Josh Oakman
Josh is from Kansas City Kansas and graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a BS Professional Pilot, and is passionate about helping future pilots build skill and confidence in the cockpit.
With experience in both single and multi-engine aircraft, Josh focuses on creating a safe and supportive training environment tailored to each student’s needs. Outside of flying, Josh enjoys working out and watching football.
Zach Wood
Zachary is a flight instructor and a Kansas State University - Salina Honor Graduate. He promotes a positive safety culture and teaching environment which helps strengthen the learning process and assist in creating quality pilots.
His experience in the aviation field combined with his tailored teaching style will prepare you for any side of aviation you are looking to get in to. When he isn’t flying, Zachary likes to fish, shoot trap, and watch football. Fun fact, he can fly and instruct in Seaplanes.
Paul Lee
Paul is a certified flight instructor with a strong commitment to training the next generation of skilled and safety-focused pilots. With a passion for aviation and a background in both primary and advanced instruction, Paul brings clarity, discipline, and enthusiasm to every flight lesson.
Outside the cockpit, he enjoys watching baseball after hanging it up in college to chase his aviation dreams. He brings the same focus and team mindset to his work in aviation education.
Cecilia Mohacai
Cecilia is from Overland Park, Kansas. She began flying in 2021 while attending Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, earning her private pilot license before relocating to Dallas to complete her advanced ratings and instructor certificates.
Passionate about aviation education, Cecilia enjoys working with students at all stages of training and is committed to helping them grow into safe, confident pilots.
Clark Philbert
Clark currently lives Overland Park, KS and is an instructor pilot for Aspire Aviation. Clark was born in Jefferson City, MO and raised in New Bloomfield, MO. He graduated from New Bloomfield High School. After which he began college at State Technical College of Missouri. He earned an Associate of Electronics Engineering Technology, then started a career as a traveling robotics technician. Clark began flying in late 2020 and earned his private pilot certificate in August of 2021. After which he began attending college at University of Central Missouri, where he earned his commercial pilot certificate with Instrument and his certified flight instructor certificate.
Graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Professional Pilot. He also earned a Flight Instructor Certificate with instrument after graduating. During high school Clark worked as a cashier at the local Walmart. While attending college at State Tech. he worked as at one of the last RadioShack's before they closed their doors. Clark always wanted to be a pilot but wasn't sure how till one day, a friend at work told him you just needed to rent a plane, hire an instructor, and study hard.
Alexandro Paredes
Alexandro Paredes is a Kansas City native who got started in aviation back in 2022. Becoming a pilot has been a lifelong dream, and now that he is an instructor he takes pride in helping people reach their aviation goals.
Having done most of his training right at MKC, Alexandro understands what is needed to succeed and the complexities of a busy airspace. He has trained at both small and large flight schools, which has made him well-rounded as he learned to be quick and efficient with training while also tailoring it to each individual. Whether you are looking to fly for fun or make aviation your career, Alexandro and Aspire Aviation welcome you.
David Deiters
David Deiters is a first generation pilot with no real exposure to aviation as a kid to speak of. After teaching and working in the music industry for over a decade, he was looking for a new adventure. A family friend and Southwest Captain encouraged him to take a “discovery flight”.
That single hour changed the course of his career. Shortly after, he dedicated himself fully to flight training, earning eight pilot certifications or ratings within a year. He is now looking to share the excitement and fun that comes with flying. The experience you will gain while flying with him will build a safe and solid foundation for all your flying endeavors.
He specializes in technologically advanced flight desks with Garmin G1000, with and without NXi, as well as legacy aircraft with upgraded Garmin avionics and advanced electronic gauges. Although the Piper line is his home, he enjoys flying other aircraft and will happily discuss other options to fit your needs. Please reach out if you are interested in flight or ground training, his general schedule is Sunday through Friday. He is excited to share the skies with you!
Elite Training. Proven Mentors.
Learn from instructors who live aviation every day — bringing real-world flying experience, modern glass cockpit expertise, and an uncompromising standard of safety.
Join Our Team
Aspire Aviation Academy is seeking Certified Flight Instructors to join our professional training team. If you’re committed to excellence in aviation and ready to instruct in an environment built on safety, professionalism, and mentorship, we invite you to apply.
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Shaping the Next Generation of Aviators
Aspire Aviation Academy was founded by Jeff Bolden, an airline captain with more than 30 years of experience and service as a check captain for one of the world’s largest carriers. His vision was to build more than a flight school by pairing professional training with a mission to give back.
Based at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, the birthplace of commercial aviation in Kansas City and the former home of TWA, Aspire carries forward a legacy of innovation and opportunity. A portion of the academy’s work supports Red Tail Academy, funding scholarships that honor the Tuskegee Airmen and open doors for underrepresented youth.
For Jeff and the Aspire team, aviation is about more than flying. It is about building futures, creating opportunity, and training the next generation of aviators with one of the strongest instructor teams in the region.