A bonus post from Caitlin, a Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Hopefully you've been keeping up with all of the amazing essays from all of the Girls With Wings scholarship winners - of which there have been many! 

Caitlin was awarded a $500 Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner in Summer 2013 and you can review all of her posts made since then. I first heard from Caitlin before the scholarship applications were being accepted to ask if she could get a waiver on the prerequisite to have soloed in order to apply for the bigger Private Pilot Scholarship. Unfortunately, I had to tell her no, even though she was so close to soloing. Sadly, she then experienced a few setbacks... But she never gave up. She has since passed her Private Pilot checkride and is pursuing her instrument - you can read her own amazing personal blog, Cessna Chick.

Many of the previous scholarship recipients have submitted post-award essays, and this one just completely warms my heart. I am so glad I can be a part of all of these incredible journeys through Girls With Wings. And you can too. Just keep reading...

From Caitlin:

As some of you might know from reading my application essay and my blog posts after winning the Dreams Take Flight scholarship that I had a set back in my training right before I soloed.

For a few reasons involving: a horrible progress check, a very inconsistent schedule, and some lack of confidence, I wasn't sure I ever was going to solo. The mere thought of flying an airplane by myself made me sick to my stomach. How do you get over that feeling?

I ended up overcoming it and now love flying solo. I just needed a bit of confidence. I feel Girls With Wings helped me a lot with my confidence by giving such great support and helped me hop that hurdle in my training.

This issue arose in June, but came to a climax in July, before I knew the results of the scholarship. I struggled at the end of July with quitting altogether; maybe I wasn't supposed to fly. I wasn't cut out for it. Those were a tough couple of days for me. But a few days before July ended I gave it another shot with a different instructor and school, who would become my CFI for the rest of my training. I felt better, but was still unsure if I'd ever get to the point of flying by myself without feeling I had to throw up.

Then I won the Dreams Take Flight scholarship. My confidence soared (sorry for the pun.) If others believed in my ability to fly, why shouldn’t I believe in myself? 12 days and 4 lessons later, I soloed without a nervous bone in my body. What happened?

I truly believe GWW is what mainly happened. Yes, I had a different CFI with a different perspective to help me. I was able to fly more consistently, but I also needed a change within myself to be able to achieve this accomplishment. GWW sparked that change because it wasn't only winning that happened, but joining this community that was great for me. I befriended other winners and past winners, I had their support and saw their training progress as well. That made a huge difference. I saw other ladies with their struggles and successes, to share frustrations and joys with them. It helped me overcome my own struggles in confidence seeing these other ladies rocking their training.

I want every girl in her training to have this wonderful support system. I know everyone can't win a scholarship and gain confidence through that, but I hope through generous donations that more ladies can get such an amazing opportunity. I wish I had the money to give more and allow more girls to win a scholarship. I do know that other ladies in flight training can join the great Girls With Wings Facebook Group that has helped me so much through training and get advice, support, comfort, or just others to talk with about airplanes!

A little support and being confident with your abilities can go a long way is what I learned in my flight training! I hope others can learn from such amazing ladies I've met through this organization and cannot wait to cheer on Amber, Caylee, Kathi, Kimberly, Diana, and others when they get their private pilot certificates! I know they'll rock their check rides! 

Caitlin's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

Devin's third essay as the Girls With Wings Private Pilot Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Devin who has resumed her flying lessons thanks in part to the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship, an award in the amount of $1000.00, targets those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. Read more about our scholarship program.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

From Devin Ward:

Thank you, Girls With Wings Foundation, and everyone who has helped to make this scholarship possible! 

I just had to start out with that, because I am so grateful for what this scholarship has done for me. These past few months have been an exciting adventure where I’ve been able to do what I love and FLY! Getting this scholarship has brought me so close to a private pilot’s license; I believe I can complete my certification before the end of this year!!! 

I just flew my Cross Country flight, and it was both terrific and terrifying. First, I spent a whole two hours with my instructor on the ground, planning out our path. The destination airport had to be at least five nautical miles away from Centennial to be considered a cross country flight, so I bought the sectional maps and we started drawing the lines and using the flight computers. I’ve never looked at a pencil line with so much anticipation. My instructor taught me how to create a flight plan and calculate all the expected distances and trajectory by myself. This was going to be a flight I could completely prepare for!…or so I thought. 

The next day, it turned out the winds would be too strong at the airport to the north we had originally planned to go to, so we took out the maps and decided to go east instead. This time I went through all the calculations and made all the checkpoints with only a few directions from my instructor. We then recalculated to take into consideration the winds. I never knew how much math and figuring a flight plan would turn out to need, and this little cross country would only take about 45 minutes there and about the same back, much shorter than any of the commercial flights I’ve been a passenger on. I learned to find checkpoints visible from the air and measure the distances between them, how long it would take to reach each and the actual heading of the airplane if the winds were as predicted for the day. NOW I was ready for anything!...or so I thought (again) 

I did my preflight and got into the plane, went to Charlie One run-up area, made all the radio calls to takeoff eastward bound. And we were off!—and it turned out to be much harder to fly a cross country than I had predicted. 

With my maps, flight plan, and notepaper all balanced on my kneeboard, I flew east, looking for my first checkpoint…and missed it completely. There are not many unique landmarks east of Denver, let me tell you. I was looking for a little private airstrip that should have been about two miles out from Centennial Airport, and we flew and flew, and never saw it. When I got suspicious of how long it was taking to get there, I again referenced my map, and realized we were already coming up on my second checkpoint. I saw the little roads down below intersecting how I had drawn them on my flight plan (yes, I drew pictures of my checkpoints instead of describing them all), and I knew where we were on the map once again. 

