accessible and affordable to socially and economically disadvantaged communities while providing aviation-themed STEM programs within his flying club at the Tampa North Aero Park (X39) here.
Ricardo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation, and a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, and has completed coursework to pursue his Doctorate in Business Administration. He is a member of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida, and has three children and two grandchildren.
Location
Infinity Aero Club Tampa Bay
4639 Birdsong Blvd
Lutz, FL 33559
We’re located at the Tampa North Aero Park (X39), adjacent to the Florida DMV, and I-75 Northbound
Hours | Mon-Sat 10am to 5pm
Contact | info@infinityaeroclubtampa.org | 813-445-8889
Team & Board
Leadership
Ricardo Foster, LCDR USN (Ret.)
President & CEO
Ricardo is a U.S. Navy Veteran, business mentor, motivational speaker, and manages three organizations: a national security and homeland defense consulting company, a real estate investment firm, and the Infinity Aero Club. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation and a Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Ricardo’s current passion and focus have been working to collaborate in partnership with local government and businesses on making aviation-focused outreach programs more accessible and affordable to socially and economically disadvantaged communities worldwide.
LaToya McBean: A Pillar of Strength for Businesses and Family Ventures
Chief Financial Officer
LaToya McBean is a dynamic force in the world of commercial lending and real estate investment, deeply rooted in her Guyanese heritage and shaped by her formative years in London. Her journey of ambition and growth flourished in NYC, where she pursued excellence at NYU. Now residing in Tampa, FL, LaToya is a visionary leader at the helm of Scale-It Capital and AEGE Capital. Through Scale-It Capital, she specializes in commercial business lending, orchestrating syndications with other private investment banks to empower startups and small businesses. AEGE Capital extends her influence into the real estate sector, providing crucial funding for both residential and commercial projects.
Beyond her professional endeavors, LaToya embodies the heart of a devoted wife and mother, cheering on her two boys in soccer and football with unmatched enthusiasm. Her life is a vibrant mosaic of passions, from immersing herself in the latest literary works to crafting memorable family getaways, exploring international flavors, and grooving to reggae rhythms.
LaToya’s unwavering vision extends beyond business success; she is committed to leveling the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Her mission is to not only finance dreams but also to nurture a community where minority businesses thrive and create enduring impacts.
Hopeton Smalling
Vice President
An award-winning educator, Hopeton currently serves as the functional business analyst for institutional effectiveness and assessment at Syracuse University. His career reflects over fifteen years in higher education. He holds an M.B.A. from Le Moyne College, earned his Ed.S. from Liberty University, and is completing his Ph.D.
Courtland Savage
Board Advisor
Courtland founded Fly For The Culture to promote aviation diversity after military service which was marked by a significant lack of diversity. He earned his Private Pilot’s license as a high school senior, then served as an Air Force C-17 Crew Chief and U.S. Navy Winged Naval Aviator, flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
David Bridges
Board Advisor
David is a Boeing 767 Captain and Check Airmen, former Boeing 747 Captain, Marine Corps veteran, Spartan College Graduate and an avid supporter of aviation mentorship.
David Moffit
Board Advisor
David is a real-estate developer, and community-focused husband and father. A pilot since age 17, he knows that a pilot’s license makes for well-rounded individuals, whether they make a career of it or not.
Frank Fitzgerald
Board Advisor
Frank is a veteran entrepreneur specializing in the import and distribution of decorative lighting. He was previously a firefighter in New York.
Committee Members
Mike Ojo
Board Advisor
Michael is a digital entrepreneur and private pilot. Since becoming a pilot Michael has put more focus on building an online presence for the aviation community through video and social media marketing.
Jordan Kowenski
Certified Flight Instructor
Jordan is a former flight instructor, airline pilot, and Coast Guard veteran. Presently, he operates UAV’s for a Tampa-based survey firm, in a mission focused on photogrammetry and LiDAR.
Rob Seriff (Honorary Member)
Certified Flight Instructor
A Private Pilot since 1978, Rob has logged over 1,000 hours as a flight instructor, flown gliders in Europe, built a Seaplane, and flown in the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. He volunteers with the EAA to share aviation with others!
Caden Walker
Pilot, Executive Assistant & Training Officer
Caden is a private and remote pilot currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As a recipient of the Tuskegee Airmen “1st Top Gun Trophy” Scholarship, he is actively working toward his instrument rating with the goal of becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. In his role as Executive Assistant and Training Officer, Caden supports all facets of our Aviation and STEM Career Pathways Program.
Volunteers
Lavette Jones
Supporting her brother’s interest in flying, Lavette joined the Civil Air Patrol in 2017. Her aviation interest grew after her first flight. As a volunteer she helps other young people discover their hidden passion for aviation.
Samuel Jones
Samuel took his first flight at nine years old, and has a natural love of aviation. A Civil Air Patrol member for over four years, he’s had the unique opportunity to fly and assist in ground team missions.
