Even though Curtis Griswold, 24, was on his way to take his commercial pilot checkride, he had no trouble thinking back to how it all began. “I’ve been infatuated with flying since I was a little kid”. By the time he was 14 years old, he knew for sure he was going to fly.

His interest began as a small child when he was regaled with tales by his grandfathers. Both granddads served in World War II as bomber pilots; it was these stories that helped lay a foundation for Curtis, allowing his interest to turn into love, and eventually a life-long goal.

Curtis attended the North Georgia Military College, where he was a Corp Cadet Captain. Upon graduation in 2007, he was ready to embark on an aviation career. After completing his private and instrument courses, his sights were set on earning his commercial license. As Curtis succinctly put it, “I want to get paid to fly one day.” His ultimate goal is to be a corporate pilot, hopefully at the controls of a VLJ, saying, that’s just the trend these days. Curtis would also consider a career in the airlines, or as a flight instructor. But no matter which option he chooses, he just wants to fly.

His most memorable flight came on a recent weekend as Curtis flew three friends to Plains, GA for a wedding. This was his first time in IMC after earning his instrument rating. Curtis said, “It was just a good time to be out of the hot-seat and enjoy flying.