The Aero Experience is a celebration of Midwest Aviation and aerospace achievement. We invite you to join us as we tell the story of Midwest Aviation through first-hand, immersive media presentations. Check in with The Aero Experience frequently to see where we land, and then go out and have your own aero experiences!
celebrates Midwest Aviation with our "CFI on the Fly" series to honor the unsung heroes of the aviation industry - the Certified Flight Instructors training the next generation of pilots at flight schools large and small across the region. CFIs are in high demand, and new instructors are gaining flight hours at a rate that guarantees their rapid progression to the corporate, charter or airline crew positions to which many aspire. Rather than generalize about the CFI/CFII/MEI roles, we will start from the individual and find out what makes a great CFI through their particular contribution.
In this edition, we feature CFII/MEI Taylor Melbrod, who has been a flight instructor at Piston Aviation since February. She can be seen flying with her students daily out of Piston Aviation's Creve Coeur Airport location and also at the frequent Flight Day events held there and at St. Louis Regional Airport. Many of her students book the mint green and orange Tomark Aero SD4 Viper LSAs, which are well-equipped for all levels of training offered at Piston Aviation, though she also enjoys instructing in the school's Piper Cherokees and Beech Musketeer.
As a flight instructor, Taylor Melbrod is embarking on the second phase of her aviation career. After college, her love of travel led to work as a flight attendant for United Airlines. It did not take long for her to realize that she could be flying the plane, and after years of saving money, Melbrod enrolled in an ATP accelerated training program to earn her ratings.
"I was never, like, oh, I'm going to be a pilot when I grow up," Melbrod told The Aero Experience. "I thought, I like to travel, so I'll be a flight attendant. And then once I got there, I was like, wow, I could be a pilot. This is such a great gig. I love this lifestyle." Her next goal is to return to United Airlines as an Airline Transport Pilot.
Reflecting on the rigorous flight training program and years of preparation, Melbrod is enthusiastic about her future. "I knew I could do this, and it's honestly such a great career. I know a lot of people do a career change later in life, and I'm one of those people. And it's, honestly, awesome!"
Here we show Taylor Melbrod prepping the Vipers in the Piston Aviation hangar and giving instruction in these very stylish aircraft.
Taylor Melbrod enjoys her role as a flight instructor at Piston Aviation, and she appreciates the opportunity for self-improvement as well. "It contributes a lot to a learning experience for me. I feel like I learn a lot more as an instructor. I've become so much more of a pilot just being an instructor, and you get a lot of satisfaction from seeing your students do well."
What makes a great CFI? "CFIs who really care about their students, and really care about the progress that they're making. They are not out for themselves," she responded. "All of my students - I want to see through to the end. I want to see them at least pass whatever stage they're in."
The Aero Experience recently took a local flight with Taylor Melbrod in Piston Aviation's orange Viper. This aircraft is exceptionally equipped with Dynon displays, autopilot, ergonomic cockpit arrangement and economical Rotax engine. The Viper provides the expected light control forces, electric flaps and trim and bubble canopy. This model includes hand brake controls on the stick and a ballistic rescue system. In the video featured below, we learn more about Taylor Melbrod and the Viper LSA.
The Aero Experience thanks CFII/MEI Taylor Melbrod for devoting her time to this story. We also thank Piston Aviation for providing our flight and for their support as one of our great sponsors.
The Aero Experience celebrates Midwest Aviation with our "CFI on the Fly" series to honor the unsung heroes of the aviation industry - the Certified Flight Instructors training the next generation of pilots at flight schools large and small across the region. CFIs are in high demand, and new instructors are gaining flight hours at a rate that guarantees their rapid progression to the corporate, charter or airline crew positions to which many aspire. Rather than generalize about the CFI/CFII/MEI roles, we will start from the individual and find out what makes a great CFI through their particular contribution.
In this edition, we feature Josh Carroll, CFII from STL Flight Training based at St. Louis Downtown Airport. He is friendly and likeable, immediately showing his enthusiasm for each new flight opportunity. He also has a get-to-the-point teaching side that projects two or three steps ahead of the student in the training process. Carroll always strives to give his students the most value for their time and money on each flight and ground school session.