Nothing looked quite how I imagined it when looking from the air, and, like real life is to a list of tasks, nothing was exactly as clean-cut as I had planned for. A big challenge I had while flying was balancing all my things, literally. My knees were not the ideal desk for keeping all my papers and flight computer. I wrangled with it quite ungracefully while I was in the air. My instructor had helped me fold everything to show what I needed, but it was still a struggle. I had not anticipated that handling the map in the air would be so difficult, even more difficult, in fact, than actually flying the plane! I had to multitask as I kept my eyes on the air around me, the instruments, and the map and flight plan. I could feel myself getting better as we continued the flight, and on the way back from Limon (the destination airport), I knew exactly where we were the whole time, and I found that darn little airstrip that had eluded me before. I really enjoyed looking for our next checkpoint and figuring out where we were on the map. It was an adventure; the best journey I’ve ever taken. I was not only exploring eastern Colorado, but also my own skills, the skies, the career of aviation, and my love of flight. 

This scholarship definitely relieved the burden of my flight training on my family, but more than that, it inspired me to continue my training in the first place. Before this scholarship, I had not flown for months; I had begun to think my experience as a pilot was over for a long while. It seemed like getting my Private just wouldn’t happen any time soon. I applied for this scholarship hoping, but not expecting, to receive it and be given a chance to complete this dream, and I am happy beyond words that I was chosen. When I received this scholarship, I started scheduling flights again. I had a happy calendar full of flights crammed into every spare hour of my schedule. I was invigorated, studying my pilot books and counting the days until I could climb into the cockpit and take a magical machine hundreds of feet strait up into the thin air…with me inside! 

I haven’t gotten my Private Pilot’s license yet, but this scholarship has brought me to the very brink of success. I absolutely plan to continue pursuing a career that will let me fly. I support the GWW mission of getting more girls into aviation, and hope to be a role model for all those girls out there with dreams to own the sky. I’m volunteering to help with the Tuskegee Airmen Mile High Flight Program, the program that first introduced me to flying, and want to show all those students how I have taken off from the same position they are in to being about to get my Private Pilot’s License. There are many more boys than girls in this program, and I want to show that being in the minority should not ever staunch someone’s dreams. I would also be honored to help in any way I can with GWW, or other aviation-related, events. I will continue to find ways to pass forward this opportunity that has been granted to me as best I can. I am eager to cheer on everyone who wants to be a pilot, an aeronautical engineer, or whatever the passion. Determination is key. Remember: even if you miss a checkpoint, keep searching and you’ll find your way to your destination. 

Congratulations on your cross-country, Devin. Nothing worth having is ever easy, so your dedication to getting your PPL will make that achievement so much sweeter. We look forward to hearing about your successful checkout!

Caylee's third essay as the Girls With Wings Private Pilot Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Caylee who has resumed her flying lessons thanks in part to the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship, an award in the amount of $1000.00, targets those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. Read more about our scholarship program.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.

From Caylee, with photos from a flight to Martha's Vineyard.

Yesterday was the best Halloween ever and I didn’t even get dressed up or go trick-or-treating. 

I went to my flight school to take a few practice exams planning to take my written today. After one practice test I was about to be kicked out of the classroom because another student was scheduled to take his instrument written on the computers. 

After having sat through two ground schools since I started flying in 2011, I was a little discouraged when I realized how much I struggled with a lot of the material. I started seriously studying in the middle last week averaging 70-75% on practice tests. I continued to take practice tests and study my ground school materials. When I took the one practice test yesterday I was averaging 80% over the past few days. When I finished my practice test with an 82% two of the instructors said I could either leave or just take the written then and there. I was feeling pressured, nervous and excited all at once. I was confident I could pass the exam but I didn’t want to get a low score and give the DPE a reason to really grill me on my oral exam. I decided to go for it. 

Being in my second year of graduate school I have taken my fair share of tests and exams but I don’t think I have ever been so nervous for a test in my life. All of the other tests I’ve taken in school have been averaged together for a final course grade. None of them have ever seemed as important to pass as this one. 

I began the test answering the questions I was confident in, skipping the ones I was not and taking my time to read and re-read every question. I went back to the questions I skipped, chose an answer then reconsidered and chose a different answer for many of them. At the end I counted up the questions I was not at all confident in. I calculated that if I got all of them wrong I would still get around a 78%. I am a self-proclaimed nerd and my friends all call me an overachiever; I’ve been a straight A student my entire life. I have never been hoping for or content with a score of 78%. I sat for a while considering my choices trying to convince myself of the correct answers. I’ve learned over my years of schooling that you can only do this for so long before you are convincing yourself the wrong answer is the right answer. I decided to submit and my mouse hovered over the finish button for a few minutes before I closed my eyes and clicked. 

A 92%!!!! I was completely and utterly shocked! There was another student still taking their test so I had to be quiet, not an easy feat with how excited I was. I let out the biggest fist pump I think I’ve ever done in my life. If I was alone in the room, I probably would have been jumping up and down. I left the room to find my instructors getting high fives all around. My primary instructor called me a nerd…I guess if the shoe fits! And I’ve never been so proud to be a nerd in my entire life. 

