From student to Delta pilot and aviation entrepreneur: Sergey Kozyrev

Sergey became a CFI before starting his career with Delta 

Hi, my name is Sergey Kozyrev. I’m currently a pilot with Delta Air Lines, founder of FLEVEL - an aviation travel apparel company - and proud alum of Acron Aviation Academy. I’m honored to be able to share my journey with any aspiring pilots out there!

I’ve loved aviation since I was a kid. I was fortunate to fly on many different types of aircraft with my family growing up, and every flight left me amazed by the complexity and technology behind these machines. I ultimately decided to pursue aviation while completing my first bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

After graduating in the summer of 2014, I enrolled in the Professional Pilot Program (PPP) at Aerosim Flight Academy, now Acron Aviation Academy. I toured several flight schools around the country, but this one stood out for its airline-focused training approach, location, equipment, and many other factors. It was definitely the right choice! 

I started the PPP in August 2014 and earned my Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate around September 2015, going from zero flight time to CFI in just over a year. I was then hired by the Academy as an instructor, where they sponsored my Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) training. I also became a Check Instructor. 

Flying for a regional carrier before flying with Delta

After building my flight hours, I was hired in May 2017 by Republic Airways, one of the Academy’s pilot pathway partners. In 2019, I was upgraded to Captain, became a pilot recruiter that same year, and in 2021, I was hired by Delta Air Lines.

I started my career with Delta flying the B717, then transitioned to international operations on the Boeing 767-400 after about a year. I’m now heading into training for Captain on the A220 and will be based in New York City.

Experience at Acron Aviation Academy and advice for aspiring pilots

My experience in flight school was excellent. The training was smooth thanks to outstanding Instructors, a fast-paced program, a large and diverse fleet of aircraft, and the benefit of sunny Florida weather.

I especially enjoyed working at the Academy as an Instructor. I love teaching, and Acron Aviation Academy provided the resources and support needed to deliver high-quality flight instruction. One of my favorite memories was taking long cross-country flights with students and stopping somewhere along the way for lunch.

I’m still in touch with several former students who have since become friends, and I’m proud to know that many pilots flying around the world today began their training with me. Those memories are truly priceless.

My best advice to anyone thinking about becoming a pilot or exploring flight schools is to enjoy every step of the journey and truly love what you do. Embracing the process is a huge part of success, and it helps tremendously when facing challenges. It also keeps you motivated throughout your aviation career.

Starting FLEVEL, an apparel brand for pilots by pilots

The idea for FLEVEL came about while I was working as an Instructor. I noticed that many students and Instructors relied on zip-lock sandwich bags or other inconvenient methods to store important documents such as FAA medical certificates and pilot licenses.

At the time, I was using an old plastic pouch myself. So, I decided to design a simple document holder by combining two passport wallets, and it quickly proved to be both practical and comfortable to use.

That initial concept eventually evolved into an online store called FLEVEL where I now sell aviation-inspired document holders, wallets, and jewelry that I design myself.

FLEVEL has since become a place to find meaningful, well-designed products for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.