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Uriel Cleophas Hodge, affectionately known as “Cleo” or “The Chief,” is a cornerstone of Caribbean aviation with over four decades of flight experience. Based at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, USVI, Hodge transitioned from early technical careers in telecommunications and precision watch repair to pursue a lifelong passion for flight. After studying aviation at Miami Dade College, he piloted for regional carriers including Air Virgin Islands and Air Anguilla before founding ACE Flight Center in 1980. For more than 40 years, he has served as the facility's owner and chief instructor, establishing it as the premier flight training destination in the Virgin Islands.
As an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and a flight instructor since 1976, Captain Hodge has personally mentored and evaluated more than 1,000 pilots. His professional certifications include CFI, CFII, and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings, with deep expertise in various airframes, including the iconic DC-3. Throughout his extensive career, Hodge has maintained a sharp focus on safety and airmanship, often citing a formative training incident where he successfully recovered a stalled aircraft just three feet above the ocean. His enduring leadership and expertise within the San Juan FSDO region continue to influence and certify the next generation of Caribbean aviators.