About Us
Stefano Rota
Stefano Rota is the Founder and CEO of Flight Level Studios, with over 5,700 hours of flight experience across airline, corporate, and general aviation operations in the U.S. and internationally in the America’s.
He began his aviation career in Ecuador at Ícaro Flight Academy, earning his commercial license, and later converted to an FAA Commercial Multi-Engine License in Florida. Stefano has hands-on experience in aircraft operations, management, and contract flying across diverse environments. Bilingual and regionally experienced, he has been based at high-altitude and complex airports such as Quito (SEQM, 9,350 ft), La Paz (SLLP, 13,325 ft), and Bogotá (SKBO, 8,360 ft). He has served as a First Officer on the Airbus A319/A320 and now works as an independent contractor, focusing on contract flying, aircraft delivery, acceptance flights, repositioning, and pilot mentorship for insurance purposes.
Known for precision, attention to detail, and a service-oriented approach, Stefano prioritizes safety in every operation. He has flown more than 20 aircraft types, including Cessna singles and twins, Citation 500 series, Falcon jets, Pilatus PC-12, Kodiak, Piper, and Commander aircraft. He is currently flying as PIC on the Citation 500 series and SIC on the Falcon 20, while continuing to broaden his experience across additional aircraft.
The Company
Flight Level Studios is a full-service aviation company founded by Stefano and Sandro Rota, combining over 20 years of experience across airline, corporate, and general aviation operations. We specialize in providing highly experienced FAA-licensed pilots for contract and full-time missions, ferry and repositioning flights, and a wide range of operational support services
In addition to aviation operations, we are a leading aviation photography studio, capturing aircraft in flight, on the ground, and in dynamic settings for owners, operators, magazines, and enthusiasts worldwide. Our services include Air-to-Air photography, static and glamour shoots, landing and takeoff captures, aerobatics, corporate and promotional sessions, and milestone events such as retirements or first solos
We also offer aircraft acquisition and sales advisory on a personalized, integrity-driven basis. While not a dedicated brokerage, we work closely with clients to source the right aircraft, provide honest guidance, and help determine whether buying, upgrading, or chartering best suits their needs. Our network includes experts across nearly every type of aircraft, ensuring informed, trustworthy advice.
At Flight Level Studios, we combine technical expertise, creativity, and passion for aviation to deliver services that are reliable, tailored, and exceptional—whether in the cockpit, behind the camera, or advising on aircraft decisions.
Sandro Rota
I am Sandro Rota, founder of Ecuador Aviation Photography (EAP). My story as an aviation photography, spotter, and historian began back in 1994. Back then I wanted to take photos of airplanes to decorate my room. Years later I learned there was a worldwide community of photographers and spotters.
My younger brother Stefano tagged along with me to take photos at Quito’s airport. He later began taking his own photos .
For many years our hobby was censored and frowned upon in our country, and we encountered various problems. That’s why in 2008 we decided to take a stand and show authorities there was nothing wrong with our hobby and founded EAP. It began as a blog to inform society what we did, and unite those who also liked this hobby.
Now a days things have changed for good in our country and region. We have formed an alliance with local airport authorities and have organized various Spotter Days inside the airport for local and foreign photographers. My work has been published on different aviation magazines and publications as well as local and international media.
Photographing aircraft has allowed me to discover more of our local and foreign aviation, and meet wonderful people, which is why I now organize aviation history tours to Ecuador and other countries in Latin America. Please enjoy the effort, and passion invested to immortalize aviation through photography.
“Yes… I’m a pilot and a photographer…”
A boss of mine at the airline I used to fly, disliked the fact I took aviation pictures. He used to question my colleagues about me behind my back as a mockery, asking them,
“Well, WHAT IS HE!? A PILOT? OR A PHOTOGRAPHER?”
At the same time, a couple of great friends of mine from the airline, saw my passion like everybody else has since I started. They sent this drawing to be made for me on my 30th birthday. A representation of what I am. A Pilot, and a Photographer.
This was an inspiration for me to realize that what I do impacts 99.9% of the people positively, and they actually see me like this drawing (Which is 100% accurate by the way).