Kay's passion for flight began at age 12 when she received her first flying lesson. She soloed on her 16th birthday and earned a Private Pilot certificate and instrument rating at age 17. Her passion led her to a fulfilling Aerospace Engineering career during the last 25 years.

Kay is also an independent flight instructor based at Palomar Airport. She's an FAA Commercial Pilot and Multi-Engine Instrument Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI), FAA Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor (AGI, IGI), and holds degrees in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University (B.S.) and Stanford University (M.S.) respectively.