Building the Future of Flight Training
Professional instruction. Proven aircraft. San Antonio's best flying weather.
Our Story
Jaybird Aviation was founded on a simple principle: flight training should be professional, affordable, and accessible. Based at Huber Airpark in San Antonio, we're building a flight school that combines safe, proven aircraft, experienced instruction, and personalized service.
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San Antonio offers some of the best flying conditions in the country. With 340+ days of VFR weather, a large military aviation community, and diverse training environments nearby, it's an ideal place to learn to fly. We're here to help you take advantage of it.
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Whether you're pursuing aviation as a career or fulfilling a lifelong dream, we're committed to getting you to your goals safely and efficiently.
340+ Days
VFR weather year-round for consistent training
Expert CFIs
Experienced instructors committed to your success
Proven Aircraft
Well-maintained fleet exceeding FAA standards
OUR FLEET
Meet Your Training Aircraft
Piper Cherokee 160
$165/hr
N5090W
A proven trainer that has taught thousands of pilots to fly. Our Cherokee 160 is meticulously maintained and fully IFR-capable for complete training progression.
Reliable 160hp Lycoming O-320 engine
Traditional six-pack instruments for fundamental training
Dual VOR/ILS navigation - complete IFR capability
ADS-B Out compliant with Garmin GTX 327
4-seat configuration with excellent fuel economy
Stable, forgiving flight characteristics
Available for: Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Rating training, time building, and rental
Why Traditional Instruments Matter
Learning on conventional "six-pack" instruments builds fundamental scan patterns and understanding that directly transfers to glass cockpits. Many professional pilots and examiners advocate learning the basics on analog gauges first—you'll understand what the instruments are telling you, not just where to look on a screen.
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IFR Training Capability: Our Cherokee 160 is fully certified for instrument flight training with dual VOR/ILS navigation capability. You can complete your entire Instrument Rating in this aircraft, learning classic VOR navigation and ILS approaches that remain fundamental to IFR flying today.
Fleet Expansion Coming Soon
Seamless progression from first flight to airline career
Light Sport Aircraft
Purpose-built modern LSA for Sport Pilot students who prefer newer designs with advanced features. Lower operating costs, modern avionics, excellent fuel economy.
Technically Advanced Aircraft
Glass cockpit, advanced autopilot, and integrated avionics for commercial pilot training and preparation for professional aviation careers.
SAFETY FIRST
Our Foundation
Safety isn't just a priority—it's the foundation of everything we do at Jaybird Aviation
Rigorous Maintenance
Our aircraft exceed FAA maintenance requirements with comprehensive inspections and preventive maintenance programs
Standardized Procedures
We follow published checklists, standard operating procedures, and FAA-approved training syllabi
Standardized Procedures
We follow published checklists, standard operating procedures, and FAA-approved training syllabi
Continuous Training
Our instructors maintain currency and pursue ongoing professional development
Weather Minimums
We maintain conservative personal minimums above FAA VFR requirements for student operations
Instructor Authority
Our Chief Flight Instructor and Assistant Chief have final authority on all safety decisions
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Crew
Experienced instructors dedicated to your success from first flight to checkride
Founding Member
MBA
Christopher J. Williams is one of the founders of Jaybird Aviation and brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance to the flight school. Before launching Jaybird Aviation, Chris serves as Vice President of EHS & Regulatory for a midstream energy company, where he oversees safety, environmental, and regulatory programs across complex pipeline and facility operations. His career has also included roles as a Pipeline Safety Inspector with the Railroad Commission of Texas, president and general manager of an ASME-coded fabrication and manufacturing company, and an assistant vice president in commercial banking.
That mix of hands-on operations, high-hazard safety oversight, and financial discipline shapes how Jaybird Aviation is run today: structured training, clear procedures, and a relentless focus on doing things the right way every time. Chris is a lifelong aviation enthusiast and is building Jaybird Aviation as a place where new pilots can train in a safety-first, mentorship-driven environment that prepares them not just to pass checkrides, but to think and act like professional aviators from day one.
Founding Memeber
Geron Hendrickson is one of the founders of Jaybird Aviation and an innovative leader with a track record of guiding businesses and professionals to deliver results the right way. He leads with integrity, creativity, accountability, and respect—principles that help meet customer needs while building teams and processes grounded in a safety-minded culture
A lifelong learner with a genuine passion for aviation, Geron brings curiosity, discipline, and a continuous-improvement mindset to everything he does. At Jaybird Aviation, he helps reinforce the organization’s mission through a structured, people-first approach that emphasizes clear communication, consistent standards, and doing the right thing every time.
Chief Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI
​Since childhood, Deen Salifu has been fascinated by how airplanes take off and land—that early curiosity sparked a lifelong passion for aviation. He began his flight training at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he completed all of his ratings and certifications. As a Certified Flight Instructor, Deen has spent his career training pilots at every stage, from their very first lesson and first solo flight through advanced commercial training.
Deen is committed to creating a safe, calm, and welcoming environment where students can enjoy their flight training journey while building strong skills and confidence. As the first pilot in his family, he believes that anyone with the right mindset and dedication can become a successful aviator. He looks forward to continuing to share his love of aviation with every student he flies with.
