Lee Gentile

Lee Gentile is a former U.S. Air Force Colonel and experienced military aviator with more than 4,300 flight hours and decades of leadership in pilot training and aviation operations. He began his aviation career after commissioning through the Air Force ROTC program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and went on to serve in a wide range of flying and leadership assignments throughout his military career. Lee has extensive instructor experience in multiple aircraft, including the T-37, T-38, A-10, and T-6. Throughout his career he served as an instructor pilot, flight examiner, and squadron commander, helping train and evaluate hundreds of military pilots. His operational experience also includes three combat tours in Southwest Asia supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as service as a lead operational planner at the Combined Air Operations Center. In addition to his flying assignments, Lee held several senior leadership positions in Air Force pilot training, culminating in command of the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. In that role he led more than 2,800 personnel responsible for training over 350 U.S. and allied pilots each year across a fleet of more than 200 training aircraft. Since retiring from the Air Force in 2022, Lee has continued flying and instructing in a wide range of civilian aircraft, including the Cessna 152 and 172, Cirrus SR22, King Air 90 and 200 series, and Citation CE-500 and CE-525 aircraft. Lee holds advanced graduate degrees in Space Operations and Strategic Studies and has completed professional military education at the Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. His military decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Aerial Achievement Medal. Today, Lee brings his extensive operational and instructional experience to the next generation of aviators, with a focus on disciplined flying, sound decision-making, and the professionalism required to operate safely in complex aviation environments. We are fortunate to partner with Lee and appreciate him paying it forward here at East Aviation.