Dreams of Flight by Luke

Dreams of Flight by Luke - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

It was a Cessna 172. I had been on planes before, but not like this. When I was in 6th grade my friend and I had a discovery flight together and while the aviation bug missed my friend it swallowed me whole. My experience from the discovery flight and that Cessna stuck with me through high school and it’s one of the things that sparked my passion for aviation. The discovery flight certainly contributed a large part toward my interest in flying and my chosen major of Aeronautical Sciences with a flight concentration, with the ultimate goal of becoming a professional pilot. For as long as I can remember I’ve been in love with all things related to aircraft. My interest in aviation probably began earlier than I realized. I’ve always been obsessed with planes and flight. Thinking back to all of my most favorite toys and games, and almost all of them were related to aviation. I’ve built many Lego planes, I had the Playmobil airport and airline plane, lots of video games with some kind of flying simulator and so on. But what sealed the deal was that exploration flight. I just find it so incredible how far aviation has come in barely a century! Starting from flimsy biplanes held together by wood, cloth, and dreams to colossal aircrafts like the A380 that can carry hundreds of passengers across the world. It’s truly remarkable how far the aviation industry has come and it’s part of why I find it so captivating.
Recently, my passion for aviation has evolved into working towards earning my private pilot’s license. Working towards this certificate has been one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences for me to date. I truly love the feeling of flying and it’s even better when I’m at the controls. It’s such a unique feeling being in command of an airplane on final approach, looking down the runway and seeing the ground rushing towards you, then nailing a perfect landing. This feeling alone is part of why I love flying so much. Not only has flight training been fun and exhilarating, but I’ve also learned so much in a short period of time. I’m so grateful for my knowledgeable and patient instructors who are always happy to answer any questions I have, whether it be about a flight lesson or aviation in general. The time I’ve spent connecting with people who have decades of experience has been invaluable. They have all helped further my obsession with flying, recommending different resources and giving sound advice. I'm currently taking a gap year to work and earn this license, as well as applying to universities with programs that will help me achieve my goal of becoming a professional pilot. After much research, it made financial sense to earn my PPL before enrolling at a university and to keep working at my current job I've had since junior year of high school. The financial commitment to earn this degree is significant. It's another reason I have chosen to take a gap year to work. When I'm not flying I'm working, and when I'm not working, I'm flying. If awarded this scholarship, it will aid with some of the financial burden, helping me to realize this dream.
When I think back on how it all started, it will always be that first Cessna ride for me. It will always be a moment I look back on with such gratitude. It was the source of the spark that began my journey in aviation. And my captivation with aviation seems to be never ending and has only grown as I learn and gain more experience flying. I feel extremely lucky to be able to pursue a career in a field I love so much and am so passionate about.