On September 8, 2024, I took my first discovery flight in a Grob G103a Twin II glider at Saratoga County Airport. After that flight, I knew I wanted to pursue aviation, and that’s when my flight journey really started.

At the time, I was 13 years old. A week later, I joined the Adirondack Soaring Club. On my first day, I met other students around my age, and we helped each other out with different things. One of the students showed me the hand signals we use on the ground — something I hadn’t learned before — and it was pretty easy to pick up. I also helped out as part of the ground crew, getting the gliders ready and using the hand signals to guide them off the ground.

Every time I fly, there’s different flight instructors, and they all teach me something new. Each one has their own style, they’re all amazing, and I really enjoy flying with them. 

On November 2, 2024, just a few days before I turned 14, I officially became a student pilot! That means the FAA says I’m allowed to train with an instructor and start logging flight hours toward becoming a real pilot. Since I’m under 16, I’m not allowed to solo in powered aircraft yet, but I can solo in gliders once I’m ready and my instructor signs off. Getting this certificate was a huge step, and it made everything feel even more real.

 I go up gliding as much can. As of  May 11, 2025, I’ve completed 19 flight lessons and have logged in 11 flight hours. I’m really looking forward to my first solo flight this fall, and I can’t wait to see where my flying journey takes me next!