Rob Ceravolo, President/CEO/Line Pilot

Rob, a Fort Lauderdale native and University of Florida grad, flew the F-14 Tomcat in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM onboard the USS Roosevelt, and was awarded two Air Medals for his missions over Iraq. You may have caught a glimplse of his jet when he flew the last F-14 flyby for the Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea Show prior to transitioning to the F-18 Super Hornet. A current F-5 Adversary Instructor and TOPGUN graduate, Rob continues to serve as a Naval Reservist flying fighters in paradise. When he's not tearing up the skies in a fighter jet or a seaplane, Rob enjoys free-diving, diving, spearfishing, paddleboarding, skydiving and motorcycles.

 

Nick Veltre, Vice President of Maintenance/Line Pilot

Nick spent 6 years flying missions as a Crew Chief on CH-53E helicopters. As a member of the 31st Marine Expedition Unit Nick flew humanitarian relief missions all over the South Pacific! As a civilian Nick earned Flight Instructor ratings (CFI CFII and MEI) in both land aircraft and seaplanes and instructed at the world famous Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base in Winter Haven, Florida!The instructors at Jack Brown’s are sought after by seaplane airlines around the world! Living in Key West with his wife, Jayme, and being a part of Tropic Ocean Airways continues to be a remarkable experience. When not flying, Nick and Jayme enjoys pasta Sundays and spending time with their extremely lazy but ridiculously cute dog Chance.

 

 

Steve Harris, Vice President of Operations/Line Pilot

Steve flew the Navy P-3 Orion for twenty years before retiring a Commander. As a civilian, Steve served as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Chief Pilot and an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA's Washington, D.C. office before joining Tropic.

 

 

Adam Schewitz, Chief Instructor/Line Pilot

A seaplane flight instructor with a B.S. in Aviation Management from Florida Institue of Technology, Adam also instructed at the world famous Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base. With experience flying amphibious Caravan’s for an airline in New York's east river and a private employer chasing a yacht throughout the Bahamas, Adam has extensive seaplane experience in all kinds of conditions. An avid spearfisherman and free-diver, Adam spends his free time enjoying fresh caught fish and playing with hungry sharks.

 

Joe Perez, Director of Operations

Joe comes to Tropic from a background in both charter and scheduled airlines. Retired from the Army after 20 years of service, this former Army Ranger managed combat arms units worldwide. With a Masters degree in Economics, Paco brings additional experience in management and marketing.

 

 

Chris Luis, Chief Pilot

Chris has over twenty years in aviation and nearly eight years of experience in part 135 jet operations. With over 4500 hours flying all types of charter aircraft, Chris also manages a Challenger jet charter operation. His experience in aviation and charter operations makes him a great addition to Team Tropic.

 

 

Shannon Mahaffey, General Manager

With eight years experience in the Army Reserves, Shannon also has a managerial background having served as the Assistant Vice President of a major bank's mortgage division. After moving to Key West, Shannon has spent the last three years managing aircraft operations for various aviation companies. She spends her free time fishing and hanging out with her gigantic dog Langley.