My name is Callie Polk and I am in my final year at the University of Florida. After providing ways and resources to get a pilot's license in Florida, I felt it was necessary to provide some background on my personal experience as a pilot.
When I had my 13th birthday, my dad asked me if I wanted to fly a plane. At 13, I had no idea what has was asking because my only experience had been in commercial aviation, so I thought he was joking. It wasn't until we both drove down to the airport for a discovery flight that I would understand the impact that one question would have on my life.
My first flight in that 1980's Cessna172 was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. I will never forget seeing the town I grew up in from over 1,000 feet above. This sparked a passion to learn the art and become a pilot.
The journey was not an easy one. Shortly after I began taking lessons, the Federal Aviation Administration extended the age when you could get your license from 14 to 17. This meant that my fast track to flying just took a severe halt. During the next three years, I took lessons off and on and finally took all the necessary tests when I turned 17. It was a long process but I can't imagine my life if those experiences hadn't happened.
As a college student, it is extremely hard to find time to fly, but the passion is still there. At UF there is a flying club students can get involved in and if you budget your time and money well, you can become a pilot too. Then you can start flying to the keys with your family like I did or taking your boyfriend to the beach for a day. Once you can fly, the sky's the limit!
For more information, check out my resume or for some reading material visit my blog.