Our instructors are dedicated FAA Certified Flight Instructors with many years of teaching experience and are familiar with every aspect of island flying.

Mike Lauro (Chief Certified Flight Instructor)

Chief Instructor Pilot, Mike Lauro is a 35-year veteran pilot. The last 15 of these years were spent full time flight instructing with over 6000 hours flight instruction given. Mike was awarded the FAA designated Flight Instructor of the Year for Hawaii in 1999. He has been an island resident for 22 years with 7 years as a commercial tour pilot in Hawaii. Mike has honorably served our country for 12 years as a U.S. Air Force Captain.

Terry Way (Certified Flight Instructor)

Terry Way has been flying in Hawaii for over seven years. Terry originally received training for his private pilot from Mike Lauro at Tropicbird, and is now an Airline Transport Pilot and Master CFI with over 1000 hours of dual instruction given. Master CFIs have reached the highest level of instructional activity, educational experience, and professional service to the flight-training community---the true masters of aviation instruction. Terry is also a Cessna factory trained instructor - a CFAI. In addition to his teaching duties, He also flies island tours in Cessna Caravans for Big Island Air, and is a mission pilot and check pilot with the Civil Air Patrol. You will definitely enjoy flying with Terry. Besides being a highly qualified instructor, he is a very personable and friendly guy to know!

Isaac Reyes (Certified Flight Instructor)

Isaac began flying in 2003 out of Southern California. He has resided in Hawaii for 6 years and earned his instrument and commercial certifications right here at Tropicbird Flight Service. Most of Isaac’s cross country time has been logged across the Hawaiian channels from island to island, his favorite kind of flying. In addition to being a CFI, Isaac is an advanced ground instructor and the founder of Vortex Log – pilot logbook. Isaac also served honorably in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

Michael Anderson (Aircraft Maintenance Technician)

Michael Anderson is our awesome aircraft maintenance technician and has been working with us for over 8 years. Michael also has his own aviation maintenance company on the field and services everything from golf carts to private jets! Michael is one of those guys who takes extreme pride in his work. He is well known on the field for his quality work and attention to detail. All our local aircraft owners go to him for that personal care for their ships. He is a vital part of our Tropicbird team!