CFI on the Fly: Josh Kelley, Piston Aviation's Ace in the Air

By Carmelo Turdo

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.