Our History as a Company and Meet the Team
The Beginning of Lively Aviation
Lively Aviation began when Jeff hit a wall studying the regulations during his instrument training. Finding nothing like it on the market, he created the Tabbed FAR/AIM, launching on May 4, 2020. In three years, it helped more than 7,500 pilots. We’ve since retired it, but we’re glad to see the idea still helping pilots train today.
What We Do Now - Flight Training!
Today, our focus is safe, professional, and excellent flight training. Jeff’s love of aviation started early. When he was just two weeks old, his grandfather took him on his first helicopter ride. He went on to serve in the Texas Army National Guard as an Apache helicopter mechanic and studied Aviation Administration at Baylor University. Now he brings that experience to students across North Texas.
Meet our Team
Jeff Lively Jr / Owner / CEO
CFI / CFI-I / CMEL / AGI / Drone Pilot / Corporate Pilot
With over 1,200 hours of dual given, Jeff is dedicated to helping make your dreams come true in aviation. He is a FAA Gold Seal CFI-I with over 93% passing rate. Less than 15% of flight instructors have the Gold Seal designation (there are about 120,000 flight instructors in the US).
Going through initial training, Jeff didn't have the best experience with the different flight schools he went through. Some were good while others were not. Through prayer, thought, and encouragement from his wife and mentor, Jeff decided to open a flight school that is dedicated to making a difference in the aviation industry.
Born and raised in Texas, he is a God fearing man, married to his high school sweetheart, with a passion for aviation.
Joshua Scrivner / Director of Operations
CFI / CFI-I / MEI / CSIP
Josh enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old, served 5 years including 2 tours over seas in Iraq and Africa. After the Marine Corps, Josh acquired his Bachelor's in Real Estate Finance and Development. He is a licensed Real Estate agent and is also currently a home builder.
When asked what made him want to become a pilot, "I have always had an interest in aviation and wanted to be a pilot growing up but sometimes life has other plans. Not long ago my wife mentioned that I should pursue my dream of becoming a pilot and I realized there was no better time for that! It's the best decision I have made. I am now a Commercial Pilot and CFI-I, training new apiring pilots pursuing their dream."
Operations Manager Statement:
"With Josh's background, professionalism, and pursuit of excellence, he is the perfect fit as our Director of Operations. Josh has proven himself time and again on his ability to take initiative and lead with a servants heart, which is exactly what we do at Lively Aviation. I'm very blessed to have him as part of our team. As we continue to grow our operations Josh will be imperative to our sustainment and growth as a business."
Cole Bramlett / Flight Instructor
CFI / CFI-I / MEI
Cole is a dedicated Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) with a deep passion for aviation and a steadfast goal of flying for the airlines. He actively pursues opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a wide variety of aircraft, always striving to grow as a pilot and instructor.
Rooted in the values of hard work and community, Cole comes from a family with a long-standing legacy of business and service in Stephenville, Texas. "My family has proudly operated several local businesses, including Bramlett Implement and Greenacres Equipment Rental, for generations—instilling in me an entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic that continue to shape my career."
Beyond the cockpit, Cole is a devoted husband to his wife of three years, Madison, and a proud dog dad to their dog, Shadow. Madison and Cole also enjoy caring for their two horses, embracing a life grounded in family, responsibility, and a love for the outdoors.
"With my eyes on the skies and my heart anchored at home, I bring both professionalism and passion to the aviation industry."
Lukas Kirkpatrick
CFI / CFI-I / CMEL
Lukas Kirkpatrick was born and raised in Grandview, Texas. His passion for aviation began in middle school and was solidified in high school after an unforgettable flight to Austin in a Mooney with a friend’s father. Following graduation, an official discovery flight confirmed what he already knew, aviation was not just an interest, but a calling and a career path.
Lukas is deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the aviation community by training the next generation of pilots. His instructional focus is on building strong aeronautical knowledge, confidence, and practical skills that translate beyond checkrides into real-world flying all while keeping the learning process engaging and enjoyable.
Outside the cockpit, Lukas enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. He also loves traveling, skiing, and scuba diving. His guiding priorities are simple and unwavering: Faith, Family, and Flying—in that order.
Jason Heath / Director of Academic Programs
CFI / CFI-I
Jason Heath is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII) with 16 years of experience as a high school science teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Education, bringing a strong instructional background to flight training.
Jason emphasizes solid fundamentals, sound aeronautical decision-making, and pilot confidence. His teaching style is patient, clear, and adaptable, with lessons tailored to each student’s individual learning style. He is passionate about helping students safely and confidently achieve their aviation goals.
Outside of aviation, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.
Bailey IJkema / CFI Academy Director
CFI / CFI-I / MEI
Bailey IJkema discovered a passion for aviation in 2013 after beginning a career as a flight attendant with Spirit Airlines. Over the past decade, aviation has taken Bailey through both extraordinary highs and meaningful challenges, shaping a deep appreciation for the profession. Completing flight training in July 2025 solidified a love for teaching and mentorship, and each flight since has contributed to continued growth as an aviator. Bailey is deeply grateful for the journey and credits faith in the Almighty Creator for guiding this rewarding path. Every day spent in the air is met with gratitude and purpose.
