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It was a flight that changed everything. Jess Ellwanger (’19), now an Embry‑Riddle Aeronautics alumnus, was just 14 when a birthday gift from his grandfather — a discovery flight at Des Moines International Airport in Iowa — sparked a lifelong love of aviation.

From that day forward, Ellwanger was hooked. He trained throughout high school, earned his private pilot certificate at 18 and went on to obtain his instrument and commercial ratings. However, it was during his time as a certified flight instructor (CFI) in 2020 that he recognized a key gap in the flight training experience: the lack of compatibility between many students and instructors.

“Pairing compatible personalities can make or break a student’s progress,” Ellwanger said. “That’s when I really started understanding the responsibility and impact of being an instructor.”

Turning Experience Into Innovation

Motivated by that insight, Ellwanger created Lima Flight — a mobile app that connects aspiring pilots with CFIs, flight schools, aircraft rentals and certified mechanics across the country.

“I have always wanted to be my own boss,” he said. “Aviation gave me that — whether it’s owning my own aircraft or starting a flight school. This app is a way to share that independence and make aviation more accessible to others.”

Since its launch, Lima Flight has gained more than 1,000 downloads in its first three months and has facilitated hundreds of student-instructor connections nationwide.

Solving a Real Problem in Flight Training

Too often, students are paired with the first available instructor, regardless of compatibility or teaching style.

“A student might accept the only instructor offered and later find out it’s not a great match,” Ellwanger said. “Lima Flight helps solve that by giving students choice — and giving instructors visibility they might not have otherwise.”

Instructors not affiliated with a flight school can now create detailed profiles, showcase their availability and connect directly with motivated students through the app.

Inspired by Embry‑Riddle

Ellwanger graduated from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide with a B.S. in Aeronautics and a minor in business. He credits the university with broadening his understanding of the aviation industry.

“Embry‑Riddle gave me a deeper appreciation for the field, far beyond just the aircraft,” he said. “It helped me realize that I could contribute to aviation in a more meaningful way — and on a larger scale.”

He said lessons in aerodynamics, business strategy and operations continue to shape how he approaches decisions today. While Embry‑Riddle was just one step in Ellwanger’s journey, it served as a pivotal moment that helped drive him toward success.

Building a Community of Aviators

Ellwanger continues to build out new features in the app, including tools to connect users with designated pilot examiners (DPEs), aircraft rentals and certified mechanics.

In addition to running Lima Flight, Ellwanger operates his own small flight school — further grounding the app in real-world experience.

“As I continue forward, I know the worries and challenges I’ve faced creating Lima Flight mirror those many aviators feel when starting something new,” he said. “But I’ve learned that uncertainty is what prepares us for what’s next, even when we can’t yet see it.”

For Ellwanger, teaching isn’t just about passing on knowledge — it’s about staying curious, adaptable and open to growth.

“I may teach students, but I’m still learning right alongside them,” he said. “This app reflects that mindset — that we never stop learning in aviation.”