Turn Your Dreams Into Reality And Elevate Your Skillset

Basic through advanced real-world flight training, in your airplane, at your pace.

Private Pilot

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IFR Rating

An indispensable skill!

Endorsements

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Flight Reviews and IPCs

Maximized proficiency

About Josiah Smucker

I’m a full-time aviator and certified flight instructor (CFI/CFII) with complex, high-performance, and tailwheel endorsements. My mission is not just to teach you how to fly but to elevate you as both a pilot and an individual. Though I have the experience to join the airlines—with over 2,000 total hours and more than 1,000 hours of instruction given—my passion lies in general aviation. Here, I focus on training that goes beyond FAA minimums. With a 100% pass rate among private pilot students, I emphasize mastery, safety, and real-world application.

I believe that mindset is the key to success in both aviation and life, which is why I approach flight training as a process of personal development. Continuous learning is essential, and I strive to grow as an instructor so my students can thrive. As Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” This truth shapes the way I teach and the way I help pilots build confidence, competence, and character.

The name Above the Jungle stems from my mission aviation work in Guatemala from 2018 to 2020, flying a Cessna 206. Most of my flights involved personnel transport, while about a quarter were dedicated to medical missions. Though that chapter now feels small compared to my overall career, those experiences profoundly shaped my approach to flying and teaching. They left a lasting imprint on how I view aviation—not just as a skill, but as a tool for growth, service, and impact.

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What Students Have To Say

Anonymous responses to AOPA's Flight Training Experience Survey

From my experience, I would definitely recommend that Josiah Smucker win a Flight Training Experience Award for his dedication and contribution to the general aviation community. His patience for training and calm personality quickly makes a student feel comfortable with whatever task is at hand. He goes above and beyond in his effort to make every concept clear

Josiah did a phenomenal job at creating and implementing an accelerated training program that worked for my schedule. He was able to get me proficient and checkride ready for my IFR in 9 days!

Josiah should receive 200 awards for his outstanding performance as a flight instructor. He has repeatedly shown to truly care about the safety and success of his students. There is no other instructor that I have met that has the commitment and expertise to creating a better flight community.