From Flight Instructor to Business Aviation: One Pilot's Journey from Illinois Aviation Academy to NetJets

Illinois Aviation Academy takes pride in celebrating the achievements of its graduates and instructors as they advance through the aviation industry. After building valuable experience as a Certified Flight Instructor at IAA, Bennett Kisla has continued his professional journey with NetJets, one of the world's leading business aviation companies. He recently shared insights on his path to aviation, his time instructing at IAA, and advice for aspiring professional pilots. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation and become a pilot? 

A: My father, Tim Kisla, inspired me to pursue a career in aviation. Before his career in medicine, he worked as a flight instructor at Midway Airport. As a child, he would take me to airports to plane spot, introduce me to aviation events like EAA Young Eagles, and make airport diners a regular stop on family road trips. Aviation was always part of my life because of him, and now being able to share my flying career with my father makes the journey even more meaningful. 

Q: What was your experience like as a Certified Flight Instructor at Illinois Aviation Academy, and what did you enjoy most about instructing? 

A: My time as a Certified Flight Instructor at Illinois Aviation Academy was incredibly rewarding. I had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding leaders and colleagues while helping students achieve their aviation goals. What I enjoyed most was building relationships with students and watching their confidence grow throughout training. The sense of family and community we built at IAA made the experience especially memorable. 

Q: How did your time as a CFI help prepare you for a professional pilot career? 

A: Working as a flight instructor helped me develop critical interpersonal, leadership, and decision-making skills that I use every day as a professional pilot. Teaching a wide variety of students, taking on leadership responsibilities, and operating different aircraft in diverse environments provided invaluable experience. Those lessons helped prepare me for a successful career in business aviation and gave me the confidence to thrive in a professional flight operation. 

Q: What does joining NetJets mean to you at this stage in your career? 

A: Joining NetJets felt like finding a home. As a leader in business aviation, NetJets offers pilots a dynamic flying environment, exceptional support systems, and a strong commitment to both safety and service. I take great pride in being part of an organization that prioritizes its people and delivers an outstanding experience for its Owners. It's a place where I can continue to grow professionally while contributing to a culture I truly believe in. 

Q: What advice would you give to current students or CFIs working toward a professional pilot career? 

A: One of my favorite sayings is, "Control what you can control, and the rest will take care of itself." No matter where you are in your aviation journey, focus on doing your current job well. There will always be factors outside of your control, whether it's hiring cycles, industry trends, or economic conditions. What you can control is your attitude, work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement. Stay focused on becoming the best pilot you can be, and trust that opportunities will come when the time is right. 

This is one individual's experience. Outcomes vary. Employment with any airline requires additional certifications, qualifications, and experience and is not guaranteed. Illinois Aviation Academy is not affiliated with NetJets.