Flight Academy

During my first week at Purdue Aviation, I immersed myself in the world of aviation. I experienced the thrill of my first few flights, gaining hands-on experience in the cockpit. The ground school and lectures provided a solid foundation for understanding basic maneuvers and movements, while also adjusting to the exciting college lifestyle away from home.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with a talented Purdue graduate and ROTC student, allowing me to hone my skills through immersive VR training. I was able to gain knowledge about emergency procedures and engine failures while also engaging in group learning and online education. Thanks to this unique combination of practical and theoretical learning, I was able to expand my expertise and flourish in new and exciting ways.

I finally had the opportunity to take my long-overdue Purdue University tour, which helped me familiarize myself with the campus Getting to know the people here on a deeper level allowed me to build a supportive network. Gaining flight proficiency enabled me to progress to ground maneuvers, traffic patterns, and perfecting landings and takeoffs, making my aviation journey all the more fulfilling.

This was a long awaited experience. I was granted a comprehensive tour of the facility and received hands-on instruction while training on their state-of-the-art flight simulators, including a large Boeing flight simulator akin to those used in airliners. Moreover, I had the privilege of experiencing the crosswind simulator, which allowed me to develop my skills in handling challenging landings amidst strong wind conditions.

This week marked the commencement of our cross country training, where each stage involved rigorous stage checks. As part of this training, we embarked on cross country trips (characterized by travel >50 miles to various local airports), honing our communication skills and maneuver techniques. As the written exam approached, ground school became increasingly intense, but I was growing more confident and proficient in my flying abilities.

At this stage of flight training, I was accumulating more flight hours and honing my skills as a pilot. With each flight, I gained valuable insights, tips, and tricks that contributed to my growth and confidence as an aviator. Collaborating with my flight mate, I had the opportunity to backseat her, which proved to be a valuable learning experience, allowing me to absorb a wealth of knowledge along the way.

As the written exam edged closer, my peer and I engaged in intensive study sessions to prepare. The whirlwind pace of the program pushed me to perform at my best, resulting in a commendable 95% score on the exam. Not only did I excel in virtual reality simulations, but I also had the chance to experience the renowned fountain at the engineering building.

The Air Force JROTC Flight Academy shipped out our long-awaited flight suits from the headquarters, making us feel like aviators for the first time. Donning these new outfits, we were diligently accumulating flight hours and tirelessly honing our skills to execute maneuvers with precision and finesse. The experience has been exhilarating, and we are committed to achieving our Private Pilots License this summer.

I reached a significant milestone just two weeks into the program, completing my first solo flight with 15 hours of flight time. This momentous occasion was followed by three more solo flights, each building my confidence and skills as a pilot. The experience was everything I had anticipated, thrilling and eagerly awaited, and once in the air, my nervousness faded, and I found myself in complete control.

The Fourth of July was a truly memorable day as we were granted a well-deserved day off. The celebration was fantastic, with students coming together to enjoy the festivities. We all wore matching outfits, witnessed stunning fireworks, and had a delightful cookout for lunch, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and allowing us to cherish our time here.

During my time continuing at Purdue University, I discovered that my favorite destinations from Lafayette Airport (KLAF) were to the north. Around 10 miles north, one can experience the breathtaking beauty of Indiana's windmills and lavish green fields, providing a sense of tranquility in the air. As my schedule became more structured, the days blended seamlessly together and my passion for aviation grew. Soon, I was preparing for solo cross-country flights, putting my knowledge to the test with extended journeys lasting over 2 hours each.

As check rides approached, things slowed down, allowing me to enjoy the journey much more. These calmer periods allowed us to foster connections within the aviation community. Engaging in discussions about various career paths with those at the airport and FBO, especially in the military and aviation realms, I delved into conducting interviews for my podcast, enriching my understanding of the industry.

One of the most memorable experiences was encountering four Army Special Operation Chinook MH-47s from the 160th regiment. They were at Lafayette Airport (KLAF) on their way to Oshkosh. After meeting the pilots, crew, and flight engineers, we got a tour of the interior. Inside, we marveled at the modern cockpit, learned about their missions, asked questions, and were thoroughly impressed by the advanced technology onboard.

The night flights were an extraordinary experience. To fulfill our required night flying times, we embarked on a memorable skyline tour over Lake Michigan and Chicago. The contrasting views of the serene waters on one side and the vibrant city lights on the other made it a favorite flight of mine. Additionally, navigating under class C and B airspaces during the trip added valuable learning opportunities to the overall experience.

My big day finally arrived on July 21, 2023. I was scheduled for my stage 3 check, but was pleasently surprised when I completed my Check Ride not long after. My Checkride actually came to me early as a complete surprise, but with support from my instructor, I passed with flying colors! I am now officially a private pilot!!!