Alpha-Tech Acquires South Florida Flight School

Dragon Flight Training Academy, a South Florida flight school based at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, has been acquired by Alpha-Tech Aviation Services.

Founded in 2021 by Raphael Schütz and the late Anh-Thu Nguyen, the academy has offered discovery flights, private pilot instruction, instrument training, commercial pilot preparation, certified flight instructor training, multi-engine instruction, ground school and flight-time-building opportunities. The acquisition included the academy's brand, training resources, operating infrastructure and aircraft, including Liberty XL2 aircraft, a Cessna 172P and a Twin Comanche.

Anh-Thu Nguyen, co-founder of Dragon Flight Training Academy, passed away in July 2025 while attempting to circumnavigate the globe in her Lancair IV-P aircraft. She was a pilot, flight instructor, aerospace professional, and airline first officer, and founded Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation in 2018.

Alpha-Tech Aviation Services is an FAA- and EASA-certified aviation maintenance organization dating back to 1991, providing maintenance, repair and operational support for commercial and cargo aircraft, with operations in Chicago, Miami, Orlando and Dallas–Fort Worth. Daniel Pichardo, a Certified Flight Instructor, is also part of the new ownership group.

Guillermo, President and Chief Inspector of Alpha-Tech Aviation Services, Inc., said: "Alpha-Tech Aviation Services extensive aircraft maintenance experience, combined with Daniel Pichardo's experience as a Certified Flight Instructor and his significant flight time, created an ideal combination for the acquisition of Dragon Flight Training Academy. Together, that operational and instructional experience provides a strong foundation to support the academy's continued growth and serve the next generation of pilots."