This accomplishment came at the perfect time. My school work load is the most strenuous it has ever been so I’ve been running out of time to study for my written. It is a huge weight off of my shoulders knowing that I can now focus on my check-ride prep. Soloing is said to be a huge confidence booster and provide the energy and encouragement to continue on with training…and it was exactly that for me. But after I stopped flying, this GWW community and scholarship provided that same encouragement for me to get back in the air and continue flying. It got me back to where I left off, through my first solo and long cross countries and to my written. The completion of this milestone will now carry me through the end of my training along with the encouragement of all of the wonderful girls I’ve met through this program. 

If it weren’t for the GWW community, I honestly don’t know if I would be flying again or not at this point. I am so incredibly thankful for this group and for being awarded this scholarship because Lynda and other members of the community saw something and believed in me before I even did. 

I’m excited to see where I will go from here in the future with my flying and schooling and will be keeping the GWW community posted. I plan to continue promoting GWW starting this weekend where I will be volunteering at the New England Air Museum Women Take Flight event. There I will be interacting, along with many other women pilots, aviators, astronauts, and engineers, with many young girls to show that girls can do anything! If anyone is in the area, please stop by and say hello. I’m excited for the possibility to meet fellow GWW Caitlin, there too! I’m looking forward to the opportunity to meet many more of the amazing girls who have supported and encouraged me through my training and can’t wait to encourage the next group of award winners. Thank you again to GWW! 

 Haha, Caylee! I think my cursor hovered over that "finish" button for way too long as well. We are so proud of your test score, but mostly that you have returned to the skies. Please keep us posted on all of your progress - we know you'll have that certificate in no time!

A wondrous BONUS essay from Scholarship Winner Susan!

Susan's post as a Girls With Wings Additional Scholarship Winner: Susan's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. Additional Awards were designated to four individuals that showed great promise and dedication. We therefore offered them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training. Read more about our scholarship program. 

This is an extra, very insightful essay that she has sent to us for publication. Anyone who has been her shoes can understand her situation. We often try so hard to do good, then do better, but end up making things worse. Many of us are our own harshest critics. We couldn't fly well with someone yelling in our ear that we were or that was stupid. Yet, sometimes we have those words bouncing around in our heads. The financial pressures of trying to maximize every last dollar certainly doesn't help.

I have had the slowest month in terms of flying this October. I would have loved it to be different but I have opted to swallow the pill as its handed. This has been a true test for me in terms of balancing how often I can fly with how much I have at hand to pay and also keeping up with my college classes. I think my training at some point was suffering from it.

Two weeks ago, my instructor decided to carry out a ‘pre-mock check ride’ before passing me off to go for a mock check ride with another instructor. I was really excited because it could only mean I’m almost done. What started off as a lovely Saturday morning flight soon turned ugly as he started asking me to do simple maneuvers like setting up for slow flight. My mind went blank. That was all I needed to crumble I guess because after that it went straight down south. After a grueling one-hour of failed maneuvers (as that’s all I can call them) we started heading back and he asked me to do a short field landing. Finally! Something that I had been working on recently, that I could easily recall. I did a somewhat okay attempt but nothing to get applause for. What I had thought would be my redemption did nothing of the sort. I taxied back to the ramp practically in a daze. I could hear what he was saying but my mind was just not there with him. For once, I have to admit, I didn’t enjoy my flight.

It’s really nice to have an understanding instructor because he could tell that I was really beating myself up in my head. During the debriefing, it took all my strength to fight back tears as we went through the whole flight. Trying to listen and understand where and why I went wrong on some of the maneuvers. I’m amazed at how I did it. I just remember he finished it off by saying ‘Put it all behind you and now focus on what’s needed from here on now’. At that time it didn’t hit home. I drove all the way home with tears rolling down my face. I had disappointed myself. I guess there’s nothing worse than that. It’s easy to point fingers when someone else wrongs us but it really sinks your gut when you fail yourself.

I chose to share this moment because it has helped make a turnaround in my flight training and has made me focus on items in my life that needed to be looked into and were somewhat creeping in and affecting my flight training. I have been working with deadlines all the time and my flight training was slowly becoming like the dreaded homework. How did that happen? I guess its because of how it was dragging on and truth be told I was not seeing the results I wanted which is the certificate. and why is that? Because I was not able to fly as often as I’d want to in order to finish. I could go on and on with the reasons that popped up but honestly there was no excuse.

How does this relate to the moment I shared you may wonder? I can try summing it up in one sentence. My focus on the final was killing the joy of the ride. I was so focused on finishing and the financial aspect of what’s needed to finish that I was actually not focusing on the beauty of now and what’s needed to get there, that is the finish (which I have since stopped looking at it in that perspective).

Last week was the first time I flew since the last moment that I shared and my flying was as different as night and day. We went out again to the practice area near Johnson County Executive airport with my instructor to check if I had done my homework on going through the maneuvers and procedures. I cannot say I was perfect but I was a confident pilot who had prepared before hand. I had to push back that bad flight to the back of my mind. It hit home, I put it all behind me. But that bad flight was needed to bring to light what I needed to focus on. That is the now and the beauty of every single time I take to the sky. No matter how staggered the flight sessions may be. The now is very important. To be fully engaged with taking every single day as it comes is how I’ve decided to move forward in all aspects of my life for now.

