Senior Faith Gammon’s career in aviation is taking off before she completes her senior year. Gammon is working to earn her private pilot’s license at the School of Louisville Aviation, located at Bowman Field Airport.
Gammon’s inspiration for this field of work came from a helicopter ride she took with her family in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in March of 2022. Gammon reveals that the flight left her with a feeling of certainty.
“The helicopter pilot was very open about his life and his career, and I was able to ask him a few questions regarding his profession. Being in the air gave me a rush of adrenaline, and from then on, I knew this was something I wanted to do,” said Gammon.
She began her flights in the summer of 2023 and has completed over 30 hours of practice. Gammon needs 40 total hours to complete her training and, and acquire a few more skills, to obtain a private pilot’s license.
Gammon took her first solo flight on November 22. During the solo flight, she completed three touch-and-goes; a touch-and-go is landing and taking off without coming to a complete stop. She is currently working on
cross-country, night, and more solo hours.
“My first flight instructor was Paige. We had a great connection; she taught me the basic maneuvers, how to take off, and how to land. Paige was recently hired by a commercial airline, so I am now flying with Elizabeth. Elizabeth will decide when I am ready for my solo flight. She will also help prepare me for my cross-country flights, night flights, and check-ride training. The check ride will be the final test to determine when I get my license,” said Gammon.
Eastern Kentucky University has already accepted Gammon into its Pro-Flight program. In college, she will be able to complete her flight training in three to four years and graduate with her commercial, instrument, and instructor license.
“After I visited Eastern Kentucky University, I knew my college decision was not going to be hard for me. From my very first visit, I knew I wanted to
go to school there. The airport on campus was beautiful and the class atmosphere fit me perfectly. EKU offers small class sizes so I will be able to make connections with my peers and professors which is optimal for me,” Gammon said.
Once Gammon has her license, she hopes to fly around the world as a pilot for UPS.
