About Us

Tom Sutfin's distinguished career spans over 33 years in education and over 25 years in aviation, a testament to his deep-seated passion and expertise in these fields. His journey began in New York, where his childhood fascination with airplanes was nurtured by influences around him, including a school friend’s father and a pilot teacher. This early passion for aviation was paralleled by a love for teaching, leading him to a career in education. He studied science and math at the State University New York, Brockport, and upon graduating with a degree in Biology, he embarked on a 30-year educational career, teaching technology in the Long Beach Unified School District and serving as a professor at Cypress College where he continues to educate future aviators.

In Long Beach, Tom's aviation dream took a new flight. A neighbor's plane rekindled his aviation aspirations, leading him to obtain a pilot's license following a master's degree from Pepperdine. Merging his passions for teaching and flying, Tom founded the Aviation Summer Camps and the Flight Test Prep Academy in 2007, under his company Unique Educational Experiences. These ventures provide immersive aviation experiences, offering young enthusiasts and aspiring pilots a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of aviation, from aerodynamics to aircraft systems, through hands-on activities, workshops, and simulations.

Aside from his roles as an educator, pilot, flight instructor, and business owner, Tom's career also includes a foray into the political arena. In 2014, he ran as a nonpartisan candidate for the city council of Long Beach, California, showcasing his engagement with community and public service. His journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and adaptability, reflects his unwavering dedication to aviation and education. Tom Sutfin's story, from an intrigued child in New York to an accomplished educator and aviator in Long Beach, is an inspiring tale of determination, adaptability, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Flight Test Prep is named after the three hours required in preparation for a checkride. We strive to be a premier school who has done little advertising to get where we are now. We expect to continue our growth in all aspects of what we represent. Currently a flight school and pilot shop our goals is to provide value while finding win-win scenarios.  

https://www.lb908.com/post/tom-sutfin-finds-his-wings

https://www.the562.org/2020/02/05/matt-sutfin-flying-high-for-millikan-boys-soccer/