Our Staff
Gary Eich CFI
Gary started his flight training in 1994, and took 5 years to get his private pilot certificate. No he was not a bad student, but life happens. Two job changes, 4 different airports and airplanes, and 7 different instructors. Since that time, Gary has flown general aviation in Rhode Island, Ohio and Tennessee. In 2012, while in eastern Tennessee, he started working on his instrument, commercial, and then Certificated Flight Instructor, which he received in 2016. In addition to being a CFI Gary is an engineer, and enjoys flying precisely “by the numbers!” He is happy to share his experiences and knowledge with pilots, old and new, for a flight review, some rusty pilot refresher, or for a new student, just starting the journey. Gary can be reached at 401-633-4310.
Jim Slade CFII
Hi, my name is Jim and I am originally from Rhode Island. I grew up in East Providence before joining the Air Force where my love of aviation took me around the world as an aircraft maintenance technician. After retiring from the military, I finally had the time to follow my childhood dream of becoming a pilot. I started flying in January 2019 and was able to earn my Private, Instrument, Single, and Multi-engine Commercial ratings along with Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument. I love the freedom and peacefulness, but also the challenges that flying brings, and would like to share those experiences with as many people as possible. I have had the privilege of instructing since 2021 in Tennessee, where I thoroughly enjoyed teaching and mentoring students to help them achieve their dreams and goals.
I am excited to be returning home and look forward to sharing my passion for flying with you at Newport Aviation. Please reach out to me with any questions about starting your pilot journey, discovery flight, flight review, instrument proficiency check, or if you are just looking to brush up on some skills. I can be reached at 757-327-1401 or james.slade2024@gmail.com.
Hello all!
My name is Eli Mitchell, and I’ve been a full-time CFI since 2019, training Private and Commercial Pilots. I started into aviation for the perpetual yet rewarding challenge of flight, and the incredible potential for adventure that it brings. I’m a Rhode Island native and I love our small and quirky state. That said, being able to expand your reach beyond Narragansett Bay and make those long trips or short hops that guarantee unique challenges and lasting memories is what flying lets you do best. Spending the last six years training and teaching has been the most rewarding (also humbling) experience of my life, and I’m excited to share with anyone interested. Please reach out if you’re interested in doing some flying. Whether you’re just starting your certificate or looking to hone your skills, I’d love to help.
Best regards,
Eli Mitchell
Cell: 401-835-5129
Email: eli.w.mitchell@gmail.com