A CHALLENGE LED ME TO AVIATION

By Varian Dass

There has been so much chatter recently on the looming pilot shortage and the effects that it would have on the Aviation Industry, however the industry is seeking ways to recruit and prepare young future pilots to meet the demand. Although the discussion was probably happening at the time, it wasn’t what led me to Aviation or my goal to become an Air Force fighter pilot. My journey was set into motion by a complete accident.

Growing up I’ve always had direction but not an absolute destination. Like most children I was obsessed with dinosaurs, so much so that I attempted to release a dinosaur, that I thought was still in my grandmother’s antique egg. Needless to say, I destroyed it. But that never stopped my natural curiosity of things every child is gifted with, in fact it only ignited it more. My interest continued to shift around from paleontology, zoology, and marine biology. I was always the science guy. And I was expected to stay in that field and follow through with one of those careers. That all changed when I started middle school, when my mother embarrassed me in front of a room full of students who were signed up for a unique class called Aeronautics.

I am sure that everyone has that story where their parents embarrass them in front of all their classmates, and it forever ruins their lives. My story is what changed my direction and it continues to influence the path I choose to take. Here’s how it went: I had

gotten a class on my schedule called Aeronautics. Not exactly the class I was hoping for since I wanted to get into the pre-veterinary program and continue to work with animals. My mom wanted me to change it because it entailed a lot of reading, and I’m not the most enthusiastic reader. Her words were “I will not set you up for failure.” The reasoning was my older sister had taken the class and is an avid reader. Victoria was always one of the only girls in the class and she worked hard to complete all three courses. I think my mom believed that since it was out of my element, I wouldn’t do too well in it. Even so, my mother allowed me to make my own decision on what to do about the schedule mishap, but as always, my natural curiosity prevailed. As you might have guessed, I decided to continue with the class and take off into the experience that would be the aeronautics class.

Our teacher, Mr. Griffith was a retired Air Force, B-52 navigator who taught at Sanford Middle School. He instructed us on first the basics of flight, then slowly we worked our way to learning to apply our skills to simulator training. The class itself was very competitive, having many different opportunities that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. That included taking a free introductory flight courtesy of the Young Eagles program. After my first intro-flight my sense of competition in the class grew, leading me to want to do as best as I can to secure more opportunities to advance me farther into the field.

To say it was hard is an understatement. Between the tests for that class and learning to balance a heavy school schedule, things got overwhelming really fast. Luckily, I made the decision to take the classes I didn’t really care too much about, online, through FLVS (Florida Virtual School) enabling me to free up space on my schedule to focus on the things I loved.

As my passion grew, I started to get more involved, joining an Aviation Explorers club based out of Embry-Riddle that created fun volunteer opportunities for students while fueling my love for aviation. I was the student secretary of the club and the responsibility of the job helped me to better my work ethic and sharpen my skills even more. Aviation explorers provided many opportunities to fly, meet real pilots and explore the various career paths offered in the aviation industry. One of my favorite experiences with the club was entering the copilot seat of an RV-8, to experience the thrills of aerobatic flying. The best part of this club was giving back to our community. We took part in the yearly Puppies and Planes event, which was all about helping raise money for animal shelters to help them find families to take care of them. What’s not fun about helping kittens and puppies find their forever homes, while learning about the diverse history of the glorious combat fighter and bomber planes? Goes to show that aviation is much more than flying.

Ever since I entered aviation, I’ve had my hands full. Currently I’m a sophomore in Seminole High School. My many engagements include being dual enrolled at Seminole State to earn my AA degree when I graduate, being a respectful and dedicated

AFJROTC member, learning health sciences through the school’s “Health Academy” and being an aviation ambassador for my school’s relatively new aviation program. My Aviation teacher, Mr. Johnson is a former Marine mechanic who worked on an aircraft carrier to fix planes. He is possibly the nicest Marine you will ever meet and challenges me every day to work hard in everything I do. Every day in his class we get to work on a Cessna 150 and a Robinson 22. It’s really a hands on and interactive class. There is so much to learn and students from all over Seminole County can participate in this program. The end goal being for students to earn their private pilot’s license by endorsing the student to take the FAA written exam once they are ready.

This year, I have been spending more time assisting in recruiting and teaching with Mr. Johnson by exposing young students to the aviation program with the hope to inspire people with a passion in aviation, just as I was. On top of that, studying for the private pilot’s exam that I will take, come my 16th birthday in June.

Did I complete my challenge? That would be a no. That’s because it’s an ongoing process. My goal is

to get accepted into the Air Force Academy. More specifically I’m striving to be the first in my family to go to the military and fly their amazing aircraft. The plane that I’m most excited to learn to fly would have to be the F-22 Raptor because of its speed and maneuvering capabilities. This as far as I know will be my biggest challenge yet.

I’ve always pushed myself to do my absolute best, but that’s not to say I’m in it alone. I’ve been given the pleasure to meet many of the most influential people in aviation. Including the youngest woman to fly around the world solo; Shaesta Waiz. Another would have to be my aviation teacher’s daughter, Jasmine Johnson. She is an instructor in the Air Force and

teaches cadets to fly fighter planes. I met her recently while I was helping to teach young girls how to fly simulators and complete a pre-flight check on our Cessna. She told me that I reminded her of one of her students, telling me she believes I have what it takes to reach my goal. Personality and all. Those kind words of motivation have helped me to continue to chase after my dreams and aspire to do big. Some words of advice to anyone unsure of trying something - You never know if the thing you’re trying is what you were born to do, so do yourself a favor and just jump right in and do your best.