Congratulations to our Spring 2022 Polk State Flight Team officers who were elected by their teammates. We’re thrilled to have this talented group lead our squad to National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) nationals for the first time in our college and program’s history. We’ll be competing with the nation’s best at Ohio State University in May.
Michael Pavlik (Captain) – Michael leads our group and served as our team’s secretary last year. He originally joined the team in 2020. A Commercial Pilot and mechanic who is currently pursuing his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate this semester, Michael is also completing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Sciences. He is originally from Fallbrook, California, and is a veteran of the United States Navy.
Nik Schiaffo (First Officer – Flight) – Nik is our longest-tenured team member and organizes all of our flight practices. A team member since he arrived at Polk State from Georgetown, Texas in 2018, he previously served as our First Officer – Ground. Nik is a Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and was the pilot flying for the duo which placed 2nd in team traditional navigation at the 2021 NIFA Regionals, the best flight event finish in team history. He also finished 10th individually in computer accuracy at the 2020 NIFA regional competition.
Tyler Koonce (First Officer – Ground) – Tyler is in his second year with the Flight Team and organizes all ground practices. An instrument rated private pilot, he is completing his commercial training this semester and will graduate with a degree in Professional Pilot Science in May. Tyler was the navigation pilot of the tandem which placed 2nd in team traditional navigation at the 2021 NIFA Regionals, the top flight event finish in program history. He also serves as our team’s social media and website director. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University and previously worked in public relations and communications for professional and collegiate sports teams and a Fortune 500 company.
Adrian Quichocho (Secretary) – Adrian joined the Flight Team in 2021 and serves as team secretary, coordinating various administrative tasks. Adrian is a Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves who is originally from Chalan Pago, Guam. He placed 4th in Preflight Inspection & 8th in Power-Off Landing at the NIFA Region IX competition. Adrian works as a flight instructor at International Aero Academy at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL).