As I walked toward the aircraft that was about to take me airborne soon, I realized it was going to be my first time flying on a single-engine aircraft. My heart started pumping faster, and adrenaline kicked in. Sure, I’ve flown in commercial jets with multiple engines before, but never a single-engine propeller aircraft. Walking toward the cockpit door, I could see the shiny buttons and displays and the different controls reflected onto the outside of the aircraft. As we started up the airplane, listening to the pilot talking with traffic controllers to receive safe operational directions, I realized how much I loved seeing all of this. Even the constant hum of the engine couldn’t deter
my love for this field. It was a mesmerizing and life-changing experience for me, seeing how pilots worked with traffic controllers for the safety of everyone.

None of that would have happened if I hadn’t taken the opportunity offered by my Scoutmaster. A couple of months ago, I started diving deeper and learning more about the inner workings of aviation, and since then, I’ve been in love with the complex process. Even the two-page procedure before starting the aircraft and the numerous checklists for different times in the air, couldn’t stop me. After discovering my passion, my Scoutmaster presented me with the opportunity to fly in-person at a small airport nearby, where they offered a program for youths to experience flying in single-engine aircrafts. Young Eagles, the program I had my first flight with, opened my eyes to the mysteries of aviation. After the flight, the pilot recommended I attend a nearby flight school because he saw my potential as a pilot and wanted to help turn that potential into a skill. He believed I was capable of quickly learning new procedures for larger aircrafts and becoming a pilot at a young age.

As my first lesson approached, I was becoming more and more nervous. I was afraid I wouldn’t do well in a field that is mainly dominated by men. I was afraid that the instructor would belittle me because of my age. I was afraid of not being strong enough for the airplane. I was afraid of so much. Against my will, time flew, and in what felt like days, but in reality was weeks, it was time for my first lesson. Surprisingly, the instructor was patient with me, understanding and gently correcting my mistakes, explaining each control, answering all of my questions thoroughly, and respecting me like any other adult. During the first lesson, we went over many of the basics, including aerodynamics, turns, and altitude changes. It was fascinating for me to see how planes and the atmosphere worked with and against each other. Such a simple thing as flying from one airport to another was truly so much more complicated than I thought.

Looking back, almost half a year later, it was one of the best leaps of faith I have taken. Even though it was scary to take the risk at the time, I learned that it never hurts to try. I’m now attending a lesson every other week and slowly making my way closer and closer to my Private Pilot License. Bit by bit, this experience is helping me learn to step outside of my comfort zone and find something amazing there.