For many professional and recreational pilots, an interest in aviation began long before they were old enough to earn a pilot certificate.
Mine certainly did.
I became fascinated with aviation as a child, began participating in an aviation Explorer program at 13, earned my private pilot certificate at 17, and was managing a flight school by 18.
Those early opportunities—and the aviation professionals who took the time to mentor me—had a lasting impact on my life.
The Malone Aviation Young Aviators Program is one way I can help provide that same kind of opportunity to the next generation.
Yes!
A young person doesn't have to wait until age 17 to begin learning about aviation or receiving flight instruction.
While a person must be at least 17 to earn an FAA Private Pilot Certificate for airplanes, training and aviation education can begin much earlier.
Starting young can give aspiring pilots time to learn about aircraft, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, communications, aeronautical decision-making, and the many career opportunities available throughout aviation.
For young aviators between 13 and 15 years old, Malone Aviation will donate the flight instructor's instructional time (Up to 5 hours a month)
Instructor fee: $0
Normal instructional value: $120
The parent or guardian remains responsible for aircraft rental, fuel, and any other expenses associated with conducting the flight.
This program is intended to give young people who are genuinely interested in aviation an opportunity to experience flight training and learn what becoming a pilot is really like.
Depending on the student, aircraft, weather, and circumstances, an introductory aviation experience may include:
Introduction to the aircraft
Basic aircraft controls
Preflight inspection
Cockpit familiarization
Basic aerodynamics
Airport operations
Aviation communications
Basic flight maneuvers
Aviation safety
Aeronautical decision-making
Discussion of pilot certificates and training
Aviation career opportunities
The objective isn't simply to provide an airplane ride.
The goal is to introduce a young person to aviation as a pilot.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to be involved.
Before the flight, we'll discuss what the young aviator can expect, the aircraft being used, weather considerations, safety, and how flight training works.
Afterward, I'm happy to answer questions about future flight training, costs, pilot certification, aviation education, and potential career paths.
Aviation offers far more career opportunities than simply becoming an airline pilot.
Young aviators may eventually discover interests in areas such as:
Professional piloting
Flight instruction
Corporate aviation
Aircraft maintenance
Air traffic control
Aviation management
Airport operations
Aerospace
Unmanned aircraft systems
Aviation safety
Military aviation
Sometimes discovering that world starts with simply getting close to an airplane and meeting someone willing to explain how it all works.
This program is personal to me.
When I was young, experienced people in aviation invested their time in me. My mentor gave me an opportunity to work around airplanes, learn the aviation business, and earn flight time before I could have afforded to pursue aviation on my own.
That opportunity helped shape the direction of my life.
Through Malone Aviation, I'd like to pay some of that forward.
If a young person has a genuine interest in aviation, I want them to have an opportunity to see what's possible.
If you're a parent or guardian of a young person between the ages of 13 and 15 who has a genuine interest in aviation, contact Malone Aviation to discuss the program, aircraft availability, costs, scheduling, and whether the experience is appropriate for your young aviator.