About

GLAV was created to offer quality flight instruction that fits the needs of the aspiring and seasoned aviators of mid-michigan. GLAV is made up of students at various institutions and seasoned veterans in the airlines and charter business. Each of our instructors are motivated to give you the attention you need and deserve.

GLAV is located in the main terminal building at Fitch H Beach Airport in Charlotte.

Our Flight Instructors:

Patrick Retzer is always staying busy, usually with aviation, when not spending time with family in his hometown of Charlotte, or working full time at Summit Polymers as a Manufacturing Engineer.  You can contact him at (517) 303-1518 or  Patrick@GreatLakesAirVentures.com

Seth Bender is a career contract and corporate pilot for a number of aircraft in mid-Michigan. His wide range of experiences make him a valuable asset to develop our younger CFI's and students at GLAV as our Chief Flight Instructor. You can contact him at Seth@GreatLakesAirVentures.com

Andrea Finizio is both a single and multi-engine instructor here at GLAV, and a recent graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Aviation Administration . GLAV is excited to have Andrea taking an active role in the day to day activities as Director of Operations. You can contact Andrea at Andrea@GreatLakesAirVentures.com

Brad Ziemer is a flight instructor from Lansing, Michigan.  In addition to his work at GLAV, he also is employed as Chief Flight Instructor on the east side of the state. Brad is a great instructor and you can contact Brad at Brad@GreatLakesAirVentures.com

Kevin Ruane is a single-engine instructor here at GLAV, as well as an instructor at WMU's College of Aviation, and a graduate of WMU in Kalamazoo.  Kevin is originally from Chicago. You can contact him at KRuane@Gmail.com

You can view a picture of each of our instructors below.