St. Pete Air serves as the comprehensive hub for all aspects of general aviation at Albert Whitted Airport. Established a decade ago by local pilots Bill Auer and Blake Reischmann, the facility provides a range of services, including flight training, aircraft rentals and sales, avionics installation and repairs, and aircraft maintenance.
Guiding the daily symphony of operations across St. Pete Air’s departments is Director of Operations, Danielle Broussard, whose tenure at Albert Whitted Airport dates back to 2007.
Whether you are a long-time airport tenant or a flight student, anyone who spends time at Albert Whitted Airport will undoubtedly come to know Danielle as a friendly, bubbly, and welcoming presence on the field. Her warm and inviting demeanor extends beyond her behind-the-scenes work as she frequently organizes and drives events and programs representing St. Pete Air in the St. Petersburg community.
Danielle’s passion for aviation began in her early years. During her sophomore year of high school, she worked at an arcade, and when a coworker landed a job at Lakeland International Airport, she decided to come with. It was here that she discovered her love of aviation, specifically ground support. She knew she didn’t want to be a pilot but that she always wanted to work with them.
Upon relocating to St. Petersburg, Danielle continued her aviation career at Albert Whitted Airport, initially serving as an office manager and in administrative roles at Bay Air Charter and Bay Air Flying Service, which operated before St. Pete Air was established in 2013.
With a workforce of nearly 50 employees, including approximately 20 flight instructors, St. Pete Air is not just a flight school, but a gateway for individuals to pursue their dreams and take flight. Reflecting on the cohesive spirit at St. Pete Air and on the field as a whole, Danielle said, “Our team is what makes us so special. For the last 10 years, we have built an incredible staff. We are all so passionate about aviation and we all truly love being here.”
The fleet of aircraft at St. Pete Air includes a variety of Cessna, Piper, Diamond, and Beechcraft models. The flight school offers training for private pilot and commercial pilot certificates, flight instructor certificates, instrument ratings, multi-engine ratings, and tailwheel endorsements.
Friends of Albert Whitted Airport partnered with St. Pete Air to provide flight training scholarships and reduced instruction rates for scholarship recipients, offering pathways for young people in St. Petersburg to discover a love of flying, earn their pilot’s license, and pursue careers in aviation.
Danielle enjoys working with so many passionate pilots and helping future aviators earn their wings. “I still think flying is magic,” she confessed with a sparkle in her eyes.
