TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hi, my name is Devin. I’m 18 years old and a private pilot currently working on my instrument and commercial ratings with American Flyers. I graduated from Tomball High School in May of 2024 and will be an incoming freshman at Arizona State University, where I’ll be studying Aerospace Engineering! I’ve been flying since the Summer of 2023.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO FLYING?
I’ve been passionate about airplanes since I was a kid, so flying has always been a dream of mine. I started with flight simulators around age 10, which sparked my love for aviation. I spent time gazing into cockpits on commercial flights and watching planes at local airports. Eventually, I booked an introductory flight, and I was hooked. After two months of full-time work over the summer, I became a private pilot before even starting college.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE AMERICAN FLYERS?
American Flyers offered the flexibility I needed, accommodating my ever-changing schedule—whether it was seven days a week or late-night slots from 10 pm to 1 am. They also adapted their 141 program to allow me to learn at my own pace. Additionally, American Flyers’ focus on both flying and non-flying aspects of training, such as the G3X glass cockpit and free simulator access, exceeded my expectations.
HOW MUCH OUTSIDE STUDYING DID YOU HAVE TO PUT IN DURING YOUR TIME WITH AMERICAN FLYERS?
A LOT – but in a good way. While it may not have been the most fun, it has been extremely helpful. I’ve found the most success in my training by learning concepts on the ground and then applying them in the airplane. I would study something at home, bring my questions to my instructors, and use ground hours to clarify these topics. This approach has made my ground hours very productive and helped me address and improve my weaker areas.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT AMERICAN FLYERS?
My most memorable moment at American Flyers was taking my first solo flight. Although I had been practicing flying the plane independently up to that point, this was when becoming a pilot really started to “sink in”. Flying solo on a clear evening with little traffic and being alone in the plane was a unique experience that felt completely different from any of my previous flight trainings. I truly underestimated how significant and exhilarating it would be to fly alone for the first time.
LOOKING BACK, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE INTERESTED IN STARTING PILOT TRAINING?
Start with an introductory flight first, and if you enjoy it, commit to the training as much as possible. Dedicate as much time as you practically can to your lessons. Consistency and frequency of training are some of the main things that allowed me to finish my private pilot training within a reasonable timeframe and without spending exponential amounts of money on refreshers. Taking the first step into training is often the hardest part, but once you’re in, you’ll get hooked.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
Having just completed my instrument training, my next steps are to finish the remaining parts of my commercial training. I’d love to pick up a part-time job as an instructor either during school or over the summers. Once I graduate, I plan to work full-time to build flight hours.
IF YOU COULD FLY ANYWHERE, GO TO ANY FLYING DESTINATION, WHERE WOULD IT BE?
I would choose Washington Ronald Reagan (DCA). I flew out of there many times when I was younger and spent countless hours watching planes at Gravelly Point Park. I would love to someday be cleared for the beautiful river visual approach and experience this iconic location from the cockpit, reliving the many times I’ve seen it from the ground.