TRIAD AVIATION ACADEMY

FLIGHT TRAINING

Located At Piedmont Triad International Airport

PTI IS FIRST IN SUPERSONIC

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Piedmont Triad International Airport, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, is home to cutting edge aviation and has attracted companies such as Boom Supersonic, FedEx, Honda Aircraft Company, HAECO Americas and Cessna. In all, nearly 200 aerospace companies including Triad Aviation Academy, call PTI home.

Triad Aviation Academy

In business for over 26 years, we are an FAA Certified Part 141 Flight School offering a variety of Aviation Courses, Programs, and more.

  • #1 Accelerated Flight Attendant Program in the US
  • Private Pilot Training
  • Instrument Rating Training
  • Commercial Pilot Training
  • Certified Flight Instructor Training
  • Certified Instrument Flight Instructor Training
  • Certified Flight Training Affiliate for Liberty University
  • United States GI/VA Veteran Approved Training Provider
  • Multiple Pilot Training Financing Programs
  • AeroCamp (ages 12-16) “Summer” Aviation Program
  • AeroChapter (ages 14-16) “School Year” Program
  • Certified FAA Testing Center for Pilots, Mechanics, and realted industries
  • “Pilot Shop” for Aviation Related Supplies and Merchandies
  • Award Winning Aircraft Maintenance & Repair Professionals for our aircraft fleet

Affiliates and Partners

BRUCE MCCALL, Owner/CEO

Aviation is Bruce McCall’s passion.  He is never happier than when he is in the air.  In 1986, Bruce built (and flew) his first plane, a single seat, ultralight aircraft that carried a whopping 5 gallons of gas and weighed a mere 254 lbs. soaking wet.   At age 54 he received his private pilot license and began flying his own Piper Comanche 250.

After a 30+ year career in Corporate Marketing, Bruce decided to pursue aviation full time and teamed up with EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) to help launch Light Sport, a successful new category of flight.  He also served on an FAA industry committee to establish ASTM standards for Light Sport manufacturing and pilot standards.

That accomplished, he went on to join the world of airport management, starting at the local FBO and requesting to start from the bottom as a “line guy” pumping gas and cleaning lavs – then work his way up.  He wanted to fully understand the responsibilities and challenges of each position within the company before he ran it.  Within a year he was General Manager for Trajen at AUS in Texas.  He went on to be GM for Atlantic at FTW in Texas, Million Air at SBD in California and Landmark at GSO in North Carolina.

Bruce has also had the honor to serve as the Chairman of the Board for FASANA (Flight School Association of North America) and still serves on its Board.

In the end, Bruce found it was most rewarding to see others learn the joys of aviation and in 2013, he became the Owner/President/CEO of Triad Aviation Academy, with the vision of re-branding and expanding it to include more aviation related business lines and create more inclusivity and opportunity for everyone interested in aviation.  TAA has done just that.

Phone Number: 512-944-8852

LINDA MCCALL, Executive VP Non-Pilot Programs

Linda has an extensive, several decades long background in corporate training and meeting facilitation.

Aviation runs in her blood. Her father served as a career pilot in the Air Force, flying an F4 Phantom in Vietnam and retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.   As a young girl, Linda wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and be an Air Force pilot.  Girls couldn’t do that back then, so she found other ways to pursue aviation.

Along with her husband, Linda first became involved in aviation as co-owner of Flightstar, and business partner in Phantom ultralight aircraft manufacturing in 2004.

Currently a member of Women in Aviation International, she prefers to fly right seat and has logged hundreds of hours next to her husband in both his Flightstar and Comanche 250.

Linda has been with Triad Aviation Academy since 2014 serving as Office Manager prior to being promoted to EVP to oversee the Flight Attendant program.

Phone Number: 512-422-2322

Our Flight Attendant Program Staff

Wendy StaffordWENDY STAFFORD, Executive Director, Flight Attendant Program 

  • Created TAA’s Accelerated Flight Attendant Preparation Program in 1998 – the first program of it’s kind
  • 26-year trusted relationship with the airlines
  • 20+ years’ Flight Attendant & Recruiter experience
  • Major Airlines and Charter experience
  • From NC, VA, LA and FL
Learn More About Wendy

After a successful two-decade career with several Major Airlines and a major Charter Airline (ATA), Wendy created the first Accelerated Flight Attendant Program in 1998.  Her passionate vision, expertise, and innate ability to condense a complex process down to a few days and create a successful, replicable product makes her and the program unique.  Every other accelerated (short course) Flight Attendant program in the market today is based on Wendy’s original model.  After merging her stellar program with Triad Aviation Academy in 2016, and becoming the program’s Executive Director, Triad Aviation Academy’s Accelerated Flight Attendant Program is easily the best in the industry.  Over the years we have helped thousands of aspiring Flight Attendants achieve their dream careers – we can help you too!

