SOARING HIGH: Gracie Main’s Journey

By Nancy Nwelati Coll

Do you remember the first time you looked up at the sky and wondered what it would be like to fly? Gracie certainly does. Her journey into the world of aviation started at a young age, thanks to her dad’s passion for flying. As a young adult, she now stands as a testament to the power of following your dreams and the wonder of soaring through the clouds.

Gracie’s story begins with her dad and a Cessna 182. From an early age, Gracie was introduced to the thrill of aviation as she spent countless hours flying around in her dad’s aircraft. Those flights weren’t just trips; they were windows into a world where the sky was not the limit—it was the starting point.

But what truly ignited the spark to become a pilot wasn’t just the mechanical marvels that filled the skies. It was the sense of community that surrounded her. Gracie admired her dad and the camaraderie he shared with fellow aviators. She looked up to the World War II veterans who reveled in the tales of their aerial escapades. These connections lit the runway for Gracie’s future.

When it came time to choose a college, Gracie followed her instincts and enrolled at Central Washington University. The pilot program at the university called out to her, and she knew she was headed in the right direction. She wasn’t just pursuing a career; she was chasing something unique, something that set her apart from the crowd.

As Gracie embarked on her aviation adventure, she encountered challenges and opportunities that would shape her into the skilled pilot she is today. Her path took her through the aviation program, while working a job at the Ellensburg Pasta Company—a job that would lead to a chance encounter that changed everything.

One day, when she was seriously considering staying home from work, her mom encouraged her to go anyway. “Oh, Gracie, you don’t know who you’re going to meet. So, why don’t you just go in tonight. Then, you can think about it.” When she looked over the reservation book that night, she noticed an event being held by CubCrafters. She made a bold move to ask for some mentorship from these key players in the aviation world. The chance meeting with dealer Rick Bosshart and Paul “Pablo” Bartlett opened doors to mentors who believed in her potential, played instrumental roles in her journey, and helped her secure her current job—a rewarding career breaking-in airplanes that she wouldn’t trade for anything.

Through the highs and lows of her career, Gracie found moments that shone as bright as the sun in the sky. One such moment was flying in a P-51 Mustang, a gift from her dad for her eighteenth birthday. Those fifteen minutes painted a memory that would forever hold a special place in her heart. Another milestone involved tailwheel training, a step that widened her perspective on the joy of general aviation planes.

Gracie’s involvement in engine testing for CubCrafters showcases her dedication to her craft as a career. With her sights set on flying the FX-3s, she’s poised to continue her journey in aviation.

As she reflects on her journey, Gracie’s advice to young, aspiring aviators is to take flight with courage. She encourages those unsure about where to begin to visit their local airport and connect with the people who live and breathe aviation. It’s these connections that make the aviation community a remarkable one—a space where dreams take flight, and mentors guide the way.

When Gracie talks about her next feat, it’s clear that she’s inspired by the excitement in STOL training and the energy Red Bull brings - a symbol of daring and innovation.

For Gracie, showcasing at Oshkosh isn’t just about airplanes; it’s about the people who share her love for flying. The connections she’s made, the friendships she’s forged—it’s the human spirit that breathes life into aviation. Gracie embodies the truth that aviation isn’t just about machines—it’s about the people who make those machines dance in the sky.

So, the next time you look up at the clouds, remember Gracie’s journey. It’s a reminder that dreams can take flight, and the sky is never the limit when passion and determination are your wings.