Bartow Flying Service

07/31/2026

🎉 Congratulations 🎉

Sofia Ayers passed her commercial pilot check-ride in ! Sofia is a valued member of the Bartow Airport family not only as a dedicated flight student but also as a volunteer who is always willing to give back. Her hard work, commitment, and passion for aviation have led to this outstanding achievement, and we couldn’t be more proud.

Congratulations, Sofia! We can’t wait to see where your aviation journey takes you next. Blue skies and tailwinds! 👏

: Cole Robinson & Scott Larson
: Chuck Brown

07/31/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our newest pilot! 🎉

Robert Konger passed his private pilot check-ride today in .

: Eliab Zizelman ez.pilot
: Chuck Brown

07/22/2026

Drop off a donation to our box and we will give you a limited edition sticker!

🚌 The bus is here. Now let's fill it!

Today marks the official kickoff of our Stuff the Bus campaign, and we're inviting our community to help local students start the school year with confidence.

For many families, the cost of school supplies adds up quickly. By donating new backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, folders, and other classroom essentials, you're helping ensure students have the tools they need to learn from day one.

Every donation, whether it's one pack of pencils or a backpack full of supplies, makes a difference.

📍 Drop off new school supplies at the Bartow Chamber or any participating collection location throughout the campaign.

Together, we can make sure every student is ready for a successful school year. Let's Stuff the Bus! 🎒📚💛

(Link to the Amazon Registry in the comments.)

07/02/2026

Our climbs don’t require cardio.

06/24/2026

🚨 COMMUNITY INPUT NEEDED 🚨

After extensive meetings, multiple committee reviews, and what may have been one too many energy drinks, our Airside Ops team has narrowed down several possible new uniform concepts. Safety, visibility, comfort, and “making a statement” were all considered.

Current finalists include:

🟡 Alpine Airside Division
🟡 Kilted & Fueled
🟡 Fuel Centurions
🟡 Spartan Service Team
🟡 The Fuel Corsairs

Please help us make this very serious decision by voting in the comments below. Bonus points for creative new ideas.

Disclaimer: Spouses, coworkers, and common sense have already expressed concerns.

06/18/2026

All of us at Bartow Executive Airport are heartbroken by the loss of Cole Robinson. At just 23 years old, Cole had already achieved more than many accomplish in a lifetime, and he had become family to all of us.

Cole's journey at Bartow Executive Airport began when he was just 17 years old as a flight school James C. Ray scholarship student pursuing his dream of becoming a professional pilot. From the very beginning, his determination, work ethic, and passion for aviation set him apart. What started as a young man's dream grew into a remarkable aviation career that inspired everyone around him.

Cole completed his first solo flight on November 29, 2019, and earned his Private Pilot License on November 2, 2020. After graduating from high school, he joined the Bartow Executive Airport team as an Airside Operations Technician on February 13, 2023. He served in that role until July 24, 2025, becoming a familiar face on the airport and earning the respect and friendship of coworkers, tenants, customers, and fellow aviators alike.

While working at the airport, Cole continued pursuing his aviation goals with unwavering determination. He earned his Instrument Rating on February 22, 2024, his Commercial Pilot Certificate on July 22, 2024, and his Multi-Engine Rating on November 16, 2024. He also excelled academically, graduating cm laude from Polk State College with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace sciences.

In July 2025, Cole achieved one of his proudest accomplishments when he became a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI). He conducted his first flight lesson as a CFI on July 29, 2025, beginning a new chapter dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of aviators. Teaching came naturally to Cole because he never forgot what it felt like to be a student chasing a dream. He was patient, encouraging, and genuinely invested in the success of those around him.

Many of us had the privilege of watching Cole grow from a teenage flight student into a professional aviator, instructor, and colleague. We celebrated his milestones with him, watched him overcome challenges, and witnessed firsthand the dedication that fueled his success. His accomplishments were impressive, but it was his character that made him truly special.

Cole was known for his positive attitude, humility, kindness, and willingness to help others. He brought energy and enthusiasm to everything he did and had a way of making people feel welcome and valued. Whether he was working on the ramp, studying for his next check ride, or teaching a student pilot, Cole approached every opportunity with professionalism and genuine passion.

The entire Bartow Executive Airport family extends our deepest condolences to Cole's family, friends, students, and loved ones. We are grateful for the time we shared with him and for the lasting impact he made on our airport community. His dedication to aviation, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for others will not be forgotten.

Cole Robinson will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the Bartow Executive Airport family.

06/05/2026

🎉NEW CFI🎉

Congratulations Ryan Johnson passed his CFI checkride today in !

Your perseverance and dedication have led to this well earned achievement. Welcome to the instructor side of the cockpit.

: John McCaskill
: Chuck Brown