My Story


I began my aviation journey at 19, diving into flight training with a passion that’s only grown stronger over the years. Since earning my wings, I’ve accumulated nearly a decade of flying experience and have been privileged to share my love for aviation as a certified flight instructor (CFI and CFII). I started teaching in 2021 at a local flight school, where I spent a couple of years honing my craft and building meaningful connections with students. Over time, I decided to take the leap and go fully independent, focusing on working with flying clubs and airplane owners. This shift has given me the freedom to tailor my instruction and share real-world insights from my own flying experiences—lessons that go far beyond the pages of a textbook.


My approach to flight training is rooted in two driving forces: the importance of mindset and a relentless commitment to safety. I believe that success in aviation, as in life, starts in the mind. That’s why I encourage my students to embrace personal development and a growth-oriented perspective as part of their training. At the same time, my dedication to safety is deeply personal. I’ve lost a few friends to aviation accidents—tragedies that have profoundly shaped the way I teach. Their memory drives me to learn from these heartbreaking experiences and integrate those lessons into risk management strategies. My goal is to ensure my students not only master the art of flying but also develop the judgment and respect for aviation’s risks that will keep them safe in the skies.


Over the years, my aviation journey has taken me to some incredible places, including mission work in Guatemala, where I saw firsthand the power of aviation to make a positive impact. These experiences have shaped my perspective and strengthened my resolve to use my skills to serve others and build a safer aviation community. As an independent instructor, I’m passionate about helping my students rise above FAA minimums, achieve their goals, and enjoy the unique sense of freedom that comes with flying. For me, it’s about more than teaching people to fly—it’s about empowering them to be skilled, confident, and safe pilots who will carry on the legacy of this incredible field.

My Story

About Me.

In 2015 I started the journey of my aviation career. Along the way I was able to fund the adventure by working a full time construction job. As the years went by, I realized that for my dreams and goals to become reality I would need to change/add another income stream. Especially one where my finances worked for me instead of me only working for money. And one where I wasn't forced to trade time for money.

Part of those specific career goals are to live abroad while serving in a humanitarian aid role through aviation. I am convinced that is where I belong and it's what I enjoy the most. From 2018-2020 I lived (flew) in Guatemala. I can honestly say those were some of the best years of my life as I transported personnel to remote areas and conducted medical flights.

Fast forward a bit to the beginning of 2023. That's when I started an online business by the name of Above the Jungle Tech LLC.

Above the Jungle specializes in seeking out individuals who are serious about professional success. The kind of success they would never imagine possible.

Put simply, we facilitate in getting these people on a personalized success path with our products and services. Especially folks that are looking to combine aviation and entrepreneurship.

What does that success path look like? For myself it means creating a thriving lifestyle of doing flight instruction, affiliate marketing, and coaching.

This type of lifestyle provides financial and time freedom. For example that means not being slave to a job and have the flexibility to travel.


Get in touch and let's formulate a plan for your success as an aviator

support@josiahsmucker.com

(717) 853-1237


2350 Lincoln Hwy East Suite 700

Lancaster, PA 17602

United States

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