Eric Weaver has shaped a career through seaplane operations, global Caravan Amphibian flights, and long-range Gulfstream missions for Fortune 100 corporate clients. His role today as a business aviation pilot results from steady development, beginning with early experiences in rural Pennsylvania and expanding to international operations across the Americas, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and South America.
Eric’s path is progressing from basic regional flying to operating advanced corporate aircraft. Proficient in seaplanes, Caravan Amphibians, and large Gulfstream jets, he continues to expand his capabilities while dedicating time to mentoring younger aviators. His career balances technical growth, instructional work, and demanding corporate responsibilities.
Weaver’s interest in flying began with family life on a Pennsylvania farm. His father and uncle owned a Cessna 170, which they operated on a closed paved road running through the farm. Having ready access to an airplane at such a young age allowed Eric to connect with aviation directly and practically.
Alongside aviation, Eric worked in agricultural efforts, including partnerships, farm product retailing, and the early move toward direct-to-consumer food sales. After finishing high school, he joined Youth with a Mission and taught English in Hong Kong. Returning to his family during challenges gave him perspective and responsibility. Later, he completed a degree in Business and Management Information Systems at Anderson University in Indiana. That education became a foundation for both entrepreneurial work and his aviation career.
Soon after college, the family sold part of their farm and purchased a 37-room lakeside resort property in Florida. The resort included a golf course, banquet hall, and restaurant. Eric managed daily operations, weddings, and events, but aviation came back into his life when a seaplane arrived on the property.
He earned his private pilot certificate and purchased a 1954 Cessna 180 on straight floats. Flying became a serious pursuit alongside the resort business. When a hurricane in 2004 forced the property's closure, Eric shifted his full focus toward aviation. He earned commercial, instrument, multi-engine, instructor, and multi-engine seaplane ratings in the following years.
Eric co-founded a seaplane base in Tavares, Florida, during the Great Recession, later known as America’s Seaplane City. Partnering with Ricci Rowe, he created a business that promoted seaplane tourism and advanced training.
As a high-time multi-engine seaplane pilot and instructor, Eric achieved the FAA’s highest combination of category and class ratings, including ASES, AMES, ASEL, and AMEL. Over the years, he recommended more than 100 pilots for advanced ratings. His recognized skill in Caravan Amphibious aircraft also led him to serve as a demonstration pilot for Wipaire, the manufacturer of Caravan Amphibious floats.
Eric’s corporate flying began in 2012 with Cessna Caravan operations out of New York City. That work took him throughout South America, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and almost every island in the Caribbean.
Between 2019 and 2024, Eric flew for a VVIP client in the New York area, earning a type rating in the Gulfstream 550. This step marked his transition into larger-scale business aviation. He later joined a Fortune 100 company and now flies G550 and G600 aircraft. His missions take him across the Middle East, Asia, and South America, combining high-level operational standards with extensive international travel.
In addition to his corporate assignments, Eric continues to train pilots and seeks FAA authorization to serve as a Designated Examiner.
Pilot Eric Weaver has leadership roles as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for Part 135 operators. He helped establish a seaplane program at the Vermont Flight Academy in Burlington and has supported industry outreach efforts.
He has also volunteered his flying skills to organizations such as the EAA Young Eagles program, Make-A-Wish, and Angel Flight. In addition, he has supported the Seaplane Pilots Association. His aviation career even crossed into film when he flew a twin-engine seaplane for The Rum Diary, where he earned a credited role.
From his earliest days flying a Cessna 170 on a family farm to operating advanced Gulfstream aircraft for a Fortune 100 company, Eric Weaver’s career reflects consistent growth and commitment. His professional experience covers seaplane operations, Caravan Amphibian flights, and corporate aviation at the highest level.
Just as important, he continues to dedicate time to mentoring and training, ensuring that the next generation of aviators benefits from his knowledge. His journey demonstrates how early exposure, persistence, and technical skill can lead from small beginnings in Pennsylvania to global aviation responsibilities.
Discover More: https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2000/11/05/lake-wales-pioneer-days-bikefest-deemed-successful/26592798007