Tenant Spotlight: Alex Montanez, Vice President of Campus Operations at Aviator College | | |
Alexis 'Alex' Montanez was born with aviation in his DNA. Despite being the first in his family to take to the skies, he demonstrated a natural mastery of the craft early on, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at age 18 and earning his A&P Mechanic license by age 20.
Over the course of a distinguished 30-year career, Alex has curated an expansive portfolio of FAA ratings and technical expertise. His experience spans the full spectrum of the industry—from high-stakes defense contracts and military aircraft with global leaders like Boeing and Northrop Grumman to the grassroots precision of ultralights and general aviation. While his background includes complex corporate and military operations, his true passion remains rooted in the General Aviation community.
Currently serving as the VP of Campus Operations for Aviator College, Alex is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of technicians. Under his strategic leadership, the college has seen transformative growth, expanding from an enrollment of 30 students to 100 in just two years. He oversees a rigorous 16-month program that successfully graduates 60 to 80 aviation professionals annually.
Alex remains committed to transferring his lifetime of technical knowledge to his students, ensuring they enter the industry with the skill, discipline, and passion required to excel as modern aviators.
| | Hometown Hero: Keeping Up with Bay McIntosh | | |
Bay is continuing his military career in the USAF and is conducting pilot training in the F-35A Lightning II after the A-10C Thunderbolt II was inactivated in September 2025 from the 104th Fighter Squadron assigned to the Maryland Air National Guard. He is flying the sunny skies of Arizona for the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB. Bay is assigned to the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannely Field of the Alabama Air National Guard. The base is home to the 100th Fighter Squadron Red Tails that continues to honor the legacy of the famed Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group that fought valiantly during World War II in P-51 Mustangs with the distinctive, red-painted aircraft tail.
Wishing this Hometown Hero all the best in his adventures through the skies!
| | Update: Revised Airport Minimum Standards | | |
The Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) implemented minimum standards for aeronautical commercial operations (MinStds.) to ensure safety, security, and consistent, high-quality service for users while promoting orderly development. These standards protect the public from unqualified providers, ensure compliance with federal grant obligations (such as avoiding exclusive rights), and maintain efficient, safe operations.
The last time the ISM MinStds. were revised was 2014. Several areas needed updating and operations not previously addressed were added. During the past 12-months, an aviation committee comprised of ISM tenants and subtenants, airport management, and aviation legal council collaborated to revise the MinStds. As part of this process, a fee schedule for commercial operations was developed for new commercial service operations and existing and future subleases. The fees consist of annual registration fees, and depending on the operation, a percentage of gross receipts.
All commercial operators (flight instructors, mechanics, aircraft detailers, etc.) desiring to operate at ISM are required to complete an application, register with the City/Airport, and enter an operating agreement. The new MinStds. will be placed on the Airport’s website soon. Until then, please contact the Airport Admin Office for an electronic copy.
| | U.S. Rep. Darren Soto Visits Kissimmee Gateway Airport During Central Florida District Tour | | |
U.S. Rep. Darren Soto spent part of his Central Florida district tour on February 16 visiting Kissimmee Gateway Airport, highlighting the facility’s role in regional aviation, infrastructure investment, and economic development. The visit was shared in a social media video posted by Soto’s office, showing the congressman meeting with local partners and touring airport operations as part of a broader planning session with his team across the district. Soto, who represents Florida’s 9th Congressional District, said the tour focused on strengthening community partnerships and reviewing ongoing projects that support growth in Osceola County and the greater Orlando region.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport serves as a key general aviation hub for Central Florida and operates as a reliever airport for nearby Orlando International Airport. The city-owned facility supports corporate aviation, flight training, and maintenance operations, helping reduce congestion at larger commercial airports while supporting local businesses.
Local aviation infrastructure has been a recurring focus for Soto, who has helped secure federal funding for improvements at both regional airports. Recent federal investments have supported upgrades such as taxiway lighting reconstruction and modernization efforts aimed at improving safety and efficiency. Soto’s visit to the airport was part of a wider district planning effort involving staff meetings and site visits across Central Florida. Soto has frequently emphasized infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, particularly in tourism-dependent Central Florida communities where aviation access plays a major role in supporting jobs and regional mobility. While Kissimmee Gateway Airport does not offer scheduled commercial airline service, it handles thousands of general aviation operations annually and supports aviation training, business travel, and aircraft services throughout Osceola County. Officials say continued investment helps maintain safety standards while positioning the airport to meet future demand as the Central Florida population and visitor economy continue to expand. Soto’s visit underscores ongoing collaboration between federal, local, and aviation leaders as infrastructure funding from recent federal programs continues flowing into transportation projects across the region.
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Stallion 51 Offers Unusual Altitude Training to
Handle Real Challenges
| | Last Chance: Lock In Low Rates for Flight Trainings with Aerostar | | |
When a pilot encounters the unexpected, valuable training and knowledge can be the determining factor in a challenging situation.
Unusual Attitude Training by Stallion 51 offers advanced pilot instruction at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, designed to sharpen decision making, aircraft control and confidence in demanding flight scenarios. UAT’s unique program combines ground, visual and instrument flight training in actual aircraft (L-39 Turbojet and P-51 Mustang) to familiarize pilots with the recognition and recovery from unusual attitudes and in-flight upsets in both VFR and IFR environments.
Visit Stallion 51 online for more details or to get your training started!
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Secure your ATP-CTP or A320/B737NG Type Rating with a low deposit before March 1st with Aerostar Training Services.
Aerostar focuses on providing the highest quality training at an affordable cost, with flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs of our customers’ busy schedules. Offerings include a wide range of certification and endorsement programs in airline pilot training including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial initial pilot training, and ATP CTP aircraft type ratings in the Airbus A320 Series, Boeing 737NG. Aerostar Training Services is also one of the few schools in the world who can offer students a complete flight training program from zero hours to ATP CTP and type rating. International students are always welcome. Sign up today!
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Relocate Your Business to Kissimmee Gateway
Central Florida's Airport of Choice
| | With over 180 acres of land available for development, a new aerospace park and innovative incentive packages, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is Central Florida's airport of choice and the ideal location for your business. For more information, contact the City of Kissimmee Economic Development Office at (407) 518-2307. | | |
This newsletter is a publication of Kissimmee Gateway Airport. For more information about this publication, please contact us at newsletter@flykissimmee.com or call (407) 847-4600.
© 2026 Kissimmee Gateway Airport
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