Lightspeed Aviation has been a proud supporter of the Ray Scholarship for many years. Over 300 young pilots have had the opportunity to successfully follow their aviation dreams due in part to sponsors of this terrific program. They each have their own reasons for wanting to become a pilot. They all have various inspirations, and goals. And we want to hear those stories.
We asked the scholars to share their stories with Lightspeed to hopefully inspire others who are also thinking about pursuing a life in aviation. This post that Lightspeed is now able to share, is the first in this new Monthly Series highlighting these ambitious pilots.
Colby Collins
Living near an airport and having a family member working at the airport is what inspired me to become a pilot. While attending A&P school I bid on a silent auction that included a free airplane ride. After a few questions I learned that I could log that time and by the end of the flight they had recommended that I apply for the Ray Aviation Scholarship. My plans are to build time to make it to the airlines. My advice that I can offer is to go flying every chance you get. Always have fun while doing it and go for it!
Tiffany Chao-Ward
I became interested in becoming a pilot, because of my first Young Eagles flight. I saw the world from a new perspective, and there was no going back. In high school, I was surrounded by people in the aviation field, and was inspired by their stories, and all that they have done. My mentor Dallan Reese, who was the scholarship coordinator was one of my main inspirations. He told me that if my dreams weren’t scary, then they weren’t big enough and that gave me the push to apply for the Ray Aviation scholarship. I have completed my private pilot’s license in 2021. I have plans to go to my dream flight school in Torrance, California in a few weeks. I will be finishing my instrument rating there and going on to complete my training and get hired at the airlines. If I were to give advice to someone in my footsteps, I would tell them to follow their dreams and not lose sight of their goals.
Bridger Hawkins
I became interested in becoming a pilot because I’ve always loved the idea of flying and the freedom it brings. It’s like being able to explore the sky and see things from a whole new perspective. The person who inspired me to apply for the Ray Scholarship was Chuck Weber, the President of EAA Chapter 327. He’s really passionate about aviation, and he encouraged me to pursue my dreams. After I finish my training and get my license, I want to get an Instrument rating and work towards owning and flying a small plane to deliver cargo and supplies to remote areas. It might seem hard at times, but it’s really rewarding in the end. So, my advice to someone who wants to follow in my footsteps would be to stay determined and passionate, even when things get tough. The hard work will pay off, and you’ll have an amazing career with lots of freedom and exciting adventures.
Andrew Lelliot
I became interested in aviation while spending time with my grandfather working at the CAF restoring warbirds and watching those beautiful aircraft fly. I decided then and there when I was going to pursue a career as a pilot. My inspiration to apply for the Ray Scholarship came from a group of mentors at a hangar I worked at where we restored vintage aircraft and built some modern planes. These men and women who I worked with exemplified the best of aviation. From master mechanics and senior career pilots, I was surrounded by people I was inspired to work to become one day. I am currently working on my CFI and plan to instruct to build flight time to become more eligible for future positions. My goal is to fly for a part 91 corporate company or fly for a 121-cargo legacy. I plan to continue my love of warbirds by flying for warbird restoration and maintaining facilities. My advice to those who are following in my footsteps would be to enjoy every moment of your flight training. There are difficult times, and it can feel like you aren’t going anywhere at times, but learn to accept these moments and grow as a pilot.
Blake Mooney
I’ve always been interested in aviation as a kid; I have many close friends and family who are professional pilots and introduced me to aviation at a young age – more specifically, my neighbor Pat who inspired me to apply to be a Ray Scholar and has mentored me throughout my aviation journey. So far, the Lightspeed Zulu 3 headset has helped me through getting my private, instrument, and multi engine ratings as I continue my journey to become an airline pilot after my training. Finally, my advice for anyone who is looking to follow in my footsteps, is to just go for it. Apply to be a Ray Scholar, work hard, and soon enough you will be on your way, starting your own aviation journey!
John Forsythe
When I started my flight training like everyone else, I got the cheapest headset on Amazon. Now, this headset worked just OK but it felt uncomfortable and loud. When I got the Zulu 3s I instantly felt a difference in my flying and skill level. It made the ride a lot more comfortable, and I felt less fatigued after each flight. As I go into my commercial ride, I know that my Zulu 3s will be on my head and keeping me calm and comfortable.
Stay tuned for more stories from these determined pilots. We have collected many more months’ worth of stories that we will share over the near future. Congratulations to all of these pilots and Blue Skies!
Pat on the back! Good work by all.