Meet flyGIRL Nobi Buntin

Meet flyGIRL Nobi Buntin

By: Natalie Kelley

Nobi Buntin is the most recent recipient of the $4,000 flyGIRL/Sporty’s flight training scholarship. Nobi’s journey has not been an easy one. It’s safe to say most roads to success are not easy. She has obstacles that many will most likely never face. She has lived through earthquakes and tsunamis but has kept her eye on aviation through it all. Maybe that’s what has gotten her through her hardest trials? Nobi was one of 315 applicants this year for the well-known flyGIRL/Sporty’s Scholarship. Her ambitious story and reputation led to her final selection as the recipient.

Before beginning her pilot journey to the cockpit, Nobi had a career as a flight attendant with Delta airlines. It was during this time that she sustained an in-flight injury because of unexpected clear air turbulence. Her future in travel was put on hold indefinitely. “I never realized how much I loved flying until doctors told me I would never do so again; doctors told me it would take a miracle to walk again,” Nobi stated. Her career as a flight attendant may have ended due to her severe injuries but she had plans to continue her aviation journey, this time in the cockpit as a pilot.

Before taking her discovery flight in 2016, Nobi underwent five procedures, countless hours of rehabilitation, and physical therapy over a two-year period of time. Her will power and determination kept her pilot dreams alive.

As most people know, flight training isn’t cheap! She is the sole provider for her family of four and has often struggled financially and jugged extra work shifts to make her dream happen. She counts on her family and friends for support and they gladly respond.

Since moving from Japan to Hawaii, Nobi has earned a reputation as a giver. She thrives on helping others. Nobi serves as the WAI (Women In Aviation) Hawaii 5-0 treasurer, chairs GIAD (Girls In Aviation Day), and serves on the fundraising committee for the ’99’s Aloha Chapter. One of her biggest accomplishments was founding the “Aloha Aviators” in response to COVID-19. This group of aviators has sewn and delivered over 1400 masks throughout the Hawaiian Islands since its inception.

Her desire to help others and can-do attitude has her dreaming of becoming a medevac pilot some day. She has recently completed her Multi-Engine Commercial certification and has plans to complete her CFI rating with the scholarship funds. During this time, she has also managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA in the Aeronautical Science program through Embry-Riddle, where she hopes to obtain her bachelor’s degree.

There is little doubt that Nobi will be a success and will serve as a leader in the aviation community for years to come. Sharing stories like hers allows others to see the possibility for their own lives and may provide hope to anyone that through the most difficult circumstances there will be opportunities, especially if you “pay it forward” with sincerity. Others will notice and will want to lend a helping hand when the occasion presents itself.

Thank you Nobi for all you have done!

- From the flyGIRL and Sporty’s Scholarship team