CCHS freshman Zander Webb may still be a year away from getting behind the wheel of a car, but he’s already had his hands on the controls of an airplane.
This summer, Zander participated in a discovery flight, a one-time experience that lets aviation enthusiasts get a feel for flying under the guidance of a certified instructor. For Zander, the experience was more than just a thrill ride, it was the beginning of a dream to earn his pilot’s license before he graduates high school.
“I really liked it. It wasn’t scary at all,” Zander said. “I was calm, just looking at the gauges, looking out the window, and learning what everything did. It was a lot of fun.”
His flight took off from an airstrip in Louisville and soared over the Ohio River. Along the way, Zander had the chance to try out the mechanics of flying by controlling the yoke, throttle, and rudder pedals to keep the plane level, make turns, and even complete spiral loops. “We weren’t upside down, but we were at an angle. I got to fly for about 40 minutes of the hour-long flight,” he explained.
While Zander didn’t handle takeoff or landing this time, he still learned valuable basics, including how to read runway signs, follow approach lights, and manage turbulence. The experience only fueled his passion for aviation.
“You have to be 16 before you can solo and 17 to get a license,” Zander said. “It sounds crazy, but I want to graduate high school with my private pilot’s license. It’s very reasonable if I keep working at it.”
Obtaining a license isn’t simple. Future pilots must pass a written exam, pass a physical, and log at least 40 hours of flight time before a final test flight. From there, more training and experience can open doors to commercial flying or specialized aircraft. Zander plans to begin lessons in Louisville once he’s old enough.
For now, the discovery flight gave him a head start and a birthday gift he’ll never forget. “It’s crazy to think I could fly by myself before I can even drive a car,” Zander said with a grin.
Though his dad and sister opted out of the flight, Zander encourages others to try it. “Honestly, I’d recommend it. It’s a lot of fun, and you learn so much. If you’re interested in flying, it’s a great way to start.”
With his calm confidence and growing knowledge of aviation, Zander may just turn a high school dream into a lifelong career in the skies. (Photos courtesy of Emily Webb.)