Meet Liam Hawkins, pilot of the Mooney Anomaly, who overcame his fear of flying and earned his wings at Albert Whitted Airport

With so much happening at Albert Whitted Airport to shape young minds, it’s hard to keep up. We’ve had the SpaceX helicopter stopping for fuel, the PASSAGE Aerospace Day, and the soaring pride of flight scholarships.

In the dynamic realm of aviation, where skies become highways, air traffic controllers assume a crucial role in orchestrating safe flights for all. Operating behind the scenes, you may not know his face, but if you’ve flown at Albert Whitted Airport (SPG), there’s a chance you know his voice!

Among the vibrant aircraft that grace the skies of Albert Whitted Airport, there’s one that effortlessly captures attention with its striking red, white, and blue paint job. After decades of work pursuing his dream to fly aerobatics, Captain Mike Cappiello now sits behind the controls of his Aviat Pitts S-2B aerobatic biplane, N203MC.

There have been many take-offs and landings over the years at Albert Whitted Airport. Yet over the last 20 years, one man has kept his feet firmly on the ground.

Meet Rich Lesniak, who has been the Airport Manager at Albert Whitted Airport since 2003.

Today, we’re celebrating his commitment at the airport over the years.

No sooner had the Airbus helicopter stopped at Albert Whitted Airport to prepare for the recovery of the SpaceX Dragon than another event delighted space fans.

On April 29, St. Pete Air and Friends of Albert Whitted Airport hosted the PASSAGE Aerospace Day. There was real excitement in the newest hangar at the airport, with presentations, workshops, and discovery flights. For many, the highlight was the personal stories of the incredible world-class speakers. Their lives show that stellar possibilities present themselves when aviation doors open. Here’s a quick recap.

We all know that Albert Whitted Airport has an incredible history, as well as an important role in tourism, business, and medicine. 

But did you know that Albert Whitted Airport recently had a very important visitor? 

Right in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Albert Whitted Airport is known as the birthplace of commercial aviation. When you get to know its rich past you see that it’s so much more than a place for planes to land and take off: it’s a piece of history.