Episode 115 of Mountain Mule Media features Andrew Stone, owner of Vali Air Service in Livingston, Montana. Andrew offers flight instruction, discovery flights, scenic air tours, and is actively working to expand aviation opportunities in Southwest Montana.
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For Andrew, aviation isn’t just a career. It’s been a lifelong pursuit.
He recalls attending an airshow as a young child and becoming completely fascinated by airplanes. That experience set him on a path that eventually led through Air Force ROTC, the Marine Corps, Army helicopter flight training, and ultimately the launch of his own flight school in Livingston.
Today, Andrew helps others pursue the same dream through Vali Air Service, named after Vali, the Norse god of flight.
Why Learn to Fly in Livingston?
One of the most memorable parts of the conversation centered around Andrew’s philosophy:
“If you can fly here, you can fly anywhere.”
Livingston is famous for its wind, and while that can make training more challenging, Andrew believes it creates stronger pilots.
Students learn how to manage wind, turbulence, density altitude, and changing conditions from the very beginning rather than encountering those challenges later in their flying careers. The result is a pilot who is more confident, adaptable, and prepared for real-world flying situations.
Andrew compares it to learning to drive during a Montana winter. It may not be the easiest environment to learn in, but it develops skills that stay with you for life.
What Does It Take to Become a Pilot?
For anyone curious about aviation, Andrew explains that the journey typically starts with a discovery flight.
Vali Air Service offers introductory flights where prospective students can take the controls and experience flying firsthand. Andrew jokes that these flights often feel like handing out a sample because most people immediately want to keep going once they’ve experienced flying for themselves.
The FAA minimum requirement for a private pilot certificate is 40 hours of flight time, though Andrew says most students finish closer to the national average of 60 to 70 hours. Students typically complete their first solo flight around 15 to 20 hours into training.
From there, students can continue pursuing instrument ratings, commercial licenses, and advanced certifications depending on their goals.
Flying Airplanes and Black Hawks
In addition to running Vali Air Service, Andrew flies Black Hawk helicopters with the Montana Army National Guard.
When asked to compare helicopters and airplanes, Andrew offered a simple analogy:
An airplane is like driving a car.
A helicopter is like riding a motorcycle.
While airplanes provide efficiency and range, helicopters offer unmatched flexibility and maneuverability. Andrew discusses mountain flying, confined landing areas, and the unique challenges that come with rotary-wing aviation.
Long-term, he hopes to eventually add helicopter training to the business as it continues to grow.
Scenic Flights Over Paradise Valley
While flight instruction is the primary focus of Vali Air Service, the company also offers scenic flights around Paradise Valley, Livingston, Emigrant, Chico Hot Springs, and the Crazy Mountains.
These flights give visitors a completely different perspective of Montana.
Rather than seeing the landscape from a highway or hiking trail, passengers can view winding rivers, mountain ranges, ranches, wildlife, and vast open country from just a few thousand feet above the ground. Andrew says some of the most impressive sights are the massive elk herds scattered throughout the region.
For anyone who has ever wondered what Montana looks like from above, these tours offer a unique opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Building a Business Around a Lifelong Dream
Like many entrepreneurs, Andrew eventually reached a point where he had to decide whether to continue working for someone else or build something of his own.
After earning his instructor certifications and exploring opportunities with existing flight schools, he decided to purchase an aircraft and launch Vali Air Service. Today, the business continues to grow with additional instructors, multiple aircraft, and plans for future expansion.
Andrew is currently exploring opportunities to add a multi-engine aircraft, expand into charter operations, and eventually offer additional aviation services throughout Montana.
Throughout the conversation, one thing becomes clear: Andrew genuinely loves flying.
Near the end of the episode, he shares a philosophy that many business owners can relate to. If he’s not looking out the window and smiling at least once or twice a day while flying, then something needs to change. It’s a reminder that even as businesses grow and responsibilities increase, it’s important not to lose sight of why you started in the first place.
Learn more about Andrew and Vali Air Service:
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, connecting listeners with Montana business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders through long-form conversations and storytelling. Whether you’re planning a Yellowstone adventure, wedding transportation, airport transfer, or private event, Mountain Mule Transportation proudly serves Southwest Montana.
