The Goal of Flight by Luke

Luke's entry into Varsity Tutor's August 2024 scholarship contest

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The Goal of Flight by Luke - August 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. While the discovery flight contributed a large part toward my interest in flying, for as long as I can remember I’ve been interested in all things related to aircraft. My love of aviation probably began much earlier. Thinking back to all of my favorite toys and games, almost all of them were related to aviation. I’ve built many Lego planes, model airplanes, and played lots of video games with some kind of flying simulator. It was the discovery flight that sealed the deal on my love of 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 earning my private pilot’s license (PPL), which I received in May of 2024. I took a gap year after graduating from high school in May 2023 to get my PPL, work, and save money for future flight fees. Working towards this license has been one of the most rewarding, exciting and challenging experiences for me to date. I truly love the feeling of flying and it’s even better when I’m at the controls. 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 instructors who are always happy to answer any questions I may have. The time I’ve spent connecting with people who have decades of experience has been invaluable.

I know the path before me to realize my goal of becoming an airline pilot will be academically challenging, however, I feel I am more than ready for it. I have a strong academic record, taking several AP courses and was involved in a variety of activities throughout my high school career. Orchestra and school newspaper for all four years, rowing for two years and also juggling a part time job during my sophomore, junior and senior years. During spring of my junior year I decided I wanted to pursue a career as an airline pilot. As mentioned earlier, I opted to take a gap year to earn my PPL and work what has been close to a full time job. My parents encouraged me to take this extra time to really see what learning to become a pilot would take and to make sure I still wanted to pursue being a pilot- spoiler, I love it! It was hard to watch all of my friends embark on their college journeys last fall, while I stayed home to work, save money and earn my PPL. My goal of attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University kept me motivated and excited though. During my gap year I fully committed myself to the PPL process. I studied and prepared for my lessons with intense focus to execute and understand each one inside and out. During my first flying lesson my CFI let me land the plane- she was that confident in my skills and preparation. On my PPL written exam I earned a perfect score. After earning my PPL in May I have been flying once or twice a week to keep up my skills. I’m more than ready for college and ERAU! I feel I have the drive and maturity to be successful there.

Attending a university for professional flight is not only academically challenging, but financially as well. 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 my sophomore year of high school. The financial commitment to earn this degree and reach my goals is significant and was a major reason I chose to take a gap year to work. I also funded my PPL myself, so I know how expensive flying is and how quickly funds are spent. A couple of weeks ago my family’s financial circumstances changed drastically when my father lost his job due to his company downsizing. I’ve appealed my initial merit package and my parents have submitted the required paperwork to get more financial aid, but I know my attendance at ERAU will be difficult without more funds.

When I think back on how my journey into flight really started, it will always be that first Cessna ride for me. It’s a moment I look back on with such gratitude. It was the source of the spark that began my path 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. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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