As I prepare for my mock check ride, I’m in a better position as a student pilot. To ease my jitters, I look forward to it as another learning experience and not a ‘badge obtaining’ moment. That’s my new line of thought in terms of my flight training and I hope throughout my flying career. I am no longer looking for and working towards the final. Who knew that this flight training would be a life changing experience as well? I am coming to learn new ways and perspectives of viewing things in other aspects of my life as well. Failure would at one point cripple me but now it’s another learning experience to make me better than before. I am becoming a stronger person who quite frankly really relies on a lot of hope for the next beautiful day and what new opportunity it may bring for me. I am working towards learning something new to add to my flying experience every time I fly as I enjoy it like the first day I took to the control wheel in the aircraft.

On a lighter note, I got to tour the New Century Control Tower earlier this week and before we went up the tower we had to go through the hangar. Oh my!! The beauty we saw!! The Chinooks!!A pleasant surprise for my classmates and I as our faces lit up like it was Christmas.

All in all, I pray that my next post will be about my oral exam and check ride. I am honestly looking forward to writing about that and sharing that experience with you all. This platform that Girls With Wings has provided me with has found some new meaning in my heart. I thank the organization for not only giving me the scholarship but also a platform to voice my thoughts and rollercoaster emotions during this journey of mine. I hope it will motivate someone else. Thank you. Happy flying in the month of November! 

Thank you for sharing this with us, Susan. And don't think that what you are going through is an "excuse." You are working, studying, and training to become a pilot. That's a lot! And every once in a while you need to step back and look at the big picture again, which I think you have. As you say, "be fully engaged with taking every single day as it comes." And remember:

You. Can. Do. This.

Kimberly's Second Post as a Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Kimberly's Second Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner! Kimberly's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

Kimberly L. Kanapeckas
October 2013
Girls With Wings Mentor, Flight Scholarship Recipient

Just yesterday, low ceilings at my destination made me postpone my flight to the Atlanta area. While within minimums, the reduced visibility wasn’t ideal for pilotage. Instead, I practised rudder cross control in prep for aerobatic and backcountry flying. As pilots in training, we learn lots about the person who instructs us month after month in the cockpit. Sometimes the conversations at cruising altitude are pop tests of situational awareness, other times friendly conversations, stories, and dreams (yesterday it was reminiscing about grad school days in a band). 

After I flew him around an adjacent city polishing checkride maneuvers, landed a no flaps-power off-emergency landing, and locked the aircraft, my instructor Harrison enquired into my involvement with Girls With Wings as we walked across the tarmac to the terminal. Now, he’s trained and learnt from countless women pilots in his life, and we discussed some of the ways we can encourage anyone with an interest in flying. Harrison then made my day by saying “Well, you know, I’m your biggest fan.” He approaches my professional flying dreams as not only possible, but ones that to work on right now, and it’s something to keep in mind as we find ourselves mentoring others. Harrison began flying at the same age as me —28—and his experience in teaching is backed by work flying backcountry Alaska, practical military instruction, a patient demeanour, and solid dedication to his students’ success. As a college-level instructor myself, Harrison’s talent for teaching aviation improves my adeptness not only as a pilot but also as an academic and educator. 

Foster Kitten "Jet Fuel" in Airport Hangar

Recently, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has increased their coverage of flying clubs, promoting their benefits to pilots including gaining and maintaining proficiency, becoming comfortable with aircraft insurance, maintenance and ownership, bonding with other pilots, and serving the community through endeavours like Pilots N Paws (Our Clemson-Oconee airport crew even fosters pets, socialising them and getting them ready for adoption. Little kitten meows for attention while a mechanic tinkers with a plane are downright adorable. No pilot can resist!) Air Facts Journal recognised Clemson University Flying Club as the oldest flying club in the nation. I’m very proud to fly for CUFC as one of only a couple women – could not have had a better foundation for my training in natural resource aviation and relief efforts through flying. 

The privilege of being named a mentor for Girls With Wings has opened more doors and formed more friendships and cooperations already than I had ever anticipated! In the 2 months since being awarded a flight scholarship, my training has progressed quickly and I am nearing preparation for my FAA checkride to be able to carry passengers! I have soloed the airplane, flown unsupervised solos from start-up to shut-down, and planned and executed cross-country flights to neighbouring states. Most noticeably, I’ve become very comfortable in the air, able to read my aircraft and confidently aviate, navigate, and communicate. This is perhaps the most satisfying feeling after so much sacrifice and investment, and it creates a place in my soul that will always be in the air. A poem that resonates in the hearts of most pilots is High Flight, and it is one that I hope is read when one day I pass from this world to the Kingdom of Heaven to be with the Lord: 

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941 age 19 

Aviation and the free perspective it affords I will pursue and share with others—especially women and children—for the rest of my life. 

Please know that you can contact me at any time through email at kkanapec-at-gmail.com or via my LinkedIn profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylkanapeckas. 

I truly look forward to updating everyone on my checkride and passenger flights soon. 

Blue skies and favourable winds to all! 

We are big fans of you as well, Kimberly, but that had to have meant a lot coming from a CFI you respect. Thanks for keeping us inspired with your essays and we look forward to hearing of your future accomplishments!

Diana's Second Post as a Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Diana's Second Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner! Diana's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

Diana LeSueur
Journal Entry October 2013

My last journal entry mentioned that I was preparing for my XC solo. It was a great success and I thoroughly enjoyed it! At one of the airports I was landing at, there were skydivers descending near the runway as I was on base and final. Oh how I wish I could have taken pictures. It was a great view!

I am now preparing for my check ride. This has been going slow because of lack of time and funds at the time being. School has been quite busy and the money has been very tight. And last week I was distracted by another aviation adventure!

