About Us
Welcome to Grace Aviation, your premier flight school located in beautiful Punta Gorda, Florida. Founded by the experienced and passionate aviator, Joseph Way, alongside his wife Natalie. Grace Aviation is dedicated to providing top-notch flight training and helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams of taking to the skies.
About Joseph Way – Chief Flight Instructor
My love for aviation began as a child, standing alongside my grandfather at the Cleveland Air Show and staring wide-eyed at the airplanes overhead. That early spark of inspiration never left me. After high school, I served in the United States Army as an Infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division, completing a combat deployment to Afghanistan. When I returned home, I continued a life of service as a police officer with the Fort Myers Police Department, where I specialized in DUI enforcement, served on the SWAT team, and had the privilege of training new officers as a Field Training Officer.
Yet, even through those years, my eyes were always drawn to the sky. The dream of flying remained, and eventually I decided to make it a reality. While still serving as a police officer, I began flight training, which ultimately led me to step away from law enforcement and fully pursue a career in aviation. That journey became the foundation of Grace Aviation.
My wife, Natalie, and I started Grace Aviation with the shared belief that flying is more than just learning how to operate an aircraft—it’s about inspiration, adventure, and the joy of discovery. Today, I have the privilege of teaching students in our 1962 Cessna 172 Skyhawk and, together with Natalie, creating aviation-themed homeschool courses designed to spark curiosity in kids and encourage the next generation of aviators.
Outside of the cockpit, I’m most proud to be a husband and father. Natalie and I are blessed with three children, and family remains the heart of everything we do.
At Grace Aviation, my goal is simple: to share the wonder of flight, foster confidence in new pilots, and inspire a lifelong love of aviation in all who step through our doors.
Our Mission
At Grace Aviation, our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality flight training in a safe, supportive, and professional environment.
We believe that flying is not just a skill but an art that requires dedication, precision, and continuous learning.
Our goal is to produce confident, competent, and responsible pilots who are well-prepared to navigate the skies.
Why Choose Grace Aviation?
Experienced Instructors: Learn from seasoned pilots who are dedicated to your success.
Classic Aircraft: Train in a well-maintained 1962 Cessna, offering a unique and authentic flying experience.
Personalized Training Programs: Tailored flight training programs to suit your individual needs and goals.
Scenic Location: Enjoy flying over the stunning landscapes of Southwest Florida.
Community: Join a supportive community of aviation enthusiasts and professionals.
Our Programs
Grace Aviation offers a variety of flight training programs to meet the needs of every student, from beginners to advanced pilots.
Our programs include:
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Multi-Engine Rating
Each program is designed to provide thorough instruction and hands-on experience, ensuring that our students are fully prepared for their flying careers.