Paris Air is home to many student pilots from all over the world. Each story is unique, and every student important to us. We sat down with one of our new students, Allie Pepper, to ask her a few questions regarding her career goals and experiences. We look forward to continuing the documentation of her journey as she becomes a pilot.
Have you had any prior experience with flying or aviation before joining the academy?
Prior to joining Paris Air, I worked as a flight attendant for a legacy airline. My time there was invaluable and truly made me fall in love with the aviation industry as a whole. While working as a flight attendant, I was able to get great insight from the pilots I worked with and they were so encouraging to me and my aviation journey. Every day working as a flight attendant, I dreamed of myself in the flight deck and my eyes were opened to the endless possibilities that aviation could offer. The lessons I learned as a flight attendant I will carry over to my flight training.
What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful pilot to possess?
There are many qualities that make a successful pilot. The ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment is a quality that successful pilots must have. In aviation, no two days are the same, so being flexible and adaptable is of the upmost importance. Having situational awareness in order to make quick and informed decisions must occur daily. Also, it is crucial to be a team player while being able to stand alone as a leader. One must be able to lead and be proficient in their skills while being able to work well with those around them. The problems a pilot may face in their day to day work can be complex, so utilizing one’s ability to multi-task while being composed are also important in the daily operations as a pilot.
What aspect of aviation excites you the most? (e.g., piloting, navigation, aerodynamics)
The ability to see the world from a new perspective is something I am most excited about. To have the freedom to fly and go on a new adventure everyday is beyond exciting for me. No two days will be the same and I can’t wait to be up in the sky and looking outside at the world from above.
How do you envision your career in aviation unfolding after completing your training here?
There are truly so many opportunities after completing my training. My ultimate goal is to be at an airline where I can have a great quality of life and gain seniority quickly (every pilot’s dream). I know that in aviation, it’s all in the timing and it may take a while for me to truly live every pilot’s dream but with perseverance, I know it will happen when it’s meant to.
What kind of flying experiences are you looking forward to the most during your time at the academy?
I can’t wait to fly with my family one day, and hopefully soon. My family is the biggest support that I could ever have and I can’t wait to give them the gift of flight. My mom specifically is my ultimate cheerleader and I hope that she can be my first official passenger. I also think flying with the friends that I make along the way while in training will be something that I can’t wait to experience.
How do you manage your time and maintain a balance between your aviation studies and personal life?
Balancing my aviation studies and personal life can be hard but staying organized and focused while in class and while studying are two of the ways to make it possible. Prioritizing my studies and not procrastinating in my day to day life leaves room for the other important things in my life. As students, we have to have a balance in order to fully make aviation our lifestyle. Learning how that balance works in our daily life is how we can make the aviation lifestyle feasible and learning how to balance all aspects of our lives early on only better prepares us for what’s ahead in our careers.
What do you hope to gain not only in terms of technical skills but also personal growth from your time at the flight academy?
I am excited to master new maneuvers and skills that will push me to my limits. Being pushed out of my comfort zone is something that will definitely help me grow not only as a pilot but also on a personal level. I know that by the time my training is complete I will be a different and better person and pilot than who I started as.
Student Pilot Spotlight: The Continued Journey
Continue to follow Allie Pepper on her journey to becoming a pilot by keeping up to date on our social media platforms: @flyparisair on Instagram & Facebook.
For more information on becoming a student pilot, check out our course information online or contact us.
