The Beginning
The first time I flew a helicopter was at Sevierville County Aviation on August 15th, 2022. Little did I know how exhilarating and frustrating this whole process would be. I completed my first solo flight, earning myself a cutout t-shirt. My next test was a 3-hour cross-country solo flight. I was not ready to fly for 3 hours alone without my instructor sitting beside me. I don't think anyone does while going through this part of aviation training.
The Check Ride
After completing my 3-hour cross-country flight, I gained confidence in myself. The next few weeks, I returned to learning maneuvers and getting ready for my check ride. My first attempt failed, which set me back and bruised my ego. My instructor pulled me aside and told me something that has stuck with me ever since. He said, "You have to be willing to suck at something to become good, if not great at it." Swallowing my pride, I tried again.
The Pilot
On November 5th, 2022, I became an official pilot and embarked on my next journey. I am furthering my pilot license up to Certified Flight Instructor and starting my own apparel business. Aviation is exhilarating and frustrating, but earning the title of Pilot is a huge accomplishment. I can't wait to see what the future holds, and who knows, I might be flying some of you around!
