Costa Air Service
at Corning-Painted Post Airport
Our Services
TOURS
Aerial tours of beautiful upstate New York and the Finger Lakes region as well as northern-central Pennsylvania are offered year-round .
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FLIGHT LESSONS AND RENTALS
If you have ever dreamed of learning to fly, Costa's can help your dream come true.
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BANNERS
We fly custom message banners across the Finger Lakes region and northern Pennsylvania.
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AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
We have a full-service maintenance shop stocked with two full-time AI's.
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ACCOMMODATIONS FOR TRANSITIONAL AIRCRAFT
We were voted "most comfortable FBO couches," for upstate NY.
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AIRCRAFT STORAGE
We offer ramp tie-downs and community or private hangar space. Please contact us for current prices and availability.
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AVIATION FUEL
We offer AvGas (100LL) at $5.35 per gallon and Jet-A fuel at $3.99 per gallon. Prices are subject to change.
The Team
Jim Doane
Owner of Costa Air Service and CFI Extraordinaire
Jim is a pilot with over forty years of experience. He formed Costa Air Service and took over operations of the FBO at Corning-Painted Post airport in 2018. When not out flying (which is often), or behind a desk, he likes to spend time with his hyper but lovable Weimaraner, Travis.
Nate
Aircraft Inspector
Nate joined Costa's in 2018 as an A&P mechanic, but has since acquired his Aircraft Inspector certification. Nate is an all-around wunderkind and a private pilot.
Mike
Aircraft Inspector
Mike has been with Costa's for a respectable time now and is our chief Aircraft Inspector. Despite this action shot, Mike has not "fallen and cannot get up."
Joe Costa (Jr.)
Owner of Costa Flying Service
Joe Costa is the son of the original founder of Corning-Painted Post airport and the glue that holds the Costa's airport family together. When Joe isn't dispensing invaluable advice, he can be found in the maintenance hangar working on his latest project.
Deb Giaconia
CFI
Deb is the newest addition to the Costa's crew. Deb started her career at Daniel Webster College earning an Aviation Management/Flight Operations degree. Deb then worked for Cape Air flying the Cessna 402 around the Boston and Nantucket area and in 1999 was hired by Piedmont Airlines as a First Officer. Deb also previously owned and operated her own flight school out of the Corning-Elmira Airport. "Flying has been a gift to my life that I am anxious and proud to share with others!"
Jeff Sharp
CFI
Jeff has been flying in the area for over 20 years. He started as a CFI and went on to work as a charter pilot and as a captain with Chautauqua Airlines. He also currently works as a corporate pilot. He is excited to get back into flight instruction and hopes to help the next generation of pilots earn their wings.
Don
Sheet metal wizard/repair guru
Don is a staple at Costa's and he works his magic on repair and restoration projects in the maintenance hangar.
About Us
Costa Air Service is an off-shoot of Costa Flying Service, also based as Corning-Painted Post Airport, which is the oldest flying service in New York state. Costa Flying Service was founded in 1930 by Joe Costa Sr., who was the first resident of Corning to get a pilot's license and later made aviation history when, in 1936, he attempted a transatlantic flight from the U.S. to Portugal in his Lockheed Vega. In 1993 the Empire State Aerosciences Museum honored him with the Aviation Pioneer Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of General Aviation. In 1994 the Rochester Flight Standards District Office of the Federal Aviation Administration honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his 65 years in aviation. Also in 1994, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Administration Administration, Eastern Region, gave him a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of 65 years of distinction as an aviator.
Costa Air Service is owned and operated by Jim Doane, a pilot with over 40 years of flight experience. Jim holds many FAA certifications including CFI, CFII, MEI, MEII, CFIG, and ATP.
Contact Us
- 10 Costa Drive, Painted Post, NY, 14870, USA
- Costa's Airport, Corning-Painted Post Airport Alternate address: 342 Victory Highway, Painted Post, NY 14870
- 607-962-0053 - Office
- CostaAirService@gmail.com
- 9am to 5pm Everyday Special Hours by Appointment
