Kelly Stites Owner, Kelly’s Aviation Gold Seal Flight Instructor 

Ever since I took my first flight lesson in 1998, I’ve been hooked! At that time, I was teaching high school English in Ohio but after earning my Private Pilot’s license, I decided to make a change and combine my two loves, flying and teaching. I cashed in everything I had, moved to Tucson, completed my ratings and began instructing in 2001. 

Now over 4,000 flight hours later, my passion for aviation has only grown stronger. I have been fortunate to have met and worked with some incredible individuals since I started flying and my desire is to continue to pass on what has been passed on to me. I’ve given over 3,400 hours of instruction, assisted almost 50 pilots in earning their wings or advanced ratings and there’s nothing more I’d rather do than continue doing the same. 

In 2003, I was fortunate to be the recipient of the International Council of Air Shows Foundation’s Red Barons Memorial Scholarship and in 2004 the Hal Goddard Memorial Tailwheel Scholarship. I’m a member of the National Association of Flight Instructors, Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association and Women in Aviation, International. 

Although I’m currently the only instructor at Kelly’s Aviation, I plan to bring on two more instructors within the next year. 

Recent Accomplishments 

Timothy Thompson: Commercial License 2/28/2006

Michael Rourke: Private License 3/22/2006

Cole Saucier:  Private License 4/18/2006

Silas Cheek: Private License 4/25/2006

Mark Thowson: Commercial License 6/22/2006

Matthew Nedza: Private Pilot 6/27/2006

Scott Shumway: First Solo 7/28/2006

July 25: Veronica Velazquez- Instument Rating

July 30: Kayla Boyer- First Cherokee Solo
 

Links:

International Council of Air Shows:  www.airshows.org/

Red Barons  www.redbaron.com/publish/squadron.htm

Women in Aviation:  www.wai.org

AOPA:  www.aopa.org

Feel Free Fly High Just Fly!