TM
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
Nicole
Student Pilot
My name is Nicole Young, but a lot of people call me Nickie. I'm from
Shelbyville, Illinois, but I go to college at Western Michigan University. I
have 2 older brothers and an older sister.
My dad worked as an avionics instructor for the Air Force. He taught
aircraft mechanics how to work on some of the airplane systems. He
used to take me to work with him and let me play with the trainers they
had. When I was 10 years old he took me for a plane ride and from
that moment on I knew I was going to be a pilot.
Because of my dad's interest in aviation, I fell in love with flying at an
early age, but because I have a learning disability called dyslexia, I
struggled in school and many people told me I could never be a pilot.
But I was determined to fly airplanes so I worked very hard, overcame
my disability and became a pilot.
I was a flight student at St Louis University and through their program I
got my Private Pilot Certificate in a TB-9 Tampico. Currently I am
working on my instrument rating in a Cirrus so I can fly in the clouds.
Student Pilot
My name is Nicole Young, but a lot of people call me Nickie. I'm from
Shelbyville, Illinois, but I go to college at Western Michigan University. I
have 2 older brothers and an older sister.
My dad worked as an avionics instructor for the Air Force. He taught
aircraft mechanics how to work on some of the airplane systems. He
used to take me to work with him and let me play with the trainers they
had. When I was 10 years old he took me for a plane ride and from
that moment on I knew I was going to be a pilot.
Because of my dad's interest in aviation, I fell in love with flying at an
early age, but because I have a learning disability called dyslexia, I
struggled in school and many people told me I could never be a pilot.
But I was determined to fly airplanes so I worked very hard, overcame
my disability and became a pilot.
I was a flight student at St Louis University and through their program I
got my Private Pilot Certificate in a TB-9 Tampico. Currently I am
working on my instrument rating in a Cirrus so I can fly in the clouds.
I have many goals for my future career. I hope to work as a corporate pilot and eventually do humanitarian work. I also plan to be a flight
instructor and teach people how to fly. I love the freedom flying gives. When you see the world from the sky you get a completely different
view of things.
I'm 20 years old but I'm only 5 foot and 1 inch tall, and I look very young for my age. When people meet me they are surprised that I'm not in
high school, but they are even more surprised that I'm a pilot. I enjoy the shocked look I get from people.
BONUS
What role do skills in math, science, engineering and technology play in supporting your job? What training did you undergo
getting to where you are? Although all 4 are important, don't be afraid to pursue a career in aviation just because you're not good at
math or science. I'm not good at math, but learning what I needed to fly wasn't too difficult. The technology in the aviation world is fascinating
and makes flying safer and easier.
What activities do you suggest for young children or young adults to prepare them for a career like yours? What are your
future plans? I got a great deal of encouragement and direction from volunteering. I'd encourage anyone to volunteer at an air museum,
local airport, or air show. It helps you meet people who can give you advice and direction in your career choice. Also it gets you around
airplanes and helps you learn terminology and other important aviation skills.
instructor and teach people how to fly. I love the freedom flying gives. When you see the world from the sky you get a completely different
view of things.
I'm 20 years old but I'm only 5 foot and 1 inch tall, and I look very young for my age. When people meet me they are surprised that I'm not in
high school, but they are even more surprised that I'm a pilot. I enjoy the shocked look I get from people.
BONUS
What role do skills in math, science, engineering and technology play in supporting your job? What training did you undergo
getting to where you are? Although all 4 are important, don't be afraid to pursue a career in aviation just because you're not good at
math or science. I'm not good at math, but learning what I needed to fly wasn't too difficult. The technology in the aviation world is fascinating
and makes flying safer and easier.
What activities do you suggest for young children or young adults to prepare them for a career like yours? What are your
future plans? I got a great deal of encouragement and direction from volunteering. I'd encourage anyone to volunteer at an air museum,
local airport, or air show. It helps you meet people who can give you advice and direction in your career choice. Also it gets you around
airplanes and helps you learn terminology and other important aviation skills.