I have been reflecting back on the past nine months since SEEC (Space Exploration Educator Conference where I met Judy Rice and a few other people that have made a difference in my life recently) and am in awe at all of the incredible experiences and opportunities that I have had!! It has truly been amazing! I need to be tethered down so I do not float away!!!

Not only am I working on my private pilot certificate, but I have been able to have some other aviation opportunities that have made me think I should pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming!!

I just had a most incredible week!! I got to help Ed Newberg, a friend from the CAF, fly his Red Baron Stearman from the CAF in Mesa, AZ to Hector, MN with a stop at some friends last Monday night in Lamar, CO. I did most of the flying and one take off! While I was there, Ed flew me in his Timm N2T-1 and he gave me 2 flight lessons in the R-44 Raven! His house is right on the Hector Municipal airport. He is the manager. He also gave me a ride in his 1928 Chevrolet, 1929 Ford Model A and a British Taxi!!

Waking up at Dawn, looking out my bedroom window at the lights on the runway, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven!! It was so gorgeous!! I asked him if he would adopt me!! I flew buddy pass from MN to Midland TX to help with our Airbase crew at the CAF airshow. We had both our B- 17 and B-25 there. That was a wonderful experience as well! They let me fly home on the B-17. AND I got to actually fly (left seat) the Sentimental Journey... 30 minutes!! I can log that in my logbook!! There’s even more to look forward to because Ed said when he gets back to Arizona, he will take me out in the Yak and possibly the T28. YES!! I can’t wait.

I am still on cloud 9 and wanted to share my excitement!! Oh yes, a couple days before our flight to MN, I did go up in the Stearman to get my aerobatic fix!! That was sooo fun, I could do that every day!! I am so glad I do not get airsick at all.

What a marvelous adventure you've been having, Diana! That is the greatest thing about aviation - the people who have a passion for it. Keep feeding your passion and keep us posted. Best to you!

Yeni's Second Post as a Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Yeni's Second Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner! Yeni's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

From Yeni:

Since my last essay I finally had the opportunity to go flying. My instructor and I began with a discussion of VFR Airspace requirements. The preflight inspection was completed followed by a normal engine start and check list procedures. I wrote down the ATIS and obtained a taxi clearance, and then made a normal take-off. My instructor and I proceeded to the practice area where we did medium bank turns, climbs and descents, several s-turns across a road, then proceeded to an uncontrolled airport where we did a touch and go landing and then returned to KILG. 
 
As the flight progressed I found myself becoming more and more comfortable in the airplane, both with all of the flight maneuvers as well as basic navigational skills. I had the opportunity to learn a lot about airport operations and radio communication phraseology. 

Throughout the time since my last essay I'm continuing to study for the written exam, placing a lot of emphasis on weather and regulations. 

My recent experiences have only served to increase my desire to pursue a career in aviation. I have enjoyed myself immensely and look forward to completing my private pilot license. I never dreamt about flying when I was growing up, but I have come to learn that when I fly it seems to change my entire prospective of what I want to do in my life. Even though learning to fly is a challenge, one of my objectives is to make myself a role model to other women who would like to have a career in aviation. I know that nothing is impossible to accomplish when you have a clear objective and a passion to accomplish it. 

Once again, I want to thank the Girls with Wings for opening a door to allow me to start my flying lessons. I am determine to continue to look for more opportunities to accomplish my final goal in aviation, that of becoming a commercial pilot. 

Congratulations, Yeni, for getting back up in the air. It sounds like you are making great progress. Never give up and always keep us posted! 

Caitlin's Second Post as a Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Caitlin's Second Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner! Caitlin's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

From Caitlin:

This past month hasn’t progressed as much as I’d like, but I might have been too ambitious with my expectations. I’ve gotten in 5 lessons. I’ve still done a lot in my training and am happy with my progress. 

I spent a lot of time flying cross-countries. I got both my short solo cross-country and long solo cross-country done. The first one was so exhausting! I felt overwhelmed with all the new tasks I had to do while flying, and all by myself! Now I not only had to fly, but talk to new air traffic controllers, take note for emergency places to land, record the time between check points, and always think of the next step. When I got to KPOU (61nm away from KFRG), I felt so excited and relieved! I made it! I thought to myself the hard part was over, getting back wouldn’t be too much of a problem. It felt good to have done a cross-country by myself, another big step in the process! 

My CFI said he wanted me to take my written right around the time I did my first solo cross-country. He was leaving on vacation for a week, so I took that opportunity to schedule the test. I don’t know how many practice tests I took, but it felt like a lot. I used Sporty’s Study Buddy and that helped me immensely (and is free!) I thought I’d have to take the test out at the airport, at my former school, which just added two times the amount of stress to an already stressful situation. Thank goodness for the Internet though! I found a CATS testing center six blocks away from my apartment, no two hours of traveling, and being in an awkward situation! I was so excited when I left with a 90%! I texted my CFI, my boyfriend, my mom, and my best friend – in that order - I felt good about it. 

After about 12 days off from flying, I went straight back into my long cross-country. I was a little nervous about doing it after not flying for so long, but it built a different kind of confidence. After I made the first successful landing, I realized I wouldn’t automatically lose my flying ability right away. The plane didn’t have its VOR, so I suggested a way to adjust our original long dual cross-country to make it a bit easier for me. It was just switching the second airport to one along the coast of Connecticut. 

My first stop was KGON - Groton, CT. NY Approach was dead silent and not on their usual frequency, but luckily I found them thanks to a tip off from my CFI. Even when I got flight following, no one was talking so the cockpit was pretty silent. I learn I talk to myself a lot more when that happens to feel more comfortable. 

