By: Matthew Wietstock
This week’s Friday Feature is Ashley Pratt, a flight instructor and a Bronco alumna. Graduating from the College of Aviation in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Flight Science, Ashley is a Michigan native and continues to live in the area with her husband and children. She was drawn to Western because of the University’s culture. “People that become full-time instructors stay until retirement, which tells you a lot about it being a great place to work,” she said while working as the day’s Supervisor of Flying. “Everyone is genuine and approachable,” she added.
After graduating in 2012, Ashley didn’t fly for six years. She focused on raising her kids and enjoying spending time with them. When her children grew and became more independent, she returned to Western and to flying in 2018. Becoming a flight instructor in the middle of the pilot shortage, Ashley found herself welcomed back. She can pursue a career that she enjoys while maintaining a work-life balance. She said, “With two young children, it was very appealing to be able to have a career doing what you love and being close to home.”
Ashley also enjoys sharing her experiences with flight students today, as she wants others to experience the same opportunities she has. This includes one particular flight she took when she was a student. Flying in one of Western’s Piper Seminoles at night to Milwaukee, Wisconsin (KMKE), her instructor dimmed the aircraft’s interior lights. The plane was dark and seemingly alone, aloft over Lake Michigan. “Flying should be fun!” she said, recalling this memory. Another piece of advice that she gives to interested flight students is to stay motivated and be proactive in training.
Aside from flying, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, and hanging out by the pool in the summer. She enjoys sledding in the winter and traveling to places that have palm trees.
Moving forward, Ashley plans on being a full-time flight instructor at Western. Looking out over the ramp at Cirrus and Seminoles taxiing around, she reiterated, “It’s a great place to be!” Through her continuing work as a Supervisor of Flying, check instructor, and full-time certified flight instructor, Ashley will ensure that future generations of pilots, possibly including her children, will have the opportunity to receive a safe and fulfilling education at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation.