My Pilot Journey (Part 1)

The amount of progress that I have made, both in life and pilot training, in the last 3 years has really made me feel the need to reflect. They say that "time flies" when you're having fun, and while true, the "fun" is not a constant. Within the past 3 years, there have been a lot of other factors surrounding my flight training that go beyond "just flying." 

I graduated from St. John Fisher College this past May, with my Bachelor's of Science in Marketing and a Certificate in Museum Studies. Immediately after graduating, I pushed on with my flight training. First, I received my "checkout" in our (National Warplane Museum's) Korean War Aeronca L-16A "Grasshopper." At the same time, I began to train for my Instrument Rating. For those who don't know, the Instrument Rating is an "add-on" to a Private Pilot's License, which allows the pilot in command to fly in conditions of reduced visibility and less-than-optimal weather.

The highlight of my flying, during this past Spring/Summer, was my airshow "debut." As many of you know, I have grown up around the National Warplane Museum (Geneseo, NY.) After I received my L-16 checkout, I made it known that I wanted to be in my 1st airshow, and that I would be honored to fly in our "Greatest Show on Turf." Well, long story short, thanks to the generous folks at Geneseo, it happened! I flew with "Big" Austin, that is Austin Wadsworth. It was the single coolest experience I have had, to date.

Picture by, Mike Porcari

Currently, I am one long-cross country flight (250 Nautical Miles, with 3 Instrument Approaches), ,one FAA Written Exam, and one Instrument Checkride away from earning my rating. As I progress in this blogging adventure, I aim to share more with you all, including GoPro videos of my flights, post-flight debriefings/summaries, and all the good stuff that a pilot can share. All that I ask in return is your support in my mission to become a professional/warbird. Whether it be financially, through GoFundMe, or even emotionally, through the kind messages that I love receiving, your help makes me fly.