Sterling Flight Training announced new ownership for the Jacksonville-based flight school that was sold by Malone Air.
Wayne Heller, an airline operations executive with more than 30 years of experience, will serve as Sterling’s CEO.
Heller along with Wexford Capital LP acquired Sterling Flight Training in late December, according to the news release.
Alex Osleger, an airline pilot and airline operations executive who worked with Heller at Republic Airways, serves as the school’s new general manager.
Scott Malone, founder and previous owner, continues as the school’s chief flight instructor.
The school is at 855 St. Johns Bluff Road N. at JAXEX, Jacksonville Executive Airport, at Craig Airport.
Malone AirCharter says it remains in business as a separate company in a separate building.
Sterling's release said the flight school “seeks to elevate and expand its capabilities to help address the growing worldwide shortage of pilots.”
“We are doubling down on the strengths Sterling brings to the industry as well as further refining Sterling’s programs to foster and develop 'airline-ready' employees,” Heller said in the release.
“The company is sharply focused on creating career opportunities both through and at the flight training school,” he said.
The flight school provides FAA- and VA-approved flight training courses and programs to equip students with licenses, ratings and certifications to begin aviation careers while providing access to the most current training materials and methods, according to the release.
It said Sterling’s affiliation with Liberty University through its Aeronautics Program allows access to degree programs and student financing for professional pilot training.
Heller served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Republic Airways from 1999 to 2015 and led the company’s transformation from operating a handful of Saab 340 aircraft to nearly 300 Embraer, Bombardier and Airbus jet aircraft, the release said.
Sterling Flight Training also is a Cessna Pilot Center, with courses that are FAA- and VA-approved.
Its website is sterlingflight.com.
