Kirby Ortega embodies the essence of a seasoned pilot. With over five decades of experience flying various aircraft from the Cessna lineup and other manufacturers, Kirby’s expertise is unparalleled. Beginning his career at Cessna Aircraft Company in 1980, he initially worked as a flight instructor in the Air Transportation Department. Later, he transitioned to conducting aircraft demonstrations worldwide for potential customers and media personnel. Kirby concluded his flying career as the Chief Pilot for piston engine operations at Cessna Flight Operations.
Following his retirement from Cessna in 2013, Kirby assumed the role of Chief Pilot for Jet Management programs at Yingling Aviation, a position he continues to hold. Kirby’s impressive credentials include an ATP certificate, flight instructor certification, and multiple type ratings in Citation aircraft. He is recognized as an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor, a two-term NAFI Master Flight Instructor, and a member of the FAA FAAST Team. Kirby has been honored with various accolades such as induction into the National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame, being named the 2002 FAA National Flight Instructor of the Year, receiving the Master CFI designation and the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. He has logged over 28,000 incident-free flight hours and provided more than 16,500 hours of dual instruction.
While aviation remains his foremost passion, Kirby also finds joy in travel, cycling, and college basketball, particularly supporting the Wichita State Shockers. A family man, Kirby has two sons and a grandson.
Driven by a desire to share his extensive aviation knowledge with aspiring pilots, Kirby, alongside his wife Teresa, established Ortega Aviation Services. In this venture, he focuses on delivering exceptional flight instruction and consulting services, specializing in pilot coaching and check rides in the CJ Series and Citation Mustang.
