Instructors Who've Been There
Every Tradewind instructor brings real-world flight experience into the cockpit with you — from military missions to airline careers.
Gene Lombardo
Chief Flight Instructor
Gene Lombardo, our Chief Pilot, brings a wealth of experience and passion to Tradewind Flight Training Center. Having pursued all his training at Tradewind, from Private Pilot to Airline Transport Pilot, Gene understands the journey and the dedication required to succeed. He has seen many Tradewind graduates achieve their dreams of flying for airlines and takes immense pride in guiding new students towards their goals. Gene’s inspirational leadership and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of our team.
The Full Team
Meet Your Instructors
Peyton Weist
Flight Instructor
Peyton is an Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor with CFI and CFII ratings. A North Carolina native, he was introduced to aviation through family members involved in both military and general aviation. Peyton enjoys teaching and helping new pilots build strong skills, sound judgment, and a solid foundation in aviation.
Ivan Cowell
Flight Instructor
Ivan is a New Bern native who began his flight training at Tradewind after graduating from high school in 2021. He holds Commercial Pilot certificates for single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, as well as his CFII, and has accumulated more than 1,400 hours of flight time. Ivan began instructing at Tradewind in 2024.
James Slade
Flight Instructor
James is originally from East Providence, Rhode Island, and developed his passion for aviation while serving in the United States Air Force as an aircraft maintenance technician. After retiring from the military, he began flight training in 2019 and has since earned his pilot and instructor ratings, including his MEI. James enjoys both the freedom of flying and the challenges that come with continuing to grow as a pilot.
Lily Solter
Flight Instructor
Lily began flying in 2022 after discovering her love of aviation on a flight with her sister. She started her training in Asheville before continuing at Tradewind in New Bern. Aviation has become a family passion for Lily, and her long-term goal is to fly for Delta alongside her father and sister while continuing to travel the world.
Wyatt Saylor
Flight Instructor
Wyatt has been flying for nine years and holds Commercial Single-Engine and Multi-Engine, CFI, CFII, and IGI certificates. He earned his B.S. in Aeronautics from Liberty University. As an instructor, Wyatt focuses on helping students build strong aviation knowledge, sound judgment, and practical flying skills while becoming safe and confident pilots.
Ready to Train with the Best?
Meet our instructors in person with a no-obligation discovery flight or reach out to discuss which program is right for you.