Get to Know Triad Aviation Academy

Owner and Manager

Bruce McCall

Triad Aviation Academy has been in business since 2008 and owned and operated by Bruce McCall since 2013. Buying a flight school — let alone becoming a licensed pilot — was initially not part of Bruce’s long-term plan.

But one unexpected encounter changed Bruce’s trajectory. In the distance, he saw a tiny, multi-colored object that looked like it was “falling” from the sky. He raced after it to offer help.

But when Bruce located the object, it was an ultralight plane that the owner safely landed on his personal air strip. It turned out the owner—a farmer — owned ultra-light aircraft and sold airplane kits. Intrigued, Bruce struck up a friendship and found a new hobby building a Phantom Ultralight Airplane Kit alongside the farmer.

Naturally, building an aircraft turned to flying for Bruce. When Bruce was ready to solo, he flew his own airplane! His new love for aviation led him to working at airports in various capacities, including managing fixed base operations and eventually purchasing Triad Aviation Academy.

He joined the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) group and although not the founder, is credited with the development and expansion of the concept of FSANA’s AeroCamp youth aviation program which is still in use today by several flight schools across the country.

Bruce began flying at age 46. By age 52 he obtained his Private Pilot’s License. Bruce didn’t find his passion until later in life. Therein lies his drive and passion to expose youth to aviation possibilities.