Montana – October 2025 — It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the aviation community and countless loved ones mourn the passing of Lainey Anderson, a talented and passionate Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/II), who tragically lost her life while on a family vacation in Montana.
Lainey’s passing has sent waves of grief through the tight-knit aviation world and among the many students whose lives she touched with her mentorship, patience, and love for flying. Friends and colleagues describe her as “the kind of instructor who made you feel both safe and inspired” — someone who not only taught flying but also helped her students believe in themselves.
Born with a sense of adventure and curiosity, Lainey discovered her passion for aviation early in life. Her dedication and skill quickly made her stand out among peers, earning her respect as both an accomplished pilot and a caring teacher. She was known for her calm demeanor in the cockpit, her meticulous attention to safety, and her genuine kindness on the ground.
While the details surrounding her passing remain private, what remains clear is the enormous loss felt by all who knew her. Her family, friends, and students remember her as a bright light — a woman who lived fully, laughed easily, and gave selflessly.
Those closest to her recall her infectious smile, her love for adventure, and her devotion to both her family and her career. Whether she was soaring through clear blue skies or encouraging a nervous student before a checkride, Lainey radiated confidence, compassion, and joy.
A family friend shared, “Lainey wasn’t just an instructor — she was a role model, a sister, a daughter, and a true friend. She made everyone feel capable, seen, and valued.”
Lainey’s legacy will live on in the skies she loved so deeply and in the countless pilots who learned under her guidance. Her untimely passing serves as a painful reminder of how precious and fragile life is — and how one person’s passion can leave an unforgettable mark on so many others.
Funeral and memorial service details will be announced by the family at a later date. In the meantime, the aviation community continues to honor her memory, sharing stories, photos, and heartfelt tributes in remembrance of her incredible spirit.
To her family, friends, students, and colleagues — may Lainey’s memory forever be a blessing. Her wings may have carried her beyond this world, but her love, courage, and inspiration will remain grounded in the hearts of all who knew her.