About Us
The Tropic Ocean Airways team is looking forward to sharing the adventure of flying seaplanes to Key West and the Bahamas with you!
FLY WITH PROFESSIONALS:
- Our pilots are highly experienced military aviators and seaplane instructors.
- We are happy to provide you with the complete background of any one of our pilots. We are proud of our operation and want you to be 100% confident in your pilot!
Empty Legs
- South FL to the Keys -$149
- Keys to South FL -$149
- Feb 14
- Mar 26
- Click here to Book Now or call
800-767-0897 - Book Now or call
800-767-0897
Your Crew:
Rob Ceravolo, President
Born and raised in South Florida, Rob was bit by the aviation bug at the young age of five when his father took him flying for the first time. Rob, so small that he had to sit on a cushion, took the controls over Fort Lauderdale beach and rolled the plane over into a dive, aimed the nose at a ship while making machine gun noises, and successfully "strafed" an enemy ship. Since that fateful day, Rob has been blessed to have the opportunity to fly many types of aircraft, from turbo-prop airliners to helicopters to seaplanes, and just about every high-performance jet in the Navy's inventory, realizing a childhood dream. As an F-14 Tomcat pilot, Rob deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 2005 to 2006 onboard the USS Roosevelt, and was awarded two Air Medals for his missions over Iraq. Shortly after returning, you may have caught a glimplse of his jet when he flew the last F-14 flyby for the Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea Show, an amazing opportunity for a South Florida native! After retiring the Tomcat, Rob transitioned to the F-18 Super Hornet. In 2007, Rob returned to Florida to become an Adversary Instructor in Key West and graduated from TOPGUN in 2009. Rob has the amazing job of teaching dogfighting in paradise and, living in Key West, was able to realize another dream...own a seaplane adventure company to share his love of aviation and the sea. When he's not tearing up the skies in a fighter jet or a seaplane, Rob enjoys free-diving, diving, spearfishing, paddleboarding, skydiving and motorcycles. A University of Florida grad, Rob proudly calls Florida his home and loves living in Key West!
Nick Veltre, Vice President
As a young boy working in his father’s body shop, Nick was fascinated by all things mechanical; cars, boats and airplanes, but he never imagined he would be a pilot. The aviation bug bit him hard, however, when he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1996. Nick spent 6 years flying missions as a Crew Chief on CH-53E helicopters around the world. As a member of the 31st Marine Expedition Unit Nick flew humanitarian relief missions all over the South Pacific! In 2002, Nick continued his love of aviation and worked to complete his Land and Sea Commercial pilot certificates as well as his Flight Instructor ratings (CFI CFII and MEI) in both land aircraft and seaplanes. After a move to central Florida Nick was offered a job as an instructor at the world famous Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base in Winter Haven, Florida! The instructors at Jack Brown’s are sought after by seaplane airlines around the world! The training that he was giving to potential seaplane pilots focused on real world flying, lots of fun and adventure and most importantly, safety. While at Jack Brown’s, Nick met many outstanding people and had more fun than should be allowed at work. It was the experience at Jack Brown's that helped Nick realize he wanted to be a part of the seaplane community for the rest of his career. He thought he had found his dream job until he met Rob Ceravolo. Rob offered Nick the chance to build upon his dreams and become a partner in starting Tropic Ocean Airways. The blessing to be a part of the birth of a company, receiving a 135 certification from the FAA and a true love of seaplane flying fuel Nick to provide safe, friendly service to customers allowing him to share the wonderful world of seaplane traveling. Living in Key West with his wife, Jayme, and being a part of Tropic Ocean Airways continues to be a remarkable experience. When not flying, Nick and Jayme enjoys pasta Sundays and spending time with their extremely lazy but ridiculously cute dog Chance.