When I arrived at my next stop, KBDR, I heard that ATC cleared a Grumman Tiger to land on the other runway before me. I was watching for him on his short final, I didn’t see him in the air and definitely didn’t see him on the runway clearing it. I knew I should do a go around, and just as I was about to execute it ATC also said to go around. On my downwind, the controller said thanks for helping him out by going around. What? A controller thanking me for following his orders? That NEVER happens at Republic. 

I got a treat at Bridgeport! There was a P-51 Mustang, B-17 and a B-24 parked right in front of me. I, of course, check them out from behind the rope. I would have loved to look more closely at them, but I had to get back to the airport. 

My CFI and I have also accomplished all 3 hours of my night requirement in one go. It is so different from day flying. Though, I do feel I’d want more time with a CFI in the air before doing a solo cross-country at night. 

Lastly, I got very lucky with my CFI and he took me to a grass strip not too far away from our airport. It was such a different experience and not exactly what I expected from the simulated versions of soft field take offs/landings. You forget when simulating it that during the entire taxi process the yoke has to be held back all the way. My arms got a work out that day. 

I’m hoping to do my last push in the next few weeks to get to my check ride. I have a few more hour requirements to fill and then just A LOT of check ride prep. I may be starting to have some “get-there-itis” but I’m pushing through it and staying focused. If you are interested in more updates on my training, you can always check out my blog: cessnachick.com. I hope to write on here again when I pass my check ride! 
 
 I feel so grateful for winning the Dreams Take Flight scholarship and becoming part of the Girls With Wings community! It's been great getting to know other scholarship winners and supporting them through their training. After earning my PPL, I'm still uncertain what I want to do. I know I will continue training, but not sure if I want to go into my instrument rating (after saving up!) or do some aerobatic training! I do believe I want to earn my CFI eventually and share my love of flying with others. I know most importantly, I want to advocate for general aviation and for girls to earn their wings. 

And we know you'll do it and do it well, Caitlin. We're so proud of you - and we look forward to hearing more of your progress. 

Kimberly's First Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner!

Kimberly's First Post as the Girls With Wings Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Winner! Kimberly's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Dreams Take Flight Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is designed to introduce the world of aviation to someone who would benefit from experiencing the joy of flight. The award of this scholarship is intended to fund introductory flight training to encourage achievement of a stated goal, whether in aviation or in another field of study. There is no prerequisite flight training required for this scholarship, just enthusiasm and the desire to learn. The Dreams Take Flight Scholarship is an award in the amount of $500.00. Read more about our scholarship program.

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Girls With Wings – Dreams Take Flight Scholarship Update #1 

Kimberly L. Kanapeckas 

In August, Girls with Wings Inc named me a mentor and awarded an aviation flight training scholarship! This has been an incredible way to enter the aviation community and encourage others.

I’m fortunate to have some unique approaches to addressing the “So what do you do?” question. As a 28-year old PhD Candidate who teaches at Clemson University, I’m also a student in flight school. An aviator for the Clemson University Flying Club, I fly a Cessna 172N Skyhawk for a fixed-wing single engine land rating out of KCEU (Clemson-Oconee Regional) airport. Flying keeps my heart for adventure strong and provides a tangible, achievable goal with reliable landmarks: my PPL through to my CPL. My goal is to combine natural resource aviation with population ecology and genetic surveys.

One warm afternoon in late August I was picking a good field past Seneca to execute a soft field emergency landing and did a low pass and forward slip. My CFI looked over at me from the first officer seat and giggled. "We're making a fine bush pilot out of ya!" All smiles in the cockpit. Really blessed with my instructors. Fine mentors.

My fancy new David Clark H10-13.4 headset arrived in late August, and I scheduled a flight lesson to try it out.


FIRST SOLO

On Thursday, 22 August, I soloed, flying a Cessna 172N, tail number N733VS (733 Victor Sierra). My CFI, Harrison, timed it so the first time I used my new headset would be the first time I flew alone. He rode with me for 2 passes in the pattern and then asked me to taxi to Bravo. I cleared the active and cleaned up my airplane--carb heat off, flaps up, trim set for takeoff--knowing exactly what was coming next. My heart started beating furiously, but I focused on following the checklists and keeping my cool (it’s either that or endanger your life). Harrison reached behind me into the backseat and pulled out my logbook. He signed his endorsement, coached me to execute a go-around on the first pass, and finally complete three full-stop taxi-back landings. He saluted me, said “Have fun, Captain!,” shut his door and walked away. I reached over and pulled the latch shut. At that moment, a calm, business-like demeanour came over me and was on my game, announcing confidently my intention to taxi to Runway 2-5. Pilot-in-Command alone in my aircraft! The First Solo is one of the most monumental days for a pilot – the day we enter the aviation community and are endorsed to fly alone per FAA regulations.

It was all joy. I completed 1 go-around, 1 touch-and-go, and 8(!!) full stop taxi-back crosswind landings a full hour PIC (pilot-in-command) time! (Yes, there was a crosswind – that wasn’t there when we were flying dual earlier but I nailed it perfectly!) When I executed my landing check and got to “Seatbelts Secure,” I looked over to confirm my passenger…Exactly. I was alone.