CFII Josh Carroll is embarking on a second career after serving as a paramedic in his hometown of Springfield, MO. He and his wife, also in the medical field, moved to St. Louis to pursue employment opportunities when the aviation bug bit him. Even though he grew up around the local airport, Carroll never considered aviation as a career choice until relatively recently when he began to feel the burnout from the pandemic-era medical environment.
"I grew up near an airport," Carroll told The Aero Experience. "I was in the approach path of Springfield National, KSGF. You would spend all day, every day, of your childhood playing outside and watching planes go over...Never really considered this as a career, it was one of those things I didn't have anybody in it." He began seriously considering flight training after attending the wedding of a college roommate who was starting his flight training as a personal diversion.
Carroll took his flight training, Private Pilot to CFII, from ATP at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. He would work nights and train during the day until he completed the course and began instructing at STL Flight Training. The Aero Experience recently flew with him in the company's new Evektor Harmony LSA loaded with all the bells and whistles of a well-equipped trainer.
During our local flight from St. Louis Downtown Airport, CFII Josh Carroll demonstrated the straightforward operation of the aircraft, from the preflight inspection to the simplified engine runup procedure and the operation of the Garmin G3X panel display. The synthetic vision clearly shows the runway ahead as well as ground obstacles and air traffic. Also, the airport layout, sectional chart and radio frequency references are essential to both VFR and IFR flying. The main display can be set up as a traditional "six-pack" or artificial horizon with full vertical tape layout. Pilot-friendly airframe and flight control design features include electric elevator and aileron trim, split flaps, center control stick with trim control and bubble canopy. The fuel efficiency and reliability of the Rotax 912 family of engines reduces flying cost and adds value for operators and students alike. These features of the Evektor Harmony, and other topics of interest, were discussed in the in-flight video featured below.
So, what makes a great CFI? "It's hard," Carroll reflected, "because you're never not a CFI. You're never not teaching, you're never not helping." He added that CFIs have to evaluate a variety of personalities and skill levels, meeting each student where they are and coaching them through each phase of training. A common practice is for the student to fly with another instructor at specific intervals or when the student has difficulty learning a particular concept, especially at the instrument level. Ensuring that the new or advancing pilot is competent and safe is a burden of conscience that all CFIs share as they nurture their students, and each other, along the way.
The Aero Experience thanks CFII Josh Carroll for giving his time for our story. We also thank STL Flight Training for providing our flight in their Evektor Harmony fleet training aircraft and STL Flight Maintenance for keeping this and the other fleet aircraft operating safely.
The Aero Experience celebrates Midwest Aviation with our "CFI on the Fly" series to honor the unsung heroes of the aviation industry - the Certified Flight Instructors training the next generation of pilots at flight schools large and small across the region. CFIs are in high demand, and new instructors are gaining flight hours at a rate that guarantees their rapid progression to the corporate, charter or airline crew positions to which many aspire. Rather than generalize about the CFI/CFII/MEI roles, we will start from the individual and find out what makes a great CFI through their particular contribution.
In this edition, we feature CFII Ann McLoughlin from Gateway Flight Training based at Creve Coeur Airport. She grew up around aviation and exudes a natural enthusiasm for sharing her love of flight with others around her. McLoughlin's father is a commercial airline pilot and owner of multiple general aviation aircraft over the years, the most recent is a Beech Sundowner. She has her seaplane rating, a tribute to one of her childhood experiences flying in a floatplane with family friends in Alaska, and enjoys aerobatic flying in a Decathlon. McLoughlin brings a wide range of flying skills to compliment the CFI staff and growing fleet at Gateway Flight Training.
The Aero Experience recently visited with Ann McLoughlin to get to know her better and take a flight in the Gateway Flight Training Piper Warrior. She can be seen virtually every day taking off from Creve Coeur Airport with her students and heading out to the practice area or a cross-country destination. We found some time in her schedule to tour the pilot resource room/lounge and maintenance hangar before heading out for our in-flight interview.
