Plainfield, Ill., native named University of North Dakota’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Kaelyn Wiltse, a native of Plainfield, Illinois, has been named the University of North Dakota’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month.

Wiltse, a UND graduate and flight instructor, holds Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument certificates and is currently working toward her multiengine instructor certificate.

Students praised Wiltse for her knowledge, professionalism and ability to create a positive learning environment while holding students to high standards.

“Her positive attitude made every flight something I looked forward to, even on the more challenging days,” one of Wiltse’s students said. “Her feedback was honest and constructive, and she genuinely wanted to see me improve rather than simply get through the course.”

The student also credited Wiltse with creating an environment where questions and mistakes were treated as part of the learning process.

“She pushed me to meet high standards while still creating an environment where I felt comfortable learning from my mistakes,” the student said. “She truly cares about her students and their success, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of being recognized as CFI of the Month.”

Wiltse graduated summa cum laude from UND in August 2026 with a degree in commercial aviation and a specialization in safety. During her time as a student, she served as treasurer and vice president of UND’s Women in Aviation chapter, experiences she said helped her develop leadership skills, build professional connections and form lasting friendships.

As a first-generation pilot with no family background in aviation, Wiltse completed all of her flight training at UND. She said that experience helps her understand the challenges her students encounter as they progress through their own training.

“Moving from the student to instructor role has been such a gratifying experience that I will forever be grateful for,” Wiltse said. “I know firsthand how challenging the courses can be and can really appreciate all the hard work my students put in.”

Wiltse plans to continue flight instructing while earning her multiengine instructor certificate and building the flight hours required for an airline career. She said her long-term goals include flying for the airlines and encouraging others to pursue their own aviation dreams.