Hi Dmsteiner,
We're glad you've reached out through Apple Support Communities for help with your iPad Air and iPhone. We're certainly glad to help in any way we can!
Are you attempting to pair the devices in Settings > Bluetooth? If so, rest assured - this is totally the expected behavior. Your iPad and iPhone don't pair through the Bluetooth options in Settings.
Depending on what you're hoping to accomplish, there are different, simpler methods to communicate wirelessly between devices. For example, if you're looking to transfer files or content from one device to the other, you may used AirDrop. Here's a guide with the steps:
How to use AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
If you're signed into the same iCloud account on both devices, they can also sync other content and features automatically, using Continuity. This Knowledge Base article goes over all of the features of Continuity:
Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Apple Watch
We're here for you if you've got any questions!
Take care.