Ann McLoughlin has always been around aviation growing up in the St. Louis area. Her first memorable flight experience was in a float plane owned by friends thousands of miles away in Alaska when she was eight years old.
"I've been flying for so long, it's really hard to remember the first one - I was probably too little to remember," she told The Aero Experience. "I remember we took a Cessna on floats and they had a cabin up there. And we took this float plane just right into this cabin in the middle of nowhere...It was a great opportunity and I absolutely love it out there. The epitome of flying."
After high school, McLoughlin was looking for colleges and career opportunities when she took some wise counsel from her father to consider flight training. She received instruction from local CFIs in the Sundowner, and later joined STL Aviators Flight Club to get instrument training in their Piper Archer. CFI, CFII and multi-engine ratings were obtained from flight schools in Florida and Texas, with a seaplane rating gained in Seattle for good measure.
With her ratings and instruction hours starting to add up quickly, we asked if an airline career was on the horizon. No, at least not any time soon. She will continue to instruct while adding to her own flying skills, gaining more experience flying seaplanes and aerobatic/upset prevention and recovery. McLoughlin's next major career goal is instructing in float planes and flying general aviation aircraft in Alaska.
Ann McLoughlin has been a CFII at Gateway Flight Training since October, and she has a growing clientele of students. She works with each one to find the best scheduling and study options available to fit their needs as they progress toward a successful check ride.
She chose to work for Gateway Flight Training after visiting with them while the Sundowner was being serviced in their maintenance hangar. She was warmly received and inquired about CFI openings.
Having a comprehensive maintenance facility on site is also a great asset for Gateway Flight Training. Aircraft maintenance issues are promptly addressed, and fleet safety and availability are high priorities.
Being a CFI is a difficult role, and it takes dedication and sincerity to gain the trust and confidence of the students. It also takes understanding and patience while working with a wide range of personalities. But there is one more important ingredient.
"Have passion, not only for aviation and where you want to go, but have passion for what you're doing in the moment. That'll show your interest in aviation. I've always loved it just as anyone who the aviation bug bites...I don't see how it doesn't bite everyone!"
Our visit to Gateway Flight Training, and our flight with CFII Ann McLoughlin, are featured in the following video:
The Aero Experience thanks Ann McLoughlin for devoting her time to this story. We also thank Gateway Flight Training for providing our flight and for their support as one of our great sponsors.
The Aero Experience celebrates Midwest Aviation with our "CFI on the Fly" series to honor the unsung heroes of the aviation industry - the Certified Flight Instructors training the next generation of pilots at flight schools large and small across the region. CFIs are in high demand, and new instructors are gaining flight hours at a rate that guarantees their rapid progression to the corporate, charter or airline crew positions to which many aspire. Rather than generalize about the CFI/CFII/MEI roles, we will start from the individual and find out what makes a great CFI through their particular contribution.
In this edition, we feature CFII Connor Stuart from Elite Aviation based at Spirit of St. Louis Airport. He has appeared in several stories on The Aero Experience in the last two years covering his participation in the Red Tail Cadet Program and sharing his expertise in the Garmin G1000 avionics system. Stuart exudes an enthusiasm for teaching that reflects his outgoing personality, and he also brings a systems mentality to flight instruction that helps his students gain a more complete understanding of their aircraft and the airspace environment in which they operate.
During the extended production time of this story, we were able to include not only Connor Stuart's training background and flight instruction experience, but also his advancement to the next chapter of his aviation career - achieving his ambition to fly for a jet charter company last December.
Elite Aviation encourages their CFIs to grow and develop their talents and skills to the fullest potential. Considering the amount of flight time devoted to the large student population, that usually results in their instructors moving up to corporate jets or the airlines in just a few years.
(photo courtesy of Connor Stuart)
Connor Stuart genuinely enjoys flight instructing, and even though he has already achieved his goal of flying charters, he will still find opportunities to mentor new students.
"I have been more of a career CFI than I thought I would be," he told The Aero Experience. "I have meshed pretty well with this lifestyle. I've really enjoyed it. It's time for me to move up. I don't think it's moving on - I'll never let my CFI lapse. I'll always be an instructor in some capacity.
