When Vincent Busone first walked through the doors of the Central Florida Aerospace Academy in 2010, he had no idea just how far aviation would take him. That same year, he began volunteering at SUN ‘n FUN and attended his very first airshow—an experience that lit a spark and set him on a path toward a future in aviation.
In 2011, Vincent’s passion took flight when he was awarded the James C. Ray Scholarship. That opportunity opened the door for him to complete his first solo flight and later earn his pilot’s license, achievements that cemented his love for flying. Around that time, Vincent also became part of the founding group of the Lakeland Aero Club. Together, they built a program unlike anything else at the time, giving high school students the chance to fly airplanes they had restored themselves. “Teenagers flying airplanes” seemed far-fetched to many, but Vincent and his peers, with the support of ACE and SUN ‘n FUN leadership, proved it could be done. The Aero Club went on to create a lasting legacy for students who would follow in their footsteps.
The Aero Club opened doors for Vincent that most teenagers only dream of. He gained lifelong mentors, traveled the country, and even flew to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in aircraft that he and his peers helped restore. Those experiences laid the groundwork for a career built on discipline, teamwork, and a deep respect for aviation.
In 2017, Vincent took his passion for aviation in a new direction by joining the United States Navy as a Parachute Rigger and Aviation Life Support Systems Technician. After completing boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes and A-School in Pensacola, he was assigned to Fighter Squadron VFA-37, the “Ragin’ Bulls,” working on the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Over the next four years, Vincent served as an Inspector and Quality Assurance Representative, supporting missions across the U.S. in Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, and Florida. His squadron also completed multiple detachments aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, where they supported mission testing, combat sorties, and large-scale deployment exercises to ensure full combat readiness.
And for movie fans, here’s a fun fact: Vincent’s team even painted the F/A-18 that appeared in Top Gun: Maverick.
In 2022, Vincent re-enlisted for a shore duty tour at Naval Station Norfolk, where he continues to serve while finishing his contract through 2025. At the same time, he has remained dedicated to his own growth as a pilot. He earned his Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings, and after returning to Lakeland, he added a Seaplane rating at the world-renowned Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base.
Today, Vincent is pursuing his college degree, doing contract work in aviation, and giving back to the community as a volunteer pilot with the Commemorative Air Force. His ultimate goal? To build the hours and experience needed to fly for a legacy airline.
Looking back, Vincent says none of this would have been possible without the James C. Ray Scholarship. The opportunities it provided not only helped him earn his pilot’s license but also gave him the foundation to build a career and a lifelong passion for aviation.
From high school volunteer to Navy serviceman to airline pilot-in-the-making, Vincent’s journey is a powerful reminder of how a spark of inspiration, paired with opportunity and hard work, can launch a young aviator toward a future full of possibilities.
