Meet Simon Baudry, a Student Pilot at Paris Air
One thing that makes the culture of Paris Air’s flight school so special is the passion our students have. They come from all over the world to study here. To learn more about life at Paris Air, we spoke with a student pilot currently studying with us, Simon Baudry.
Simon is from Bordeaux, France but grew up living and traveling all over the world. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Clemson University, Simon decided to move back to the U.S. to pursue a career in aviation. Follow along to hear what he had to say about his experience so far.
Why did you decide to become a pilot?
After traveling so much when I was growing up, I realized that I was passionate about exploring the world and wanted a career where I could travel. My uncle is a pilot for Air France, so I have very fond memories of sitting with him in the cockpit and being so fascinated by aviation.
What has your experience learning to fly been like so far?
I moved here in September of 2022 to continue my flight training, and it has been an amazing experience! Since then, I have already earned my single-engine rating and have been refining and practicing my skills every day in the air as a student pilot at Paris Air. So far, I have had the opportunity to fly in a Piper Cherokee, which has been a really fun experience.
What led you to Paris Air?
I was referred to Paris Air by my flight school in Europe. They told me how kind and helpful everyone was, and I have seen that firsthand since moving here.
“They are here to help you, and not to push you down.”
The environment at Paris Air is very comfortable and supportive. I am so glad that I chose to study here!
Looking to apply to Paris Air? Fill out our application here!
What has been the best part of learning to fly so far?
One of my favorite parts about learning to fly has been the opportunity to learn something new every day. In aviation, there are always new and exciting things to learn, and I embrace the opportunities to do so. I especially enjoy learning new techniques and trying them out.
What I love the most though, is being able to apply what my flight instructor has taught me and demonstrate how my hard work and persistence has paid off. It is very rewarding!
“When you are learning how to fly, it is always a challenge. You are always learning something new.”
What is something that has challenged you as a Student Pilot?
For me, the most challenging aspect of learning to fly was getting comfortable with radio communication. As pilots know, people tend to speak very quickly on the radio, and it can be overwhelming to take in all of the information. However, with some practice, I have overcome this challenge and now speak on the radio with ease!
What are your plans for the future?
When I return home to Europe, I am going to pursue additional ratings with the goal of becoming either a cargo or passenger pilot. I am really looking forward to continuing strengthening my skills and building a career in aviation.
Ultimately, I would love to return to the U.S. to fly with a major airline. The U.S. is a beautiful place to fly with its expansive landscapes!
Do you have advice for students interested in pursuing aviation as a career?
My advice to student pilots is to study hard, be humble, and don’t take anything for granted because it is never the same day in aviation. As long as you remain dedicated and work hard, you can achieve your aviation dreams!
Let Your Dreams Take Flight at Paris Air Flight Academy
Take it from Simon, being a student pilot at Paris Air is life-changing. Our flight school offers flexibility, with a multitude of instructors and programs to choose from. By participating in ground school and hands-on flight training, students acquire both the knowledge and skills to make their dream of a career in aviation a reality. We are located in Vero Beach, Florida, a beautiful place to fly.
Our programs include:
- Career Pilot Airplane Program (Multi-Engine)
- Commercial Pilot Certification with Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
- Career Pilot Airplane Program (Single-Engine)
- Commercial Pilot Certification with Single-Engine Instrument Rating
- Private Pilot Airplane Program
- Instrument Rating Airplane Program
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Program: Initial Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor Airplane Program: Additional Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor Multi-Engine Airplane Program: Additional Rating
- Airline Transport Pilot Certification Course
We also offer helicopter training courses for helicopter pilots with the following programs:
- Career Pilot Helicopter Program with Instrument Rating
- Private Pilot Helicopter Program
- Instrument Rating Helicopter Program
- Certified Flight Instructor Helicopter Program: Initial Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Helicopter Program: Add-On Rating
- Airline Transport Pilot Helicopter Certification Course
A Welcoming Place for International Students
Another unique aspect of Paris Air is the robust program we have in place for international students. Students come from many different continents including Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.
We understand that being an international student can be challenging, so we are ready to assist you with the visa process, preparing paperwork, and answering any questions or concerns that you may have. See below for some helpful links for international students:
- Application overview: Learn about applying for a visa and to our flight school.
- Foreign license validation: If you have a license from another county, read about the steps to take here.
- Housing: Learn more about Paris Air’s housing accommodations–your home away from home.
When you arrive at Paris Air, you will join a friendly community of like-minded individuals with the similar goal of pursuing a career in the aviation industry. Welcoming students from so many different places makes us stronger because everyone has unique perspectives and experiences that they bring to the table. We know you’ll love being part of this dynamic community. And who knows, you may make some life-long friends too.
Learn more about Paris Air’s program for international students here.