Wendy has been a featured speaker on aviation safety on CNN, Fox News, The Evening News with Diane Sawyer, the Daily Buzz and CBC Radio One (NPR) as well as being in the New York Times and widely quoted, including comments in the best-selling book,” Flying High – How JetBlue Founder and CEO David Needleman Beats the Competition” by James Wynbrandt and “In In the Event of a Water Landing” by Michael G. Walling.  Wendy has completed Flight Safety International’s Flight Attendant recruiting program and is a member of the North Carolina chapter of Women in Aviation.

Wendy’s story started at the tender age of four, watching a kiddie show on TV.  Suddenly, on the screen appeared the most beautiful creature she had ever seen! The woman wore an elegant navy- blue uniform with golden wings on her chest, and she flew in airplanes EVER DAY! Well – that was enough for Wendy! She knew what she wanted to be from that day on, and never deviated from her dream, even driving through a blinding blizzard with 10 inches of snow already on the ground to get to her first interview!  All she could see was a vision of herself strutting through airports, dressed in her finest airline attire, gleaming golden wings pinned to her chest. Faraway lands awaited her, and nothing was going to stop her achieving that goal.  She made it to the interview and was hired!  Determination and resolve got her the job of her dreams!    

Wendy found her true calling after being grounded due to an inner ear issue that would not resolve, when she started helping others find their place in the skies and went on to develop her Accelerated Flight Attendant Program. 

Wendy’s knowledge of the Flight Attendant Preparation business is unparalleled and her reputation and trusted relationships in the industry with the recruiters is unmatched. With Wendy as Executive Director of Triad Aviation Academy’s Flight Attendant Program, you make a wise choice in choosing our program to start your new career. TAA graduates are always in high demand.

Phone Number: 321-422-8883

Brandy-AddisonJULIE MCDANIEL, Flight Attendant Program Lead Instructor

  • 30-year Flight Attendant
  • Current Republic Flight Attendant
  • Former ATA (American Trans Air) Charter Flight Attendant (15 years)
  • Domestic and International flight experience
  • CRM Instructor
  • Senior/Lead Flight Attendant experience
  • Originally from the California Bay Area
  • Married to a Southwest Pilot
Learn More About Julie

There are many reasons that Julie wanted to become a flight attendant. Her father traveled a lot for work and always spoke highly about his travels and how awesome the flight crews always were to him.  He jokingly said he wanted one of his children to grow up to be a Flight Attendant some day!  Be careful what you wish for, Dad!  As Jule was a social butterfly from an early age and loved meeting and helping people – being a Flight Attendant was an ideal career for her.

Julie has 6 older siblings, 3 children, and 4 grandchildren. As such, family is everything to her!  Originally from the Bay Area (Livermore) in California, she has lived in Chicago, IL, Stoneville NC, and for the past 7 years, she has called High Point, NC home. 

Julie worked for ATA for almost 15 years doing international and domestic charter and scheduled service, based out of Chicago’s Midway Airport.  She was a Lead/Senior Flight attendant and a CRM instructor. This included F/A new hires and Captain upgrade classes.  She currently works for Republic Airways and is based in Newark, NJ – where she commutes from High Point.

Julie enjoys traveling (NYC is one of her favorite places!) and spending time with her grandchildren.

You never know what you will find in the skies.  Julie met and married her pilot husband there – who now works for Southwest!!

Sha has so many wonderful stories from her 30 years of flight, and so many friendships made for a lifetime! Moving the Military all over the World while at ATA was a highlight! Connecting with passengers and their lives and making a difference in even the smallest way keeps her in this career she loves. 

Her extensive experience in in-flight instruction is invaluable in the classroom.  She sets a high bar for our students, empowering them to be their best, find their inner flight attendant and let it shine through.  Our 96% hire rate shows that she is successful in that quest and the airline recruiters love it.  Julie loves to share her passion and enthusiasm for all things aviation related with all our students at TAA!

Kimberly-EverettKIMBERLY EVERETT, Flight Attendant Program Admissions Counselor

  • 21-year ATA (American Trans Air) Charter Flight Attendant
  • Currently a Charter Service Rep for iAero Airways
  • Flew Military and VIP charters worldwide
  • Lead Flight Attendant experience
  • Passion for adventure
  • Loves sharing the joys of being a Flight Attendant
  • From Indiana
Learn More About Kim

Originally from Indiana, Kim decided to pursue a career as a Flight Attendant to fulfill her lifetime passion for adventure.  She was a Flight Attendant for American Trans Air (ATA), a charter airline, for 21 years, gaining a wealth of experience and aviation knowledge during that time. She truly enjoyed providing her passengers with stellar customer service and exceeding their expectations.   ATA flew charter flights for the military and others, and she loved traveling to military bases all over the world including Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, and many European countries.

Within a year Kim was promoted to Lead Flight Attendant on many of her flights, a position which held additional responsibilities that she found much more rewarding.  She worked with many high-ranking military officials on transporting our troops wherever they were needed.  Kim was also chosen to fly several presidential candidates as well as other VIPs during her tenure.

Her favorite memory was purchasing several disposable cameras (before iPhones), and having the troops take pictures of themselves having fun on the plane.  The crew would pass out envelopes and have the soldiers address the letters to their families.  Once back in the states, the crew would have the photos developed and mailed to the soldier’s families.  They knew how much the military families loved opening those envelopes.  Kim says it was truly an honor to be their Flight Attendant.

On the fun side, her crew would also play card games in the middle of the night and give the winner a soda, peanuts, and lots & lots of cookies. 

Kim began her career at Triad Aviation Academy as an instructor in the Academy’s Flight Attendant Program and was soon promoted to Lead Instructor.  She currently serves as an Admissions Counselor and loves answering questions from prospective students and explaining the perks and benefits our program has over all others in the industry.  She finds it most rewarding when our graduates call her when they earn their wings in airline training and begin forging their own career paths in aviation.  In her spare time Kim works for iAERO as a Charter Service Representative ensuring her customer’s service expectations are always exceeded. Over the years TAA has helped thousands of aspiring Flight Attendants achieve their dream career in the skies!  You can too!

Camille-BrownCAMILLE BROWN, Flight Attendant Program Instructor, Mentor & Admissions Counselor

  • TAA Flight Attendant Program Graduate – 2011
  • 13+ years Flight Attendant
  • Former PSA Flight Attendant – hired shortly after her class
  • Current Republic Airways Flight Attendant
  • Began her FA Career in her 40s
  • Check Flight Attendant experience, Flight Departure Specialist experience
  • Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY
Learn More About Camille

Camille is a former graduate of our program and has been a Flight Attendant for 13+ years. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and didn’t settle on a career in aviation until she was in her 40s.  After two decades of office work (Camille holds an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Berkley College in Manhattan, and has a background in corporate administration, including working for a law firm, an advertising agency and a brokerage firm), she took a vacation and fell in love with the idea of meeting new people and traveling the world.

Initially she tried to get the job on her own and was devastated when she didn’t pass the interview process.  She just didn’t feel prepared.  She did some research and ended up attending “Flight Attendant Express” (our program’s name when it was in Florida).  Camille says it was the best decision she ever made – to invest in herself.  The program taught her how to interview, how to dress at the interview and use airline terminology and memorize airport codes.  She finished the course with offers from three different airlines and decided to fly for PSA Airlines.

PSA is a regional carrier for American Airlines and a great airline to work for. Employees are more like family than co-workers. On her training flight, she was SO nervous. Her instructor and Captain wanted to make her laugh and lighten the mood a little. Her instructor gave her a trash bag and she was told to obtain an “air sample” using it. Eager to please – she did as instructed, taking the bag and scooping up as much air as she could.  At the end of the flight, she gave the “air sample” to the Captain. Well, after a few moments, when her instructor and the Captain started laughing and couldn’t stop, she realized the joke and joined in as well.  Tension drained, she felt so much better about her training flight and passed her IOE!

Camille really enjoyed her time at PSA. When she was first hired, she lived in Brooklyn, NY and was based in Charlotte so she commuted for about 2 years before relocating to Charlotte permanently.  She moved up steadily in the company after two years was instructing and participating in other special projects, becoming a Check Flight Attendant in 2014 and a Flight Departure Specialist in 2021.

Camille joined Triad Aviation Academy in as a Flight Attendant Program Instructor in 2017 and was quickly promoted to the role of Program Mentor to capitalize on her love for helping others.

After 10 years at PSA, Camille decided it was time for a change and during one of our classes at TAA, she interviewed with Republic Airways along with our students!   Off to training with Republic she went – along with 4 of our students!  She graduated airline training as class valedictorian (of course) and now flies for Republic, a regional carrier for American, United and Delta.  She still lives in Charlotte, NC, but is based in Newark, NJ.  So, she commutes and has a crash pad! ☺️

Camille believes it is an honor to help people fulfill their dreams to become Flight Attendants. Her top-notch interpersonal skills come into play as she guides and mentors our graduates along their new career path.  In her words, “I am so grateful for this Flight Attendant Preparation Program.  I couldn’t have accomplished my career goals without it. Follow your dreams, live life to the fullest! I have been where you are. I wanted to be a Flight Attendant and I made it happen and so can you.”

Katie-MateerKATIE MATEER, Flight Attendant Program Instructor, Admissions Counselor & Social Media

  • Former Republic Airways Flight Attendant
  • Background in Communication
  • Social Media experience
  • From North Carolina
Learn More About Katie

Katie, a Greensboro, NC native, has crafted a life filled with diverse experiences and passions. Her journey has taken her from the skies as a flight attendant to the dynamic world of real estate and back again. 

Katie soared through the skies as a flight attendant for Republic Airlines while it was based in Greensboro, NC. This experience left an incredible mark on her. She cherished the opportunities it provided, the lessons learned, and the fast-paced, exciting lifestyle it offered. Katie often fondly reminisces about her time in the clouds and the unique profession she shared with others.

In 2014, Katie graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication. Her academic journey equipped her with the skills and knowledge that would later prove invaluable in her career.

Transitioning from the skies to solid ground, Katie embraced a new chapter in her life by entering the world of real estate. She has been passionately working as a Realtor, helping individuals find their dream homes, navigate the complexities of real estate transactions and educating clients on the value real estate can bring to their investment goals.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Katie finds joy in an array of passions. A culinary enthusiast, she loves to cook and enjoys the creative process of renovating homes. Her love for snowboarding, crafting, and yoga add a touch of adventure and mindfulness to her life.  Along with, of course, a love of travel, she also finds happiness being home with her dog Avalon and two cats, Lee and Haze.

The siren song of aviation eventually called her back and now Katie has discovered a newfound passion for instructing Flight Attendant students at Triad Aviation Academy. The excitement of empowering others, watching them gain confidence, and witnessing their journey to securing job offers brings her immense joy. Whether it’s sharing the unique experiences of her flight attendant days or imparting knowledge, Katie has found fulfillment in guiding others towards success.

Katie’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. From the skies to the real estate market and now in the classroom, Katie continues to embrace life’s opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to cross her path.

Brandy-AddisonBRANDY ADDISON, Flight Attendant Program Social Media

  • Former Mesa Flight Attendant
  • Social Media blogger, branding experience
  • From North Carolina
  • Former Dog and Cat Groomer and Vet Tech
Learn More About Brandy

Brandy has a background in social media and branding.  Originally a dog and cat groomer and vet tech, in 2015 she learned about blogging and working through social media. What began as a fun hobby for her and young her son (being brand reps and ambassadors for different children’s clothing companies) eventually led to the start of her own blog. After a few years getting established, she was able to use her love for photography and writing skills to pick up a few jobs of her own and her hobby turned into a full-time side job for several years. She continued working with brands on social media during and after having the birth of her second son as well.

Once her sons were older, Brandy felt ready to finally pursue her dreams of being a flight attendant.  Her first interview was with Mesa based out of Arizona and she loved the company and decided to go out to Phoenix and go through training. It was an extremely hard decision to be away from her kids and family for a month, but it was all worth it in the end as she landed the job of her dreams.

While flying for Mesa, she made many friends, and traveled all over the United States and in Mexico. Brandy initially commuted to her base in DC and had a crash pad.  Later she bid for and got a base in Houston and lived near the airport. She met her husband during this time, and when she became pregnant with their third child, they both decided it was time for Brandy to stay on the ground for a while to raise their three sons.

Aviation gets in your blood and Brandy learned about Triad Aviation Academy (TAA) through one of her husband’s coworkers.  After meeting with the owners and other instructors she was impressed with the program and the family feel of the work environment. Working in aviation, you become close to those you work with, and this company (although on the ground) is no different. Brandy signed on as Triad Aviation Academy’s Social Media Expert (team of one) and is grateful to be able to continue helping future flight attendants while raising her family here in North Carolina.

Erin-JonesERIN JONES,  Flight Attendant Program Instructor

  • TAA Program Graduate – 2019
  • Former Air Wisconsin Flight Attendant – hired at age 19 after TAA class
  • Current American Airlines Flight Attendant
  • Extensive experience in Commuting and Crash Pads
  • From North Carolina
Learn More About Erin

Erin was born and raised in High point, North Carolina and is a former graduate of Triad Aviation Academy’s Flight Attendant Program, which she attended when she was just 19 years old.  She was hired right out of class by Air Wisconsin.  Erin continued to live in High Point, while being based in Washington, Dulles and then Chicago.  She can tell you all about Crash Pads and commuting!  She also learned a lot of meal prepping hacks.

Air Wisconsin is a Regional airline, in the process of transitioning from flying for United to flying for American.  Regional airlines have more of a family feel. You get to know your fellow flight attendants and pilots better. Advancement is faster and you can get off Reserve a whole lot quicker.  Regional flying also gives you the chance to see smaller cities as well as the bigger ones – AND you get flight benefits anywhere your codeshare goes!  You meet a lot of interesting people while flying and Erin even had one of her closest high school friends on one of her flights from Charlotte to Denver.

After 2 and a half years with Air Wisconsin, Erin decided she wanted to try something different and applied to American Airlines.  After an initial massive group interview, which was quickly weeded down to just a few candidates, Erin’s skills shone through, and she was hired!  Back though airline training she went, graduating in March of 2022 and is now a proud American Airlines Flight Attendant. She is based in Charlotte and still hanging out in crash pads.

Fun Fact about American: After one year of service at American their Flight Attendants alternate one month with a line and one month on reserve.  After 4 years of service, they alternate 3 months with a line, and 1 month on reserve.

Now an instructor with Triad Aviation Academy, Erin continues to love her flying career as well as instructing part-time at TAA.  Erin is passionate about helping others, loves meeting new people and traveling to new places. She looks forward to sharing her love for the friendly skies with you!

Matt-Sara
MATTHEW SARA, Flight Attendant Program Instructor

  • TAA Program Graduate – 2022
  • Former Republic Airways Flight Attendant – hired from his TAA in-class interview
  • Current American Airlines Flight Attendant
  • Background in Education/Acting
  • From North Carolina
Learn More About Matt

Matt has an interesting history.  He worked as an elementary school teacher for multiple schools in NC and has taken that expertise with him, both as a flight attendant and now an instructor at Triad Aviation Academy.  He is also currently with Marylin’s Modeling and talent agency as a model and an actor, hoping to achieve the dream of “Flight Attendant by Day” and “Actor by Night”.  Since Airline Interviews are really like auditions, Matt’s skill set as an actor helps him give insights to our students in how to best promote themselves and let their inner Flight Attendant shine through!

Initially Matt was hired right out of his TAA class interview to work for Republic Airways, the second largest regional carrier in the US, flying for American, United and Delta.  Matt now flies for American Airlines and is hoping to pick up some international trips. 

Matt fondly remembers one of his first trips.  Being so new, he was understandably nervous and stressed. A Rabbi on the flight sensed this, and calmly talked to him through the flight, reassuring Matt that he was doing a good job and kept thanking him, even when he was serving someone else, helping Matt feel calmer while working, not just then – but on future flights as well. Matt will be forever grateful to the kind Rabbi and try to always try and pay it forward.

His says his favorite part of the job are the overnights; not just because he gets a private room all to himself for free, but he also gets a chance to explore a town he’s never been to before and gain an adventure out of it, leaving his comfort zone in the process.

Matt’s path to American began at Triad Aviation Academy and he is humbled to now be an instructor here. He has experienced the best of both worlds. Matt hopes to be a positive influence with future flight attendants.  He wants future generations of flight attendants to know that being a Flight Attendant is definitely worth it and is the path to something fantastic!

Ask Matt to do his “Radio Voice” – it is AWESOME!

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