From Bowman Field To Blessings
Retired UPS Pilot Jim Yonts Gives Back
Jim Yonts has been blessed with an extraordinary career. A Louisville native who spent 30 years flying for UPS, Jim’s passion for aviation started decades ago at Bowman Field. He earned his Private Pilot’s License at 17, his Commercial at 18, and became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at 19—all while working to pay for his lessons.
“I would have given anything to have a Flight Club 502 back then,” Jim says, recalling how he worked tirelessly to afford his dream. After retiring early from UPS, he knew his next chapter had to be about paying that opportunity forward.
A Ministry of Mentorship
Jim joined Flight Club as a volunteer in 2018, connecting with co-founder Laura Jones after she shared her passion for the mission with him. His reason for serving is simple and powerful: “The kids matter.”
For Jim, Flight Club 502 is more than a club; he views it as a ministry—a place where he can help young people avoid the drug and gang culture by transforming their lives through aviation.
“I’ve been so blessed in my career,” he shares. “Now I’m in my 60s, and my greatest joy is giving mentorship to the young CFIs and students.”
The Rewarding Power of People
Jim’s favorite memories at the club revolve entirely around relationships. He recalls interviewing young pilots, watching them grow up in the club, become CFIs, get jobs, and start their own families. “We walked alongside them during a developmental time,” he reflects. “Hopefully, the time that we shared positively impacted them.”
He also shared a particularly impactful story about Mohamud Aden, a refugee who came to the US with nothing but a desire to fly. Despite the immense financial barrier, Jim and the club supported him. Mohamud not only earned his Private Pilot’s License but returned to teach for the club.
“You can come to the USA with nothing, but if you are willing to work hard you can make something of yourself,” Jim affirms, highlighting Muhammad’s journey as proof of the club’s mission.
Why Your Support is Essential
Jim describes Flight Club 502 as “distinctive,” noting there is nothing else like it. The experience for members, instructors, and volunteers is truly unparalleled.
His advice to anyone considering joining is simple: belonging is the greatest reward. Even if aviation isn’t their primary interest, the club offers a path to making friendships and exploring countless other fields within the industry—from air traffic control to maintenance.
When it comes to the raffle, Jim is direct: “People who buy tickets may not fully realize how much it is actually going to support the Club.” He wants buyers to understand they are supporting a youth club that is truly making a difference, not just a random flying school. The raffle directly removes the barrier of cost, ensuring that every motivated student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, just as he once did.
Want to help change the trajectory of a student’s life?