Meet the team
Roberto Costanzo - Chief Flight Instructor
Roberto, CFII/MEI/AGI, started his aviation career at the age of 23 as a Flight Dispatcher for Alitalia Airline at Kennedy Airport. After 7 years at Alitalia, he completed his private pilot training and received his private pilot’s license. He then completed his Certified Flight Instructor Certification.
Roberto has been training pilots since 2003 and has over 5000 hours in flight instruction. Having trained as a First Officer at CommutAir and Mesa Airline, he has experience on Embrear E145 and E175 as well. He is also a proud member, and Chief Pilot, of Paramus Flying Club. His life-long passion for flying has resulted in the opening of his flight school, Costanzo Air.
Nima Shafiee - Senior Flight Instructor - CFII / AGI
An aviation enthusiast his entire life, Nima began taking flying lessons in high school, soloing on his 16th birthday. He learned to fly in the Pacific Northwest, earning an appreciation for backcountry and mountain flying, and has been flying in the New York area since 2015. He believes in a learner-centric approach to instructing, as well as the importance of building strong piloting fundamentals early in flight training. He is also a proud member of the Paramus Flying Club, as well as the National Association of Flight Instructors.
When not instructing, Nima works in the tech industry where he has spent the last 20 years professionally, and resides in Brooklyn.
Myung Kil - Senior Flight Instructor - CFII / MEI / IGI
Myung’s earliest memories centered around a fascination with aviation. He channeled this childhood enthusiasm into PC flight simulators and radio control airplanes before studying aerospace engineering in college. A discovery flight early in his working career redirected his energy to piloting, and he steadily progressed on to earn his instructor ratings.
Myung now has over 20 years of flying experience, all in the busy New York tri-state area. He enjoys flying to new destinations as well as instructing and is honored to be a part of students’ journeys fulfilling their aviation goals. In his instruction, he focuses on aeronautical decision making and flying fundamentals.
When not in the clouds, Myung serves as an engineering manager at a technology company.
Antoine Moreau - Senior Flight Instructor - CFII
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Antoine learned to fly in his native France while in college, and took on paragliding while he lived in Brazil. After moving to the US, he picked up his passion for aviation again, combining it with his love for travel, and getting his ratings between Southern California, Colorado, Florida, and the New York area. He is also a proud member of the Paramus Flying Club.
Before instructing, Antoine worked in the tech industry for several years, and lives in Brooklyn.
Kennedy Taruvamba - Flight Instructor - CFII / MEI / AGI
Kennedy, CFI/CFII/MEI/AGI, started flying at the age of 18 years to eventually become a commercial pilot. His passion for aviation drove him back to flying after a successful completion of a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. He also obtained an Associate's degree in aeronautical Science. In addition to English, Kennedy is fluent in 3 other languages: Russian, Ukranian, and Shona.
Pierre Rogler - Flight Instructor - CFII
Pierre grew up in and around airplanes at the flying club in his native Normandy, where he learned to fly with his parents and eventually got his Private Pilot License at age 17. As he moved to the US, Pierre went on to get his instrument and multi-engine ratings, and commercial and flight instructor certificates between Georgia and New York. He now totals 20 years of flying experience, including 8 years in and around the New York metro area.
When not flying, Pierre works as a banker for Latin American markets. He is fluent in French and Spanish.
MacKenzie Brendlen - Flight Instructor - CFII / MEI / AGI
MacKenzie discovered her passion for aviation while working on Nantucket Island, where she made friends with a local flight instructor. In an effort to avoid traffic on the ground, the two would fly back and forth to New Jersey together to visit her family. After a few of these trips, she decided it was time for a change and pursued her ratings. Before instructing, MacKenzie had a successful career in hospitality management.
MacKenzie is a proud member of Women in Aviation International and the Ninety Nines. She hopes to share the community of aviation with as many women and girls as possible.
When she isn't in the air, MacKenzie can be found in her garden or hiking local trails.
Keith Shum - Flight Instructor - CFII
Keith's earliest memory and enthusiasm for aviation stemmed from an airshow his parents took him to when he was 5. After attending Rutgers University and obtaining a Bachelor's in History, he became a Ramp agent at EWR for three years before starting his journey as a pilot in Phoenix, AZ. He began training out of the Aviate Academy at the start of 2022, obtained his ratings and became part of the Aviate Program. Keith is currently a member of the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA). When not flight instructing, Keith is an avid gamer and enjoys playing a variety of sports.
Leah Ferrari - Flight Instructor - CFII
Leah’s favorite childhood memories were always flying right seat with her father in his twin engine airplane. Flying has been a wonderful experience that she and her two brothers share. She earned her PPL at KCDW while living in Manhattan and working in Real Estate. After deciding to switch career paths, Leah moved to San Diego to obtain her additional ratings and began instructing at KMYF. She returned to her NJ roots to continue teaching new students! Leah graduated from Penn State University in 2020 with a degree in Economics and Business.
When Leah isn’t at the airport you can find her watching a football game or searching for fresh powder to ski. In the summer, she golfs or spends time at the Jersey Shore with her friends and family!
Daniel Costanzo - Director of Operations
Daniel is currently a college student pursuing a Master's Degree in Engineering Management and is currently working on his Private Pilot License at Costanzo Air. He oversees all aspects of Costanzo Air's daily operations as well as long-term projects, and manages all event planning. He is also responsible for maintaining the school's website and keeping it up-to-date with the latest news, training programs, and events.
While not immersed in school or at work, Daniel is often tinkering with his 3D printer farm.
Lisa Andersen - Office Manager
At a young age Lisa began her interest in aviation during a trip in a small aircraft. This flight led to an introductory flight lesson, at which time she became hooked on the idea of learning to fly. She went on to obtain her Private Pilot License in 1991 at Essex County Airport. After starting a family, she was employed as a Customer Service Representative at the KCDW FBO.
As a newest member of the team Lisa comes to Costanzo Air with 10 years of airport experience. In the office manager position she is responsible for critical daily operations and client relations, and is happy to be at Costanzo Air working with a great group of dedicated people!
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