Collin Culver
CFI / CFI-I
Collin Culver developed a passion for aviation at an early age, growing up in a family with deep roots in flight. His great-grandfather served as a Navy pilot during World War II, inspiring a legacy of aviation that continued with his grandfather, who was a private pilot in the 1980s. Following in their footsteps, Collin is proud to carry on the family tradition and pursue his own path in the sky.
Collin is currently building experience and working toward his long-term goal of becoming an airline pilot. He is passionate about helping students grow in both skill and confidence, and he strives to create a professional, encouraging learning environment in every lesson.
Outside of aviation, Collin enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors. Whether flying, hunting, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, he values the sense of adventure and connection that aviation brings to his life.
Aaron Graham
CFI / CFI-I
From a young age, Aaron dreamed of becoming a pilot—captivated by speed, freedom, and outer space. He imagined flying military jets or even becoming an astronaut. In his teens, that passion for excitement shifted to motorcycles, leading him to compete in the MotoAmerica Supersport championship in his mid-20s.
After racing, Aaron built success in various pursuits and transitioned into car sales, where his natural ability to connect with people helped him thrive. Yet the call of the skies never faded. After candid conversations with his parents about the challenges of sales, his mom asked the pivotal question: “Why don’t you become a pilot? That’s what you always wanted.” She was right—and Aaron is now living his childhood dream.
In true Aaron fashion, he’s dreaming big in aviation: aiming to fly the largest jets available, conquer the most agile airplanes he can get his hands on, and tackle backcountry exploration in the most capable aircraft he can develop!
A lifelong learner, Aaron loves sharing knowledge with anyone eager to grow. He pursues excellence in all he does and seeks continuous personal improvement. A committed follower of Jesus Christ, he spends time daily in God’s Word. He leads his fiancée, Haley, and their 5-year-old daughter, Blakely, in a faith-filled home. Together, they attend Lakeside Baptist Church, serving in various ministries as a family. Aaron also volunteers with Celebrate Recovery and leads a weekly men’s Bible study.
Outside the cockpit, you might spot him running or cycling around Granbury—or scooting on his Honda Ruckus—with a smile on his face.
Starla Scrivner
Flight Operations Coordinator
Starla joins Lively Aviation bringing decades of experience in leadership, business operations, organizational management, and customer relations. Throughout her career, she has worked in executive support, business development, team leadership, and building systems that help organizations grow while creating exceptional experiences for the people they serve.
At Lively Aviation, Starla helps oversee many of the behind-the-scenes operations that keep the company running smoothly, including student communication, scheduling, billing, administrative systems, and the countless moving pieces required to support a fast-growing aviation business.
Known for her strong organizational skills and ability to bring structure and efficiency to growing companies, Starla thrives in environments where people, purpose, and excellence come together. She genuinely enjoys helping businesses build strong foundations that allow teams to grow and operate at a high level.
Outside of work, Starla is passionate about health and wellness, strength training, faith, and spending quality time with her family on their ranch in Granbury. As a proud wife, mother, and grandmother, she deeply values building a life centered around faith, family, freedom, and creating lasting impact. She has spent years coaching and encouraging others to live healthier, stronger lives and believes strongly in pursuing excellence in every season of life.
Starla is excited to be part of the Lively Aviation team and looks forward to helping support a company that is making aviation more accessible while helping future pilots pursue their dreams.
Our Mission and Vision Statements
Mission:
Lively Aviation trains safe, confident pilots through professional instruction and clear communication, supported by a team that looks out for each other and for every student.
Vision:
To be North Texas’s most trusted flight school, known for turning students into capable aviators and for opening doors to aviation careers.
Our CORE VALUES
Safety
Safety comes first, every time. We manage risk, make sound decisions, and follow procedures. Anyone on the team can raise a concern or call off a flight without blame.
We speak up, we stop, we fix it.
Professionalism
We act with integrity, discipline, and respect on the ground and in the air. We show up prepared and hold ourselves to the standard our students and partners expect.
Prepared, on time, and accountable.
Communication
We communicate clearly and respectfully. We keep talking until everyone understands, because confusion has no place in aviation.
Say it, confirm it, close the loop.
Team
We succeed together. Everyone here is a teammate, and we support each other personally and professionally. We respect family and protect the time that matters outside of work.
We help first and share the credit.
Ownership
We take initiative and treat the business as our own. Ownership means good judgment and follow-through, not unlimited hours.
See it, own it, finish it.
Growth
We keep learning, improving, and looking for better ways to do things. We invest in each other’s careers and help every team member move forward in aviation.
Always learning, always helping others rise.
Going the Extra Mile
We go beyond what’s expected for our students, our partners, and each other.
Do the little thing nobody asked for.