Pilots on approach into my home airport listening in on our CTAF congratulated me while I was flying, and apparently those at the FBO teased my CFI that he was going to have to go up in his Citabria to get me to come back out of the sky. The most special moment was when I entered the terminal after tying up my plane and a couple older pilots, one a CFI and the other an ATP, both reminisced about their own first solos with huge smiles and a single tear. They had been flying longer than I’ve been on this earth, and both of them remembered the exact day they soloed, what the weather was like, and how the plane smelled, felt, sounded. After signing and dating my shirttail, my CFI took me out to a local pub for lunch and a beverage before returning to work. We chatted about bush pilot techniques, mountain flying and landing with floats on rivers, negotiating currents etc, and strategised how I will eventually put all my training into practise.

When practising landings during training—as I applied for the GWW scholarship—I underwent a very steep and potentially discouraging learning curve complete with tears of frustration until a different CFI and Navy pilot technique made it click in mere minutes (after many hours logged). Now I land quite smoothly and always safely. Nothing has made me feel more thankful, successful, or accomplished in my life than knowing I can fly very well. In Neil Armstrong’s words, “Pilots take no special joy in walking. Pilots like flying.”

UNSUPERVISED SOLOS AND CROSS-COUNTRIES 
Flying alone from planning and preflight to shut-down 

No better way to begin the day than an early morning solo flight in the Cessna over Memorial Stadium/Death Valley (our football stadium) and Lake Hartwell before work. Following my plane’s silhouette along the treetops on final approach into the airport, the freedom granted to me is exhilarating. All our Creator’s glory in general revelation is below me, breath-taking.

By now I’ve flown solo down south of my airport practising ground reference maneuvers, steep turns, S-turns, pilotage, etc., as well as cross-countries to Georgia. Sometimes I sing in the cockpit to make my solo flights even more fun. Flying affords me the adventure and challenge I need to stay sharp in my PhD research. A poem by Alan Lerner speaks to my soul about why I love to fly airplanes:

I could see it wasn't worth 
Spending time with them on earth. 
There were fewer in the sky. 
I decided I would fly. 
I need air... 
Where only stars get in my hair: 
And only eagles stop and stare. 
I need air. 
Oh, the work is mad 
And I've had my share. 
I need air. 
I need air. 
I need air... 
There's not a sign of life down there. 
Just hats and grown-ups everywhere. 
I need air. 
Lots of cozy sky 
That God and I can share. 
I need air. 
I need air. 

Everything moves so quickly after soloing! I’m endorsed to take my FAA written knowledge exam, cross-country solo and then the final checkride. I absolutely cannot wait to earn my ticket so that I can share the amazing experience of flying in a light plane with my family and friends who support me throughout this journey. Seeing some of my friends look up at the sky when they hear a plane or become aware of being in a traffic pattern when flying from city to city on their favourite airline makes my heart smile. Giving others, especially those I love, a taste of the wonder of flight is one of the aspects of training I most anticipate.

What’s on the horizon for me? Climbing the ranks and ratings – certificate to carry passengers, instrument rating to fly in clouds, commercial to fly for money, multiengine to fly jets, Certified Flight Instructor (I want to give other people wings!), float and ski rating (to land on water or ice), and heli rating (to fly helicopters). Eventually, I hope to build hours and fly for the US Fish and Wildlife Service or a state Department of Natural Resources as a pilot/wildlife researcher – I intend to fly in bush/mountains, remote places in Africa, Alaska wilderness areas – which are some of the most difficult, dangerous type of flying.

Colleagues ask if I’m going to leave science and fly for Delta. Possibly. “Can we get free tickets?” I smirk. Certainly, aviation fits my personality - love the community and camaraderie that pilots share, and both the freedom and challenge flying affords us. Some arenas of biological sciences I’ve worked in are that way – particularly wildlife professions. So flying wildlife censuses, game capture, and migratory fowl research projects are perfectly aligned with my personality, passions, and goals in life. There are even some research stations that are airborne observatories which may combine my interests. The excellent part about a pilot certificate is that we can fly anywhere on earth with correct documentation – perhaps one of the very few truly transferable qualifications! As is often the case with my life, I’ll have to find an infrequent, brave soul or two equally inspired by adventure and exploration to come along!

My parents are perhaps my greatest supporters, which is such a huge blessing and motivation to pursuing my dreams. But sometimes you find that even those who know you and love you most may not always be able to relate to your decisions and sacrifices. That’s ok – go for it anyway. Be your kind of awesome. When it comes down to it, I’ve found that there’s this intrinsic, God-gifted drive that gives one the courage to take on those risks, challenges, and promising dreams. Being a pilot is not something I do, it’s someone I am. Bring on the passengers!

Blue skies to you all!
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Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help.  

Devin's Second Post as the Girls With Wings Private Pilot Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Devin who has resumed her flying lessons thanks in part to the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship, an award in the amount of $1000.00, targets those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. Read more about our scholarship program.

Hello again! I just went flying yesterday and it was beautiful weather. My normal instructor was sick so I flew with Tom, and it’s great how much one can learn with a new set of eyes to give advice. Tom is a very experienced pilot and gave me all sorts of tips, but I was nervous at first to fly with someone I wasn’t used to. Tom was great but I have to admit my landings weren’t my best. I never really got the smooth touch down I was hoping for. I did improve in being coordinated and am getting used to the more irregular radio calls though. Since there was a Broncos game yesterday, there weren’t many people up in the air, but I have to say I was glad I was flying. There was a slight tailwind on my full stop landing and I landed flat (where the main tires and the nose wheel touch down at about the same time instead of the nose wheel touching down last, which is better for the plane). I’ve got to work on rudder control when touching down to make sure my wheels are parallel with the runway, so next time I’ll really focus on that. 

