Eric Weaver 

Eric Weaver, pilot, has spent his career flying across a broad spectrum of aviation operations. His experience includes seaplane operations, global Caravan Amphibian flights, and long-range Gulfstream missions for Fortune 100 corporate clients. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a veteran business aviation pilot. Yet, his story begins in rural Pennsylvania, where early exposure to aviation shaped the path that would eventually lead him to international assignments throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and South America.

Eric’s ability to move from small regional operations into complex international work reflects technical skills and a willingness to adapt. Proficient in seaplanes, Caravan Amphibians, and advanced corporate jets, he continues to broaden his qualifications while sharing knowledge with the next generation of aviators. His career has combined direct instruction, demonstration flying, and demanding corporate missions, giving him a perspective defined by both diversity and global scope.

Roots in Pennsylvania

Pilot Eric Weaver grew up in a farming family in Pennsylvania. His introduction to aviation came through his father and uncle, who owned a Cessna 170. They operated it on a closed paved road through the farm, and that access gave Eric an unusual opportunity to explore flying at a very young age. This early connection with an aircraft sparked his lifelong interest in aviation.

Beyond aviation, Eric learned responsibility through work on the farm, where he gained experience in agricultural partnerships, farm product retailing, and direct-to-consumer food sales. Following high school, he participated in Youth with a Mission, traveling to Hong Kong to teach English before returning to support his family during business challenges.

He later attended Anderson University in Indiana, earning a Business and Management Information Systems degree. This education eventually supported his entrepreneurial pursuits and his career as a professional pilot.

A Resort and a Return to Aviation

After graduating, Eric joined his parents in purchasing a 37-room lakeside resort in Florida with a golf course, banquet facilities, and a restaurant. Managing the property meant overseeing weddings, events, and daily operations, but aviation soon returned to the forefront of his life.

The arrival of a seaplane on the property sparked his decision to earn a private pilot certificate. He also purchased a 1954 Cessna 180 on straight floats, which he operated in his free time. His interest in flying grew steadily as he balanced the resort’s demands.

In 2004, a hurricane forced the resort to close, and Eric shifted his focus entirely to aviation. Over the next several years, he advanced through commercial, instrument, multi-engine, instructor, and multi-engine seaplane ratings, establishing a strong professional foundation.

Creating America’s Seaplane City

During the Great Recession, Eric co-founded a seaplane base in Tavares, Florida, which became known as America’s Seaplane City. He developed a business centered on seaplane tourism and advanced training with partner Ricci Rowe.

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 his teaching career, he recommended more than 100 pilots for advanced ratings. He was recognized for his expertise in Caravan Amphibious aircraft and worked as a demonstration pilot for Wipaire, the manufacturer of Caravan Amphibious floats.

Expanding to Corporate Aviation

Eric’s professional aviation career took another step in 2012 when he began flying Cessna Caravans out of New York City. This role expanded his reach across South America, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and nearly every island in the Caribbean.

Between 2019 and 2024, Eric supported a VVIP client in the New York area and obtained a type rating in the Gulfstream 550. Building on that role, he later transitioned to working for a Fortune 100 company, where he now operates G550 and G600 aircraft. His missions extend across the Middle East, Asia, and South America, combining complex operational requirements with international travel.

In addition to flying, Eric remains active in training efforts and works toward FAA authorization as a Designated Examiner.

Contributions Beyond Flying

Eric Weaver’s career has included leadership and outreach beyond piloting. He has served as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for Part 135 operators, contributed to establishing a seaplane program at the Vermont Flight Academy in Burlington, and participated in initiatives encouraging aviation growth.

His volunteer work includes flights for the EAA Young Eagles program, Make-A-Wish, and Angel Flight, along with supporting the Seaplane Pilots Association. His aviation career extended to film when he was credited with flying a twin-engine seaplane in The Rum Diary.

Continuing His Journey

Eric Weaver’s career reflects the steady progression from early flying on a family farm to operating advanced Gulfstream aircraft for a Fortune 100 company. His professional path spans seaplane operations, Caravan Amphibian expertise, and high-level corporate aviation.

Read more: https://backcountrypilot.org/forum/seaplane-training-6553

Discover more: https://generalaviationnews.com/2011/03/15/creating-americas-seaplane-city