Meet the Team

A man standing next to a small blue and white airplane with the tail number N20364 on a paved airstrip, holding a paper and pointing to the plane under a clear blue sky.

Instructor: Sy Wilkins

Founder

Hi! I am an independent flight instructor and the founder of Wilkins Aviation Co., LLC. I started instructing because of a long-built-up passion I've had for teaching. 

I served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman for six years. During that time, I had the pleasure of teaching Combat Life Saving skills to Marines. Furthermore, while on deployment to Okinawa, Japan, I had the opportunity to teach English in my free time to local base employees. As soon as I began pursuing a career in aviation, I knew I wanted to become an instructor so that I could teach the future generation of aviators. 

Since I began my aviation journey, I've obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Aviation from Liberty University (May 2026), Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, and Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. I continue to work towards additional ratings, certificates, and licenses that will expand my skills and increase my professional capabilities.

My favorite mantra: 

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

Small white aircraft parked on tarmac with sunset and cloudy sky in background.

N3511K

The Aircraft

This Piper Cherokee 140 (150 HP) is more than just a training aircraft, it's the realization of a lifelong dream. Owning an airplane has been a goal of mine since I was a kid, and after three years of searching, I finally found the right one. 

Equipped with a simple, reliable instrument panel and an IFR-approved Bendix King KLN94 GPS, this aircraft is perfectly suited for both training and practical, real-world flying. While a fresh paint job is on the horizon, she's already a beautiful, dependable airplane that I'm proud to fly and teach in.