Our Team
Gareth Williams
I’m Gareth—pilot, flight instructor, scientist, and co-founder of Suncoast Biplanes. I’ve worn many hats over the years, from PhD researcher to business consultant, but nothing quite compares to the joy of sharing the sky with someone experiencing open-air flying for the very first time. Seeing that spark of wonder never gets old.
I was born and raised in the UK, and my love for aviation took off early. I joined the Air Training Corps as a teenager and flew my first solo in a sailplane at 17. After moving to the U.S., a casual Discovery Flight in a Cessna 150 reignited that lifelong passion—and eventually led me to where I am now: flying a beautiful biplane over Florida’s Gulf Coast with my wife, Joy.
As a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), I’m committed to making every ride safe, fun, and unforgettable—whether you’re looking for a peaceful scenic flight or an exhilarating aerobatic experience. Over the past 20 years, I’ve flown a wide range of general aviation aircraft, including my very first biplane, a 1942 Boeing Stearman that I flew coast to coast from Pennsylvania to California. That same Stearman even made it to the big screen in Steve McQueen: An American Icon and the upcoming When the Moon Was Twice as Big.
At Suncoast Biplanes, I get to combine my love for flying, my technical background, and my desire to create extraordinary moments for others.
Joy Williams
I’m Joy—co-founder of Suncoast Biplanes and the person making sure everything behind the scenes runs like clockwork (with heart!).
Before launching this adventure with my husband Gareth, I spent more than 20 years in leadership roles across education and faith-based communities—managing teams, building systems, and organizing everything! That background shaped how I approach everything we do here at Suncoast Biplanes.
These days, I handle the operational side of our business—from guest communications and bookings to safety protocols, logistics, and the overall customer experience. I also lead our community outreach and donation programs, making sure we’re not just flying over this beautiful coast, but staying connected to the people and causes on the ground.
Starting Suncoast Biplanes felt like a leap and a homecoming all at once. It let me bring together my love for organization, adventure, and creating moments that truly matter. Whether I’m coordinating details, supporting local partners, or helping guests buckle in with a big smile, I’m here to make sure your experience is smooth, joyful, and full of wonder.
Bobbi Washburn
I’m Bobbi, and I’m one of the lucky members of the Suncoast Biplanes crew who gets to welcome you when you arrive to meet Gracie! I’m here to answer your questions, help you through the pre-flight process and FAA safety videos, and make sure you feel comfortable, prepared, and excited for the adventure ahead.
I grew up in a family business, helping with the operation of a children’s camp in Michigan, before earning my B.S. in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. My journey later led me into dental assisting, a role I discovered I absolutely loved because of the opportunity to care for and encourage people.
Through all the different paths the Lord has guided me along, I’ve learned something about people: many of us want to be fearless, but sometimes we just need a little encouragement to take that next step. I love being the person who offers that reassurance and courageous support — and there’s something especially rewarding about doing that just before someone climbs into a biplane!
My husband and I have two grown sons, and family time is one of our greatest joys.
One of the things I love most about Suncoast Biplanes is the genuine sense of family that surrounds everything we do. From the moment you arrive, my hope is that you feel welcomed, cared for, and excited to be part of the Suncoast Biplanes experience — and that you leave with memories you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Stephen Quinn
I’m a dedicated aviator pursuing a purposeful, nontraditional path in aviation—one built on passion, persistence, and a lifelong fascination with anything that flies.
My love of aviation began where it does for many pilots: at an airshow, wide-eyed and captivated by the sound of engines and the precision of the performers in the sky. Not long after earning my driver’s license, I saved what I could, drove myself to the local airport, and went looking for a sign. The one I found—“Learn to Fly Here!”—set everything in motion. I took my first discovery flight at age 16, and from that day forward, flying became a defining thread in my life.
Through high school, I trained on weekends, determined to turn my passion into a profession. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from the Florida Institute of Technology’s School of Aeronautics, supported by a four-year senior Army ROTC scholarship. Upon graduation, I was commissioned as a Reserve Army Officer and began building a diverse career in aviation.
Over the next decade, I worked in operations at a private jet company, fulfilled my military service obligation, and served overseas as an airfield manager—experiences that deepened both my operational knowledge and leadership skills. At one point, life’s momentum gradually pulled me away from active flying. With the encouragement of family and friends, I made the deliberate decision to return to the skies and finish what I had started years before. That decision reignited my passion and set me on a new professional course that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Today, in addition to flying with Suncoast Biplanes, I work at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) in Airside Operations, helping to keep the airfield running safely and efficiently from the ground side as well as from the cockpit.
I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Suncoast Biplanes team and for the privilege of sharing the gift of aviation with such an inspiring community.
I look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing the magic of flight with you. Let’s fly!
