Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Miguel, I´m 24 years old, and I’m from Guadalajara, Mexico. I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, but my greatest passion is aviation. I recently completed my training at American Flyers, and I’m excited to return home to contribute my best to the aviation industry.
How did you get into flying?
My interest in aviation began in high school when I had the opportunity to travel to Toulouse, France. While visiting the Aeroscopia Museum, I fell in love with the aerospace world. Standing beneath one of the few remaining Concorde aircraft, I knew aviation was my calling. A few months later, I took a discovery flight, which confirmed that this was the path I wanted to pursue.
Tell us how you went about choosing a flight school?
When I began researching flight schools, everyone gave me the same advice: study in the U.S., home to the world’s largest and most advanced aviation industry. During my discovery flight, I came across an advertisement for American Flyers and immediately wrote to them asking for more information.
What made you choose American Flyers?
I attended an American Flyers conference in Mexico City, where I was impressed by the professionalism of the speaker, a retired pilot. During the pilot’s speech, both my dad and I quickly realized that American Flyers was the right school for me.
How much outside studying did you have to put in during your time with AF?
I committed to dedicating at least eight hours a day to learning, studying, and practicing outside of my flight training. My classmates were a great source of motivation, and we often studied together to prepare for our exams and checkrides.
What is your most memorable moment at American Flyers?
One of my most cherished memories from American Flyers is my graduation, where I had the honor of being the class speaker. I spoke about how each and every member of the October 2023 class impacted my personal journey. In the days leading up to graduation, we realized how close we had become, feeling more like a family. On graduation day, we were proud to share this bond with our loved ones.
Looking back, what advice would you give someone interested in starting pilot training?
My advice to anyone considering pilot training is to take it seriously. This career is challenging but incredibly rewarding. All the effort, tears, and frustrations are worth it. You must give it your all and always remember that becoming a pilot means taking responsibility for the lives of others. There are two ways to approach this career: the right way or the easy way—choose wisely.
What’s next for you?
As for what’s next for me, I’m heading back to Mexico to start my convalidation process. I’m also hoping to start flying in the corporate sector. There’s a world of opportunities and journeys ahead, and I believe that the best is yet to come!
If you could fly anywhere, go to any flying destination, where would it be?
One of my dreams is to fly to Oshkosh someday in my own airplane with my loved ones to fully experience the event. I also hope to return to Addison, not as a student, but as a pilot, reflecting on the memories and experiences that shaped the pilot I am today.