Fly Umatilla provides comprehensive flight training in a professional yet welcoming environment. As the area’s only fixed-wing flight school, we take pride in offering small-town hospitality combined with big-sky opportunities for aspiring aviators. Our experienced instructors deliver personalized training through every stage of your aviation journey, from Private Pilot and Instrument Rating to Commercial, CFI, and CFII certifications. With affordable pricing, a modern fleet of well-maintained aircraft, and an uncongested airspace ideal for focused learning, Fly Umatilla is the perfect place to earn your wings and build a strong foundation for your aviation career.
Flight Instruction and Rentals in Clean, Safe, aircraft where student pilots are a name not just a number and your success is our mission.
Veteran Owned and Operated.
Ryan Benaglio, owner of Fly Umatilla, is a proud Lake County native with a deep passion for aviation and community service. Ryan is an enlisted US Navy Veteran who served with HSC-8 as a Special Operations Aviation Rescue Swimmer, Crew Chief, and Door Gunner then HSC-3 SCORE, focusing on SAR, Aerial firefighting and weapons recovery, accruing over 1,200 flight hours during 11 years.
Ryan is actively involved in our community, sitting as a Code Enforcement Board Member for the City of Eustis since 2021 and formerly as a Board of Director for the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce and shotgunner at the Eustis Gun Club. He is also an enthusiastic participant in the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and its Young Eagles Program, introducing the basics of aviation to local youth.
In addition to his aviation pursuits, Ryan is a Broker-Associate at Hickory Hill Realty and Management. Outside of work, he enjoys flying, saltwater fishing, beekeeping and spending time with his wife Megan and their dog Cookie, who are often spotted around the Umatilla Municipal Airport or enjoying aviation adventures together.
Jacob Graff is a dedicated Certified Flight Instructor driven by a passion for helping others achieve their aviation goals. Since beginning his aviation journey in 2022, Jacob has earned his Commercial Pilot certificates for both Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Land aircraft, along with his Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) rating. This allows him to provide instruction from Private Pilot through Commercial training. Jacob is committed to guiding students through every stage of their flight training, emphasizing safety, professionalism, and a strong understanding of aviation fundamentals. His current goal is to pursue a career as a cargo pilot, continuously advancing his skills while inspiring others to do the same. An active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Jacob remains deeply involved in the aviation community. Outside the cockpit, he enjoys staying active at the gym, spending time at the range, and relaxing with video games. Whether you’re beginning your flight training or working toward advanced ratings, Jacob provides personalized, supportive instruction designed to help every student succeed and develop a lasting love for aviation.
Dylan is a CFI-I who did his training here in sunny central Florida. He holds a degree in psychology from U.C.F., which he applies to his teaching by tailoring each lesson to the personality and learning style of the student. Dylan believes flight training is most effective when it’s personal, adaptable, and centered on building confidence in the cockpit. Passionate about aviation, Dylan seeks out opportunities to fly a wide variety of aircraft and enjoys both learning from experienced aviators and mentoring the next generation of pilots. His goal as an instructor is not only to develop skilled and safe pilots, but also to share his enthusiasm for flying with every student he teaches. Outside of aviation, Dylan enjoys spending time with his family, going to concerts, and golfing. He is also active in his community, refereeing youth and high school sports and volunteering with the EAA Young Eagles program to inspire future aviators.
Cookie, is our 9-year-old long-haired dapple dachshund, she is an essential member of the Fly Umatilla team. As Chief Morale Officer, she takes her job very seriously—whether it’s greeting pilots at the FBO, making sure no treat goes uneaten, or keeping laps warm during pre-flight briefings. A seasoned aviator in her own right, Cookie prefers the high-wing Cessnas for their superior sightseeing opportunities but appreciates the autopilot in the low-wing Archer for those longer hauls to North Georgia. When she’s not soaring through the skies, you can find her patrolling the airport, supervising fuel stops, or napping in the sun between “official duties.” If you spot Cookie at the airport, be sure to say hello—especially if you have a snack in hand!