Jerry Kelvin Lay

Jerry Kelvin Lay is a Designated Pilot Examiner based in Minonk, Illinois, where he operates Jerry Lay Aviation, LLC, and owns the private-use Jerry Lay Heliport (IS18). Lay served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War, flying Bell UH-1 "Huey" combat missions with D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry under the callsign "Charlie Horse 27." He also worked as a military Technical Inspector overseeing turbine engine repairs and rotorcraft maintenance, and later flew helicopters for the Illinois Army National Guard. Following his military service, Lay worked as a pilot and flight instructor for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Division of Aeronautics and has presented on heliport establishment and safety at FAASTeam events like the Chicago Aviation EXPO. He attended El Paso High School, studied at Illinois State University, and administers Private, Commercial, Instrument, ATP, and Flight Instructor practical tests in helicopters.