Chief CFII

Ben Ryan

"I started my aviation journey with an introductory flight at Brainard Airport in 2019. I went on to complete my Private Pilot, Instrument, and Commercial ratings at Chester Airport. In 2023, I became a CFI and started teaching independently part-time. I volunteer regularly at Young Eagles events, encouraging youth involvement in aviation. I've flown all over New England, ferried multiple planes throughout the country. I founded Been Flyin in 2023, to provide long term flight instruction to the local community that I grew up in. 

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I am looking forward to helping everyone reach their aviation goals!"

CFI

Regan Mazzulli

"Hi there!

My aviation journey began in October of 2023, when I went on an introductory flight, fell in love with flying, and decided that this is what I wanted to do. I moved to San Diego where I trained out of Gillespie Field and earned my private pilot license in May of 2024. After discovering I preferred the East Coast, I moved back and continued my training here, acquiring both my instrument rating and commercial license. I had the privilege of working alongside the amazing instructors here at Been Flyin, which led to earning my Certified Flight Instructor license in May of 2025. In the short time since my first flight, I’ve accumulated experience in aircraft such as the Cessna 150, Cessna Skyhawk 172, and Piper Cherokee 140 and 180. I am looking forward to beginning my instructor journey here at Been Flyin. Whether you’re just starting your aviation journey or advancing to the commercial level, I’m excited to help you achieve your flying goals in any way that I can!"

CFI

Brian Jedele

"I started flying in 2022, driven by a lifelong fascination with aviation and a strong desire to challenge myself with something truly meaningful. From my very first flight, I knew I had found my passion. After earning my private pilot certificate out of Hartford Brainard Airport, I continued training with instructors from Been Flying and earned my advanced ratings eventually  becoming a Certified Flight Instructor in January 2025. My drive is to help others experience the same excitement and sense of accomplishment that flying has given me.

As an instructor, I focus on creating a supportive and safety-first learning environment. I tailor each lesson to match my students’ goals and learning styles, and I enjoy helping new pilots build their confidence both in the air and on the ground. Whether you're just getting started, preparing for your next checkride, or a pilot requiring a Basic Flight Review I’m here to help and guide you every step of the way."

CFII, MEI

Beckie Petronchak

"I started flying in 2018 out of Hartford-Brainard airport. After completing my program, I worked as a CFI at Chester Airport until 2021, After building my hours, I was hired by the airlines and worked there for one year. Shortly after I started my airline career, I realized that general aviation and teaching were my true passion. I left the airlines and you can say the rest is history. I now teach alongside the other instructors at Been Flyin. I mainly train new CFI applicants, as well as CFII (instrument flight instructors), but I also do initial instrument and commercial training. Aside from flying our airplanes, I also provide training, flight reviews, and instrument proficiency checks in owner airplanes (like Beechcraft Bonanzas, Cessna Skylanes, and other high-performance aircraft). I fly part 91 privately owned airplanes- Piper Navajos, Cheyennes, and Citations. I look forward to helping you on your aviation journey, wherever you are in your path!"