Who are we?
We are aviation enthusiasts wanting to help others learn the joy of flying.
At Cloud 9 Aviation, we pride ourselves on expert level training with a friendly personal touch. You will walk away from our hanger with more knowledge and a smile!
Whether you have ambitions to fly commercial airliners, or want to explore a new hobby, we are here to help you achieve your goals!
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Tim Hillgartner (CFI, CFII, Gold Seal Flight Instructor)
Founder
What started as a hobby in 2015 for Tim, turned into a business when he found his love of helping new pilots achieve their goals. Tim has over 1500 hours of dual given, and achieved his Gold Seal Instructor in 2024. When he is not teaching in an airplane or a classroom, he can be found rescuing animals with the help of Pilots N Paws. Together with his wife they have saved over 50 dogs from high kill shelters.
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Dave Boggess (CFI, AGI, Gold Seal Flight Instructor)
Assistant Flight Chief
Dave was named to Assistant Flight Chief in September of 2025. He oversees day to day operations while still instructing.
I started flight training in 2016, and became a flight instructor in 2022. I have over 1,300 hours of dual given, over 1,000 hours in Technically Advanced Aircraft, a high-performance endorsement, and a complex endorsement.
With an emphasis on safety, precision, and fulfillment, I have taught students seeking Private, Commercial, Flight Instructor certificates, as well as a few flight reviews. I strive to help others achieve their dreams of becoming a pilot, so they can confidently and comfortably take family and friends into the sky.
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Levi Thorpe (CFI, CFII)
Certified Flight Instructor
As a dedicated Certified Flight Instructor at Cloud 9 Aviation, I am passionate about providing high-quality flight training with a strong emphasis on safety, precision, and student confidence. Holding a high-performance endorsement, I specialize in guiding aspiring pilots through every stage of their training, from their first flight to advanced certifications.
With a commitment to fostering a supportive and professional learning environment, I tailor each lesson to the individual needs of my students, ensuring they develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in aviation. My ultimate goal is to help students achieve their aviation dreams while continuing to advance my own career toward the airlines. Whether you’re beginning your journey or refining your expertise, I am here to help you navigate the skies with confidence.
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Matt Zammerilla (CFI, CFII, MEI)
Certified Flight Instructor
As a graduate of the Community College of Beaver County Professional Pilot Program, Holding an Associate's Degree, I have cultivated a strong foundation in aviation, complemented by certifications as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).
My commitment to excellence and safety in flight instruction is a characteristic I look forward to sharing with every student I have the opportunity to teach here at Cloud 9. My passion for aviation and dedication to student success are top priority in my approach to instructing, ensuring that aspiring pilots receive top-tier guidance and mentorship. Whatever your aviation goals are, I’m more than willing to help you accomplish them with a smooth and enjoyable process.
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Larry Long (CFI, CFII)
FAA Certified Flight Instructor-Aerobatics
Several years of Aerobatic instruction as well as Private through Instrument rating knowledge and capabilities.
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Joe Rinaldi (CFI)
Joe has been in aviation as a pilot, air traffic controller and weather observer for over 20 years. He teaches ground schools as an adjunct professor at the community college of beaver county, where he is also an alumnus of the ATC program. Joe is also a graduate of Hillsdale College and has a wealth of knowledge that is highly useful in the teaching environment.
As a certified flight instructor, Joe is dedicated and highly adaptable to many learning styles. He believes it is the instructor’s primary responsibility to preserve the safety of flight while also promoting effective teaching styles for every learner. No learning problem is insurmountable and no challenge is impossible to overcome. What is necessary is a dedicated, knowledgeable and creative professional instructor to tailor a course of study to the individual student.
When not flying, Joe is a volunteer and avid outdoorsman and loving husband to his wife Maria.
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Dante Bartolotta (CFI)
FAA Certified Flight Instructor
I got my private pilot in 2012. After a few years in the Marines I decided to peruse flying as a career. I am a CFI with a high performance, high altitude and tailwheel rating and experience flying cirrus aircraft. I will be getting my CFII and MEI soon and am a future first officer at Skyward aviation.