About Us

About Highlands Aero

Welcome to Highlands Aero Flight Center, located in Abingdon, Virginia, at the scenic Virginia Highlands Airport (KVJI). We are proud to offer high-quality, modern flight training and aircraft rental services to the Tri-Cities region and beyond. Whether you're just starting your aviation journey or looking to advance your pilot certifications, our goal is to provide a supportive and structured training experience tailored to your goals.

Our Commitment to Safety and Excellence

At Highlands Aero, aviation safety is not just a requirement—it's a core value that shapes every aspect of our training and operations. That commitment is led by Jon Clausen, Owner and Chief Flight Instructor, who proudly serves as an FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Representative.

As an FAASTeam Rep, Jon collaborates with the FAA to promote safety awareness, host educational outreach events, and support a nationwide culture of safety in general aviation. This distinction reinforces our mission to deliver flight training that goes beyond proficiency, emphasizing judgment, preparedness, and continuous improvement.

Vision Statement

To provide exceptional, safe, and modern aviation training while fostering a welcoming and professional environment for aspiring and experienced pilots. 

Mission Statement

To be the leading aviation training center in the Appalachian Highlands, known for excellence in safety, service, and instructional quality. 

Core Values

• Safety First: Maintenance and training practices exceed FAA standards.

• Quality Training: FAA-compliant syllabi, structured checklists, experienced instructors.

• Customer-focused: Transparent pricing, flexible scheduling, and personal guidance.

• Innovation: Modern avionics, MSFS simulation, and digital student onboarding.

• Integrity: Honest communication and ethical business practices. 

Jon Clausen, CFI, AGI, IGI, MS

About Me

My name is Jon Clausen, and aviation has been both my passion and profession since 2006. I earned my Private Pilot certificate in 2008 and have spent nearly two decades mastering the skies and mentoring new pilots.

I served as a UH-60 Black Hawk mechanic in the Georgia Army National Guard from 2005 to 2011, where I developed a deep technical foundation in aircraft systems and a commitment to precision and safety. In 2010, I earned my Commercial Pilot certificate for both single and multi-engine aircraft, along with an instrument rating. Most recently, in 2023, I became a Certified Flight Instructor and earned both Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor ratings, credentials that allow me to guide others toward their aviation goals with professionalism and structure.

I'm also a certified Light Sport Repairman with a Maintenance rating (LSRM), combining hands-on mechanical experience with my instructional expertise to ensure safe, reliable training aircraft. In 2025, I was appointed a FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Representative, reflecting my ongoing commitment to promoting safety and excellence in general aviation.

Outside the cockpit, I serve as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and hold a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity. I’m also proud to be an Eagle Scout, an early milestone that set the tone for a life of service, leadership, and attention to detail. I’m a husband and father of three, and when I’m not flying or teaching, I value spending time with my family.

Whether you’re just beginning your aviation journey or working toward advanced ratings, I’m here to help you navigate your path to the skies.

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