Program Cranking Out Pilots With Style

Piston Aviation exhibited several of their light-sport trainers at the Midwest Aviation Expo in Mount Vernon, Illinois. The aircraft’s attractive designs easily stood out in the crowd.

Founded two years ago at Creve Coeur Airport (1H0), Piston Aviation quickly enrolled over 200 students. This success led to the opening of a second location in East Alton, Illinois in April 2024. Now, despite their relatively short tenure, planning has already begun for a third location.

Piston Aviation is a Part 61 school that offers private, sport, transition, instrument, commercial, and CFI training on a diverse range of aircraft. They have two Bristells and two Vipers, plus a third awaiting delivery, completely decked out in the company’s colors and logos. Their general fleet also includes Piper Cherokees (140s and 160s), Cessna 172s and 150s, and a Diamond DA-20. Additionally, Piston is working to include a Piper Aztec for multi-engine training.

The company does flight-only training, providing study materials and an online ground course for students to learn with.

The eye-catching paint jobs are a testament to one of Piston’s core values: FUN! The school even brought its mascot, a bulldog that shares the company name, out to greet potential new students. And yes, ANN can confirm that the aircraft are pretty fun, too.

Piston Aviation’s training approach emphasizes not only mastery of flight but also leadership skills, intending to prepare their students to handle complex responsibilities and challenges.

“We don’t just make pilots, we make leaders who happen to be pilots,” the company stated.

FMI: www.flypiston.com