Laura Benson Jones

Laura Benson Jones serves as the Vice President of the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA) since May 2023, with over 35 years of impactful aviation experience. Notable contributions include roles on the Women in Aviation Advisory Board, National Air Transportation Association Flight Training Committee, General Aviation Manufacturing Association Flight Training Committee, and the Challenger Aerospace Learning Center in Louisville, KY.

As founder and president of Cardinal Wings, Inc., she led the company to become the largest flight training school in the region by 2001, overseeing 22 aircraft, 35 employees, and 4,000 students. Laura's initiatives, such as launching an airborne traffic watch and establishing the first computerized FAA testing center in Kentucky, showcased her innovative approach.

Laura, a contract pilot for corporations, obtained a Captain's license in the Challenger 604 and type ratings in Challenger 600 and Citation jet aircraft. Post the sale of her businesses in 2001, she collaborated with major flight departments, co-developed aerospace curriculum for Shawnee HS, and remains an independent consultant in education and business aviation.

Currently, Laura directs Flight Club 502, a nonprofit she founded in 2015, mentoring youth in aerospace education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The organization has flourished under her guidance, boasting 600 youth members, 70 adult volunteers, six training aircraft, a Redbird flight simulator, and a completed RV 12 aircraft build project.

Outside her professional commitments, Laura cherishes family time with her husband, Michael, and their three sons—Henry, Afton, and William—alongside their loyal dog, Watson. Her story reflects passion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing aviation and aerospace education.

Connect with Laura Benson Jones via LinkedIn at or reach out via email at ljones@nftaus.org.