Our Story

I didn't set out to build a flight school. I set out to finish something I started years ago.

I first learned to fly at Daniel Webster College, where I studied Flight Operations and soloed for the first time. I loved it, but flying wasn't going to be my career, so I put it down for a while.

In January of 2026, I found my way to Westerly State Airport and started training with Jace. Something clicked, and my drive to finish what I'd started became undeniable.

Not long after, Jace stepped away from the business he'd built. I had a choice: let something good come to an end, or carry it forward. I chose to build on the foundation he had already laid. Westerly Aero is that foundation, honored and built upon.

Welcome to Westerly Aero. Let's fly.

— Jessica Power, Owner, Westerly-Aero

Aviation Is All Jessica Has Known

I'm Jessica Power, owner of Westerly Aero. My path to this point wasn't a straight line, and I think that's exactly why I understand what our students need.

I bring nearly three decades in aviation to this work, from aircraft sales and acquisitions to avionics sales & marketing with companies like Avidyne, FreeFlight Systems, and L3, National Association of Flight Instructors, to running my own aviation marketing company, Power Aviation Strategies, since 2017. I've also partnered with Westerly High School to bring AOPA's STEM curriculum to students using RedBird flight simulators.

I've called Westerly home since 2015, and I'm a member of Women in Aviation International, the Aircraft Electronics Association, NBAA, EAA, and Rhode Island Pilots Association. At Westerly Aero, you'll get clear and concise instruction, a solid plan, and an instructor who is as invested in your progress as you are.  We are on this journey together. Let's Fly.

Meet Your Instructor

Matthew Santacroce — Chief Flight Instructor

Matthew is a Stonington native who trained in Groton and holds a degree in aviation from the Florida Institute of Technology. He's a Certified Flight Instructor for both single and multi-engine airplanes, a Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument, and an Advanced Ground Instructor, and he flies under a First Class Medical.

Matthew brings a strong track record of checkride success and a steady, structured approach to every lesson. As Chief Flight Instructor, he oversees student scheduling and sets the standard for how training is done at Westerly Aero.