When we flew out to the practice area, Tom also opened my eyes to things to take into consideration “as a plane owner,” like getting to a nice cruise speed when flying strait and level to conserve fuel and not turning lights on unnecessary since it keeps the airplane in better shape. It was a really good experience, but I also hope Lance gets better soon so we can resume our regular flight schedule. Unfortunately, Lance getting being out of commission has delayed my plans for cross country, but we are determined to fit it in next month. I’ve been flying as much as possible, but that turns out to be only about twice a week (on the weekends) because of school. I’m always really busy with college things coming up (yikes!) and my homework, but I really look forward to when I’ll next be able to fly. 

I was looking down at the reservoir during one of my lessons near the beginning of the month, and I saw a bunch of little sailboats getting pushed along in the water. All the little sails were shining bright white and they were all very crisp shapes against the sparkling blue water. I could see their little trails all mingling together. It was a beautiful sight and I reminded myself to always take a little time to check out the amazing view from the airplane. I mean, I was a thousand feet in the air! 

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help. 

Krysten's Post as a Girls With Wings Scholarship Winner!

Krysten's post as a Girls With Wings Additional Scholarship Winner: Krysten's lessons have been funded in part by the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. Additional Awards were designated to four individuals that showed great promise and dedication. We therefore offered them $250 to help in funding at least a small portion of their flight training. Read more about our scholarship program. 

I was so delighted to find out I was selected by Girls With Wings. I am very grateful for the support and encouragement I have received. It’s amazing how fast this last month has passed by. When I first learned I had received the scholarship I was preparing for my first solo flight. Now, I am ready to begin my cross country flights. Every time I fly I feel more addicted, and want to jump right back in the plane. 

My first solo came after what felt like weeks of anticipation; I was growing eager for the big day. After completing a few landings in the pattern at a nearby airport the day had finally come. My instructor hopped out and it was SOLO time! I had originally had doubts about flying alone but was surprised with how confident I felt. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire solo. The first time around in the pattern was awesome! My landing was exactly how I had practiced; the next few were the same. 

Following my next two solo flights, I had flight lessons that focused on using VOR and GPS for navigation. I reviewed short-field takeoffs and landings as well as soft-field takeoffs and landings. 

At last, it was time for my first night lesson. Flying at night is quite an experience. I love how far I can see and how calm the air is. I feel that flying at night is more relaxing and enjoyable. When practicing my night landings at first I felt slightly uneasy. I was having a difficult time with determining when to flare. After receiving some advice from my instructor I began to feel more comfortable with night landings. 

I have enjoyed my flight training thus far and am excited to start my cross country flights. I have started preparing for these flights by planning routes and becoming experienced in using a flight planner. I hope to take my first cross country flight within the next week. Being able to fly has been a dream of mine for years and I am thankful for The Girls With Wings support!

Congratulations and best wishes for your continued flight training!  We are so proud of you!

Caylee's Second Post as the Girls With Wings Private Pilot Scholarship Winner!

Congratulations to Caylee who has resumed her flying lessons thanks in part to the generous donations that people have made to Girls With Wings. The Private Pilot Scholarship is to help defray the cost of flight training lessons in pursuit of a private pilot certificate. This scholarship, an award in the amount of $1000.00, targets those individuals who have soloed but have not completed the Private Pilot Course. Read more about our scholarship program.

Please note that the scholarships are funded by donations - so we need contributions from people like YOU to keep our program running. We always have way more deserving applicants than funds. Visit our donation page to help. 

Read Caylee's other essays thus far. 

For this month, Caylee writes:

Straight to the point, I would not have had the motivation to tackle flying again or get as far as I’ve come without the Girls With Wings scholarship.

During the month of September I’ve been flying consistently at least 2 or 3 times a week. I re-soloed after doing a few dual-cross countries and then it was time. On a beautiful blue bird Wednesday this past week, with calm winds and high ceilings I departed on my first solo-cross country to Poughkeepsie-Dutchess County in New York. It was smooth sailing all the way with calm winds, great visibility and clear communications. I had no problem finding the airport, landed and taxied back. My Dad used to work for Associated Aircraft Group whose hangar is at KPOU and as I taxied back to runway 24 I saw the hangar and remembered walking through the offices, playing in the aircraft and going there for an air show when I was much younger. It was a great reminder of why I fell in love with aviation and how far I’ve come. 

I took off and headed back to Hartford. There was some slight turbulence at 3,500 ft but the flight back went just as smoothly as the way there. My landing back at KHFD was one to be proud of and the entire trip was over before I knew it! I was sweating and shaking when I returned. This cross-country had been the biggest and most daunting fear I’ve had about flying since I started to prepare for it the first time I flew in 2012. I was incredibly proud to complete this trip. 
 
I performed my second cross-country to Columbia County-1B1 earlier today. I felt much calmer this time around and had to maneuver around the clouds. I ended up flying at 3,000 ft or lower since the clouds were between 4,000 and 5,500. The winds were incredibly calm allowing for smooth landings. This flight, too, was over in what seemed like the blink of an eye. 

I could not have asked for two better days to perform my first two solo cross-country trips. With the help of Girls With Wings I have been able to get back to where I left off flying over a year ago and overcome one of my biggest obstacles. Now I can move forward onto the next challenge. 

Congratulations, Caylee! You are making us all proud. Looking forward to hearing about you conquering your next challenge. I think that is a sure thing.  - Lynda