"What got me into instructing - CFI - it's a step in the process to becoming a professional pilot, to gain flight time and experience, but also help other people out," he continued. "I have stayed over the time most people usually do because I've found a knack for it. I love this job - I genuinely love this job."
Many in the aviation community can identify with how Connor Stuart became interested in aviation at a young age. It is the great American story of a boy experiencing flight and then living the dream.
"My dad worked for a car company, and I grew up taking cars apart and restoring them with my dad. And when I was really little, he used to take me out to Lambert and we'd go watch planes land because his office was right over by the airport...When I was a kid, I really loved aviation - it was one of the passions I had. And I got lucky enough that my dad had a friend, when I was in the third grade, who had a [Cessna] 152 based out of Spirit and his daughter, who is an airline pilot now, took me up for a flight. And I loved it...You do it once, and you're hooked - it stuck with me."
Fast forward through high school to picking a college to attend. Stuart looked into computer science and aviation programs at several colleges before enthusiastically choosing the University of Central Missouri Aviation Programin Warrensburg. He wanted to become a professional pilot, and this was the way to get there.
Stuart started at UCM in the fall semester of 2016 with a ground school course before starting his flight training that December. He achieved his Private Pilot Certificate in 2018 and then his Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate in minimum time thereafter. He completed his BS Professional Pilot degree coursework in May of 2020 and completed CFI and multi-engine training while commuting back and forth from St. Louis while working line service at Jet Links and later Aero Charter. His training aircraft included Cessna 172R/S, Cessna 172RG, and Beech 58 Baron.
"If you have aspirations in aviation, especially for my teen-age students, I'll tell them you can get a decent-paying job fueling aircraft and you'll learn a lot and you'll make connections. Line service is a wonderful route, and it teaches you a lot about the industry." Stuart's experience fueling different types of aircraft led him to focus on the jet charter industry.
He received his CFI Initial Complete at Warrensburg in December of 2020, and shortly thereafter began instructing at the UCM Aviation department. Flight instructing adds a new dimension to an aviation career, with the responsibility of developing your students into competent and confident pilots.
"I started taking my students under my wing, and I saw a level of trust and respect. When you see their face light up when they fly for the first time, or when they get something like they just did a stall, or they just landed by themselves...'That was all you.' That's what it's all about."
After flight training at UCM, Stuart went to Garmin to nurture his continuing interest in computer science in the avionics field. He liked the interaction with customers using the various Garmin products in their aircraft, but he was not flying regularly. This led him to look for another flying job in the St. Louis area. Instructing at Elite Aviation reignited his passion for flying with students again while progressing along the path to a career in the jet charter industry.
Connor Stuart's time at Garmin proved to be a valuable investment not long after he joined Elite Aviation. He became one of the G1000 specialists, giving instruction on the avionics suite along with his regular CFI duties. The system provides precise flight instrumentation and a vast array of navigation and situational awareness data, increasing the margin of safety in the training and general aviation environments. But all of that data is only useful if the pilot knows how to efficiently access and use it, not only when cruising along but also when an emergency situation compresses the reaction time to minutes or even seconds.
"This system is all about mindset and just understanding the logic of how it's put together," Stuart explained. "I try to use the PFD [Primary Flight Display] for execution and the MFD [Multi-Function Display] for programming. And I try to leave the flight plan page up."
Stuart teaches his students about the logic behind the FMS [Flight Management System] knob on the MFD. The system is organized like a book, with the FMS knob cuing up different chapters, and pages, giving additional details as needed to the pilot. The nearest page feature gives the airports and frequencies located along the flight path for a quick refence in case of emergency or when just being "momentarily lost" during flight. With both screens activated, the flight instruments and navigation features are accessible without pressing any more buttons.
Not all of the Elite Aviation Skyhawks are G1000-equipped, and most flight school aircraft still have the conventional "six-pack" instruments. Connor Stuart also supports the use of "old school" methods of flight training as well.
"It's easier to learn on that system and the fundamentals and knowing where to find everything the old fashioned way - looking at a chart supplement AFD or the actual VFR sectional chart and learning pilotage and dead reckoning." These skills are essential when Stuart "fails" the GPS and autopilot, and it is time to return to the airport.
At the end of the day, the quality of flight training should be such that the skills, knowledge and good habits learned early on should carry forth through advanced certificates, ratings and throughout one's flying career. Connor Stuart offers some insights from his own experience.
"With every certificate and rating, you always need to learn more. It's not about total time, it's about the quality of time." It is also about maintaining a positive attitude.
"When I was taking those check rides under the [FAA Part] 141 environment, and when I took a little more time to train, I felt overprepared tor that check ride, which in the long run for me was advantageous, because I am able to do that stuff confidently. When I got ready for my instrument check ride, or my commercial check ride, when I got to the day of the check ride, I was in the mindset of, 'I'm already instrument rated. I'm already a commercial pilot. Let's get this over with. Let's do this!'"
The best way to get to know Connor Stuart is to fly with him, and The Aero Experience did just that last spring. He arranged for a late afternoon flight in one of the Elite Aviation G1000-equipped Skyhawks that ended with a spectacular sunset landing under a slight haze created by the Midwest forest fires raging at the time. We learned about his passion for aviation and flight instruction along with getting a tutorial on the G1000 system. Watch the video below:
(photo courtesy of Connor Stuart)
We visited again with Connor Stuart last fall as he prepared to move on to a company called VistaJet, a Part 135 operator that works off a subscription model for a certain amount of flight hours per year. He received his Challenger 300/350 type rating from CAE at Morristown, NJ in December.
"I've worked really hard to get to this point, and I'm very, very grateful that I'm here."
During his on-site interview with VistaJet, Stuart was given the choice of flying the Citation series with Garmin systems, which would come naturally to him, or the Challenger 300, which would present a considerably more "challenging" training environment. The answer was predictable: Challenger.
"I can be the student again. I have to be the student again. It's a complete change in mindset. I told them that I've got the training in CRM from my university. I've got training in FMS systems from my university. I've got some background and understanding in what to expect. I know how to study...The following week I got a call from their HR with the offer for the opportunity to fly the Challenger 300. (Photos below courtesy of Connor Stuart).
"I'm always going to be grateful for the instructors I've had. I've reached out to my previous instructors and told them 'Thank you.' I've told them where I'm at and I'm grateful to have them in my training path. They've made me the pilot that I am, and I'm excited to move up and start doing that."
The Aero Experience thanks Connor Stuart for devoting his time to this story and for working with us over the last two years. We also thank Elite Aviation for providing our flight and for their support as one of our founding sponsors.
The Aero Experience celebrates Midwest Aviation with a new "CFI on the Fly" series to honor the unsung heroes of the aviation industry - the Certified Flight Instructors training the next generation of pilots at flight schools large and small across the region. CFIs are in high demand, and new instructors are gaining flight hours at a rate that guarantees their rapid progression to the corporate, charter or airline crew positions to which many aspire. Rather than generalize about the CFI/CFII/MEI roles, we will start from the individual and find out what makes a great CFI through their particular contribution.
Our first "CFI On the Fly" is Josh Kelley, CFI/CFII/MEI at Piston Aviation based at Creve Coeur Airport. Kelley joined the Piston Aviation staff shortly before our departure for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 in July, and he was featured in our coverage of the Midwest LSA Expo in September. Kelley remains in demand by a growing number of flight students each week, and he has become known for booking up the sharp-toothed, red and black trimmed Bristell LSA for training flights. His love for flying is immediately evident, and his calm demeanor helps create a positive learning environment for his students.
Josh Kelley comes to St. Louis from North Carolina, where he received his flight training at Blue Line Aviation's Career Pilot Program. He is acclimating to the changeable St. Louis weather, especially now that winter is finally making an appearance.
"My story really begins with my grandpa - he was an Army pilot back in Vietnam," Josh Kelley told The Aero Experience. "So, talking to him and hearing a little bit about his stories is what sparked my interest. I've always wanted to be a pilot since I was about eleven years old. I took my first flight lesson at the age of twelve...Been taking flight lessons on-and-off since then, and when I turned twenty, went through an accelerated program and got all my certificates."
