Evelyn K., a current senior at Commack High School, has been achieving her dreams by pursuing her private pilot license. After moving from Korea in January of 2021, her interest in becoming a pilot has expedited. She began her flight training last summer and has gained immense knowledge and experience over time.
Courant: How did you become interested in flying and decide to pursue a pilot’s license?
Evelyn: “My parents always encouraged me to travel and to learn about different diverse cultures, so that’s how I started to travel around the world and got more interested in the flying industry. I kept thinking that if I became a pilot I could travel around the world while doing my work, especially since I was really really interested in STEM, specifically science and math ever since I was 12. I decided to pursue my pilot license in high school since it helps save money, the private pilot license that I am doing right now is not required but better financially before going into college. Therefore, now I know I am pursuing an aviation major in college.”
What has been the most challenging and favorite aspect of your flight training so far?
“The most challenging aspect is this specific maneuver called the ‘power-off stall’ maneuver which basically means while the plane is flying, I have to forcefully angle up the plane for it to stall. That was really difficult for me to get at first but I got over it, which also makes it my favorite flight training aspect as well. Even if something is difficult, through practice I can persevere. I do something called ‘chair fly’ which is a type of at home flight simulation instead of actually flying which allowed me to overcome my fear of flight training. It’s ironic because it’s challenging but if I get over it, it becomes my favorite.
Can you tell me about your favorite flying experience or the most memorable flight you’ve had?
“My favorite flight so far was going to Connecticut because it was my first cross country flight which is when you go to another airport and land there. I did the touchdown which is when you land and directly take off again and I did that at the Connecticut/Bridgeport airport and it was a pretty good experience going to a different state, and landing there and coming back. It only took like less than an hour for the roundtrip from Islip to Bridgeport then back.”
How do you balance your flight training with your other responsibilities, such as school or work?
“This part was a little hard especially while going through the college process but since I love flying a flight training it’s more of a hobby rather than learning. I think of how others do sports. I would much rather go fly around and learn things for my future career. I think I’m managing pretty well between flying and school. I’m also a math tutor which is very flexible compared to other jobs and I can manage it. Actually there is no difference between my grades and homework before and after I started flight training and it’s really important to maintain my grades. I try to maintain my flexibility and my passion and enjoyment allows me to create a balance.”
Have you set any specific goals or milestones for yourself as a student pilot?
“It obviously is to gain all the licenses I want that are required to become a commercial pilot. My ultimate goal is to become a commercial pilot in the future and try to achieve all my goals. As a student another major goal is to save my money through student pilot program because flying is really expensive and Im trying to become a member in many different pilot/flying associations and I’m already in WIA which is Women in International Aviation association so I can get a lot of scholarships and pursue all my dreams as financially conscious as possible.”
Are there any particular aircraft or flying maneuvers that you find especially fascinating or exciting?
“I travel around the world like Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam which are long distance flights and I got really interested in aircrafts specifically A30. It’s the biggest commercial aircraft in the industry right now but requires a large runway so they are trying to stop it. The aircraft is big and short and looks like a sausage despite its name, so I think it’s really cute on the outside but inside it’s really big. If I become a commercial pilot I would be really fascinated if I could fly the A30.”
What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming a student pilot?
“I would say try to save your money, that’s the most important part. I would also say do chair flight a lot and watch Youtube videos about flights so you gain more interest. If you become a student pilot it’s typically because you want to become a pilot in the future, so in that sense try to start research early. Buy textbooks and start studying because becoming a pilot is all about studying which I am doing right now too. Study, research, and save money are the three most important in my opinion.”
Anything else you would like to add?
“I forgot to mention health because a pilot’s health is really important. If you’re a student pilot trying to get a private pilot license … it’s important to maintain good eye condition and avoid any other health issues. You shouldn’t be dizzy before going up in the air. I try to prevent myself from getting colds and not use my phone too much or use my textbooks in the dark to maintain my vision.” 🔳
