For Parents and About Us
Everything you need before your kid's first flight — safety, instructors, ESA, and what makes us different. Kept simple.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT
Meet the founders
Shannon & Jonathan Benkhe
Founders, Kids in Aviation
Jonathan is rated in helicopters and has been flying for 30 years, bringing decades of flight experience to every lesson. His passion for teaching is what inspired him to open Kids in Aviation, a chance to share the freedom of flight with the next generation.
Shannon comes from a nursing background and thrives on helping children. As a parent of a neurodivergent son, she brings lived experience to our neurodivergent-welcoming approach. She volunteers her time supporting homeless families and actively contributes to her children's school community.
Together, they show up at every camp, every event, and every hangar visit. If you've come to one of our programs, you've probably already met them.
Read Jonathan's story in the Mesa TribuneOUR MISSION & STORY
ESA-eligible, with a scholarship pathway through NextGen Pilots 501(c)(3).
FAA-certified flight instructors with 500+ hours, real aircraft, seven Arizona locations.
Mastery-based pacing. Nobody pushed forward, nobody left behind.
Kids in Aviation operates out of Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona, with additional flight training locations across Arizona. Every program we run is designed to meet kids where they are, from a one-hour Discovery Flight to a full Path to Pilot. We are affiliated with NextGen Pilots 501(c)(3), our nonprofit partner, and Legacy Aviation Academy.
Through NextGen, we offer scholarships to families who need financial support. We are also an approved vendor under Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which means families with ESA funds can apply those funds directly to our classes, camp, and flight lessons.
"Every kid can fly"
— Jonathan Behnke, Mesa Tribune
"With my license, I wanted to pick and choose what I did because I didn't ever want to fall out of love with aviation."
On his own journey from flight school struggles to founding Kids in Aviation
Our instructors
Every instructor on our team is FAA-certified, background-checked, and chosen specifically because they love teaching kids. They hold a CFI and most carry additional ratings including CFII and MEI. When your child is in the aircraft, they are with a credentialed, experienced pilot who knows how to communicate clearly, keep things calm, and bring your kid home safely.
Remy's love of flying began with his very own Discovery Flight in 2021. He went on to earn all of his instructor certificates at Cochise College in southern Arizona, including his CFII and MEI. Remy is known for his warmth, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for helping students of every learning style succeed. When he's not instructing, you'll likely find him looking for any reason to get back in the air.
A Mesa, Arizona native through and through, Corey Willis has been obsessed with the skies since he first took the controls at age 15. A proud Arizona State University alum with a degree in psychology, he brings a unique perspective to the cockpit, using his background to help students navigate the mental side of flight training. He officially added "Certified Flight Instructor" to his credentials in October 2025. When he's not sharing his love for aviation, Corey is a dedicated family man who has been married to his wife, Rachel, for 17 years. Between raising their four kids and teaching the next generation of pilots, he stays busy finding any excuse to be in the air.
Tyler Braaksma is a CFI, CFII, and MEI born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona who began his flight training journey in 2022 at ATP Flight School. Passionate about aviation and pilot development, he is dedicated to helping students build confidence, master aeronautical knowledge, and develop safe decision-making skills in every phase of flight. Known for his approachable teaching style and commitment to excellence, Tyler enjoys guiding pilots from their first flight through advanced ratings and certifications.
Misty Roberts is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, and MEI) with a passion for aviation, education, and the outdoors. Originally from California, she relocated to Arizona to pursue a career in wildland firefighting, where she spent 18 years serving on the front lines. During her firefighting career, she discovered aerial firefighting, sparking a deep appreciation for aviation and ultimately inspiring a career transition to flight instruction. Today, Misty enjoys helping pilots build confidence and skills while sharing the excitement and freedom of flight. When she's not flying, she can often be found exploring the outdoors and embracing new adventures.
Bryan brings a passion for aviation that's inspired by his own family, which includes both fighter and airline pilots. He's been involved in education for almost 20 years, starting in the swimming world where he competed at the D1 level for Texas A&M and the University of Utah, and also includes elementary classroom experience as well as training and fitness instruction from his time in the Fire Service, in addition to being a CFI. He looks forward to passing on his knowledge and experience to any and all aspiring pilots.
Daniel earned his Private Pilot License in 2021 and his CFI in 2022, and has since added his CFII and ME rating, with his ATP in progress. He brings exceptional care and patience to every lesson, with extensive experience working with both neurodivergent and neurotypical students. Daniel lives in the east valley with his wife and four daughters, and has been a cornerstone of the Kids in Aviation family since July 2023.
Matthew completed his flight training in 2020 and has been instructing ever since. He relocated to the Phoenix valley in late 2022 and has loved exploring Arizona's skies. Before moving, Matthew served as an adult leader in his Boy Scout troop in San Diego, guiding young people safely through outdoor adventures, a spirit he brings to every lesson. In his free time, he enjoys road trips and flights to visit friends and family.
Safety protocols, in detail
Organized by category, because parents deserve specifics, not generalities.
Aircraft
- 100-hour and annual inspections on all aircraft, exceeding FAA minimums
- Primary aircraft: Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22T at Falcon Field and Deer Valley, Piper at Benson and Tucson
- Full liability and hull insurance on every aircraft
- Pre-flight inspection checklist completed before every flight, with student participation
Weather
- We monitor conditions 48 hours before every scheduled flight
- Strict VFR minimums: 3,000 ft ceiling and 5 miles visibility, no exceptions
- All cancellations communicated directly to parents via phone and email
- Full rescheduling at no penalty for weather cancellations
On the Ground
- Two-adult rule enforced at every event, no exceptions
- Signed check-in and check-out required for every student
- Emergency contacts collected and verified at registration
- Parent/guardian on-site or within 10 minutes at all times
In the Air
- Full pre-flight briefing with student and parent before every flight
- Radio communication maintained throughout, parents can listen in the briefing room
- Instructors never relinquish dual control capability
- Emergency procedures reviewed with every student before departure
Staff Vetting
- FBI-level background checks on every employee, renewed annually
- All staff are trained mandatory reporters under Arizona law
- CPR/First Aid certification required for all instructors
- Staff-to-student ratios reviewed each session by program director
BOARD & AMBASSADORS
Meet our team
Ellie Paget
Ambassador & Board Member
Ellie is a pilot, mother of four kids, and the CEO of HomeSlice and BeaconHaus in Arizona. She serves on the Kids in Aviation board and leads the organization's marketing and fundraising efforts.
As a pilot herself, Ellie understands firsthand the confidence and perspective that flying gives young people and she's committed to making sure more kids get that experience.
JOIN THE TEAM
Pilots & Volunteers
We're hiring and accepting volunteers across multiple roles. All volunteers and employees undergo background checks.