Kelley quickly became comfortable training students in Piston Aviation's Bristell LSA fleet aircraft, and he took The Aero Experience for a flight in Bristell Luna just prior to the Midwest LSA Expo. During our flight over the Missouri River just west of Creve Coeur Airport, he showed us how adaptable the Bristell LSA is for training students from the Private Pilot level to Instrument, Commercial and CFI/CFII levels as well.
"I am absolutely in love with the Bristells," he continued, "so I try to get as many flights in them as possible." The students share the affection for these aircraft as well, and Kelley pointed out that there are more training options with the Garmin displays than with the conventional instrument layout. The connection between paper charts and real-time navigation in the aircraft, for example, is made simpler with the graphic displays in the cockpit and the spectacular view through the bubble canopy.
The Bristell is an excellent platform for instrument training. Currently, Josh Kelley is instructing one of his instrument students, Alexis Noel, who received her Private Pilot Certificate last March. Along with the Garmin displays, the aircraft is equipped with an autopilot and large elevator and aileron trim tabs that offer precise controllability in IFR conditions.
"Instrument flight training and Private flight training differ significantly in focus and skills," Kelley told The Aero Experience. "Private Pilot is the initial step, emphasizing basic flight maneuvers, navigation and understanding of aircraft systems. It's about gaining the fundamental skills needed to fly safely. Instrument flight training, on the other hand, delves into advanced navigation, procedures and flying solely by reference to instruments. It's about mastering the ability to operate in various weather conditions and low visibility."
Those points have resonated with his student. Alexis Noel appreciates the new level of knowledge and skill gained through her Instrument flight training regimen.
"In Private training, we were just focusing on building the foundations of flying," she noted. "In Instrument training, we are perfecting everything and getting much more precise. Being a Private Pilot is just scratching the surface of what aviation actually encompasses. I could see the improvement in my flying after only a few Instrument lessons.
"I will also say that Josh is an amazing instructor. He is genuinely invested in his students growing as aviators, and you can tell by the way he teaches. He really takes the time to make sure you understand the material."
Josh Kelley is keenly aware of his role as a CFII, including the additional responsibility involved with ensuring that his Instrument students exceed expectations.
"Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument adds another layer of complexity. As a CFII, you not only need a deep understanding of instrument flying, but must effectively teach it to others. It's a challenging role that demands a fast-paced, adaptive approach. Keeping students engaged, ensuring comprehension and staying current with aviation regulations contribute to the dynamic nature of being a CFII. Despite the challenges, the thrill of imparting knowledge and seeing students progress makes it a rewarding experience for those who love aviation."
As mentioned above, Josh Kelley joined Piston Aviation during a time of increasing growth in the student population, which continues today. Immediately, he was part of the Bristell Midwest demonstration team flying the aircraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 and the Midwest LSA Expo in Mount Vernon, IL. Here we include some views of Kelley and his fellow pilots as they represented the Bristell brand and Piston Aviation in style. Rule #1: Safety. Rune #2: Fun!
The Aero Experience thanks Josh Kelley and Piston Aviation for giving their time for this story and providing a flight opportunity in the Bristell LSA fleet aircraft. We will have more editions of our "CFI on the Fly" series in the coming weeks.
In this edition, we feature CFII/MEI Taylor Melbrod, who has been a flight instructor at Piston Aviation since February. She can be seen flying with her students daily out of Piston Aviation's Creve Coeur Airport location and also at the frequent Flight Day events held there and at St. Louis Regional Airport. Many of her students book the mint green and orange Tomark Aero SD4 Viper LSAs, which are well-equipped for all levels of training offered at Piston Aviation, though she also enjoys instructing in the school's Piper Cherokees and Beech Musketeer.
"I was never, like, oh, I'm going to be a pilot when I grow up," Melbrod told The Aero Experience. "I thought, I like to travel, so I'll be a flight attendant. And then once I got there, I was like, wow, I could be a pilot. This is such a great gig. I love this lifestyle." Her next goal is to return to United Airlines as an Airline Transport Pilot. 
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