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. We’ve since evolved and expanded, seeking to reach the flying and non-flying public to positively impact the aviation culture.
Our club airplane is a 1961 Cessna 172B, with a brand-new overhauled engine and an upgraded avionics panel! In addition, our primary trainers are two Alto low-wing, roomy, fully glass panel aircraft, and 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.
Long-Term Vision
We seek to function as a faith-based educational, non-profit corporation that offers a unique culture of community engagement, camaraderie, and collaboration centered around safe, proficient, and fun flying. We think this can all be accomplished in a way that is cost-effective for both aspiring and current aerospace professionals. In the future, we hope to offer a multitude of services promoting aviation, entrepreneurship, and STEM career paths, particularly to disenfranchised communities. In this pursuit, our short list of goals includes offering flight training in an airplane and a ground-trainer simulator, UAS training, aviation maintenance, and furthering our promotion of general aviation awareness.
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 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).
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 Florida DMV, and I-75 Northbound
Hours | Mon-Sat 10am to 6pm
Contact | ricardoefoster@gmail.com or 813.445.8889
Team & Board
Leadership
Ricardo Foster
President
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.
Essi Tadrus
Chief Financial Officer
Essi Tadrus serves as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing all aspects of development, and is responsible for the fiscal health of the organization. Tadrus’s background includes senior leadership positions in a variety of high growth businesses. His early career in the restaurant industry began at nineteen. Developing restaurant brands, consumer product goods and private label food services.
In subsequent senior roles, he was responsible for the rapid growth of numerous enterprises, including indirect cellular stores, convience stores, directional drilling companies.
With strong Christian values; Essi Tadrus has dedicated his philanthropy to non profits , homeless shelters, business schools and is passionate about sharing his entrepreneurial journey through mentoring and teaching.
Advisory Board
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
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.
Yvette
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and Civil Air Patrol volunteer, Yvette became interested in aviation through her son’s desire to fly. Fueled by a love of God and country, she plays an active role in encouraging children to become successful professionals in aviation and beyond.
David Bridges
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
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
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
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
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.
David Akers
David founded Aviation Kids USA, Inc. to inspire young Americans to pursue careers in aerospace. He is a C-suite executive, working with small, non-traditional businesses to support governmental organizations including the military. He’s also a Commercial Pilot and veteran of both the Army and Marine Corps.
Rob Seriff (Honorary Member)
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!
Jake Roach
An airline pilot and flight instructor, Jake is also the co-founder of an aviation mentorship and online ground school program that promotes a fundamentals-based education.
Bill Ramey
Bill started flying in 1999 and soloed in September of the same year. His professional background is in Information Technology and Real Estate. He shares his passion for aviation with his two daughters and family and with others through his work with Infinity Aero Club. He is also a member and volunteer with the EAA Young Eagles.
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.