Pilot Interview

When did you initially become interested in learning to fly?

I've always been interested in airplanes, even since before I can remember. My parents tell me stories of being fascinated with them but it wasn't until around 8th grade that I thought about becoming a pilot. It always seemed like such an unachieveable goal, and there have been times in my training that I've wanted to quit. One of the best things about aviation, in my opinion, is that it brings out the strength and determination within you out into the open, and when you succeed, the air itself says "Okay! I accept you into my world" and then there's no turning back.

What are your aviation goals?

I don't have many specific goals in aviation, other than to not starve to death. I know I am going to start out as a flight instructor. I want to give back to KSU by being a flight instructor for them, but I could make more money other places. I'm just planning on seeing what's available at the time. Beyond that, I would like to start in the regional airlines and see where that takes me. Corporate flight is interesting but hard to come by. One of the things that you get used to in the aviation community is to be fluid with your plans, because tomorrow the entire industry could be different, such as 9/11.

When did you start learning to fly, at what school and in which aircraft?

I started at the Commercial Aviation Corporation at KSU airport in 9th grade in some "Youth in Aviation" program but it wasn't until the beginning of Spring 04 semester in college that I got my private pilot's license. I flew off and on for a loong time, longer than it should have been. I think I was afraid of the checkride and the responsibility, but I have been going strong ever since then.

What was the most important factor in choosing the flight school you attend?

I was accepted to Kent State University and Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach Florida. If money was no object, I may be somewhere else right now, but on the other hand, I really like KSU too. I like being close to my friends, the program here is really good, and the weather makes for some interesting flying. Considering I pretty much grew up at KSU with my mom working there and all...there really wasn't that much choice. I like the rigid training program that a 141 school such as KSU has as opposed to the 61 school that CAC was...I felt sometimes that I was being taken advantage of over there.

How many flight hours do you currently have and what certificate or rating are you working towards?

I have around 240 hours total time, all of it single engine cessnas of various complexity. As I write this, I got my Commercial pilot certificate two days ago, and I am working on my certified flight instructor (CFI) license, and multi-engine rating at the same time, beginning Spring 06 semester.

Has learning to fly been what you expected?

I think learning to fly has been mostly what I expected. It's a lot of work and a lot of responsibility. It's been more of a challenge for me and my personality to adapt to the conditions it requires. It's definately brought out more self-confidence in myself that I never knew I had. As for my career ahead of me; there's nothing else in the world that I would rather do.

What do you enjoy most and least about flying?

I enjoy what flying has taught me about what's important in life and the calming effect it has on the soul. When it's just you and the airplane alone on a beautiful day, you understand what it's really about. If only it weren't so damn expensive!

What has been your biggest obstacle in learning to fly and how are you/did you overcome it?

My biggest obstacle would be my own personality, and struggling to find the confidence required to commit to the training. I took me so long to get my private pilot's license because I was so afraid of messing up and failing that I just stopped practicing. Being a new student pilot before you get your first license is so hard because the world is so new and confusing, with so many regulations it just seemed overwelming. I am quite the perfectionist when it comes to some things, flying especially. I didn't want to come back home with that "I failed" look and have everyone know that I failed at something I loved so much. Now that I'm a little older I realize that it's not such a big deal, and even if I were to fail, no one would think any less of me, and I could just try again. Nothing is ever final, unless you never try again. It's one of the more important lessons I've learned in life, and one that can only be taught to you by yourself.

What advice would you give someone just starting out?

My advice is to fly! There is always the question when you first consider it; to fly or not to fly? Anyone can do it. Don't think "I could never be a pilot, I'm not smart enough". Learning to fly isn't about becoming an airline pilot, it's about seeing the world from a different perspective. It's definately not easy, but anything you truely enjoy never is. If you have the interest in aviation, start your training and learn as much about it as you can. Subscribe to magazines, read avaition novels, learn about every aspect of the industry. The more you get into it, the more you'll enjoy it. The more you enjoy it, the more work you will put into it; and the more work you put in, the more you'll get out of it.