The Love of Aviation - Passing my Private Pilot Check Ride

Posted by Matthew Bila on

Published by Eric Epplett on Mon, Feb 20, 2017

I am not sure the exact moment I fell in love with aviation. For as long as I can remember, I have longed to fly. Throughout my childhood, I can recall walking down the pebble path, hundreds of times, to the hidden gem known as Charlie’s Restaurant located on Clow International Airport. I loved to push my little nose against the window and watch planes takeoff and land. I would lay in the dandelion covered fields of Lewis University Airport and watch planes dance and twirl above me. For years, I dressed up as Amelia Earhart for Halloween. My costume included oversized aviators that would barely stay on my head, an olive green flight suit, a brown leather flight jacket, and of course a white silk scarf.

I guess you could say my childhood was a bit different than others. The desire to fly has been passed down throughout my family. My grandpa, mom, dad, uncle, brother and I are all bound together by the same passion for flying. Constantly surrounded by aviation while I was growing up, inspired me to pursue a career as a professional pilot and shaped me into the person I am today.

After years of pestering my parents to let me learn how to fly, I was finally enrolled as an Aviation Flight Science student at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. Throughout the course of my freshman year, I worked on my private pilot certificate. It was in these months that I had my first solo, worked on maneuvers, perfected my landings, started planning/flying cross-countries, as well as learned the required ground knowledge. Finally, it was September 1st. The day I had been dreaming about since I was a little girl. I walked into the airport full of excitement with the hopes that I would become a private pilot. Although it was one of the longest and most exhausting days of my life, it was also the most rewarding. The most memorable part of the day was when I called my parents afterward. Their reaction when I surprised them with the news that I passed my check ride was one I will never forget. I am so thankful for their constant encouragement, love, and support.

I could not have accomplished this without the help of my family, peers, and the wonderful staff at WMU’s College of Aviation. Their dedication and devotion to their students is truly remarkable. The high quality of training at the College of Aviation is unparalleled. I cannot wait to continue my training at Western and am looking forward to many more unforgettable days at W.K. Kellogg Airport.