How I Became an Airline Pilot at 21: my flight training journey

Here is my most requested video! Thank you all so much for the support, it means the world and I hope you enjoy! (:

xx,
Sara

disclaimer: all opinions are my own and do not reflect my company.

[kiwicrush]

Something that isn’t talked about enough is the cost. Pursuing an aviation career is expensive! Sadly the reality is that If you don’t have the means to afford it or plans to join the Air Force, your only option is hundreds of thousands worth of debt. So many people have dreams of becoming a pilot but money stands in the way. Not entirely sure about your particular situation but I’m sure with your father being an airline pilot, money and connections was a huge factor in helping you get there as young and as quickly as you did. I’m not saying you didn’t work hard because I know it isn’t easy but it probably made the journey less strenuous. It definitely shouldn’t be that way especially considering there is a shortage of pilots, and the shortage exist because of how expensive it is to become one. They need to make it more accessible for those who really want to pursue it but have barriers standing in the way.

[theanonymouscat]

So you got your PPL at 17, went to a part 141 program and completed it within 3 years rather than the traditional 4 years. By then you’ll be 20 and then took the year to get the 1, 000 hours and then became a pilot at 21? Wow, if I got that right you flew through training. That’s insane. Congratulations! That’s impressive.

[hassanbadr]

This was very inspirational. I’m only 15 and I’m trying my best to become a pilot. You truly are inspiring

[LostInSpace]

im 33 and just now about to start flying for my first company (boutique air) its deff been a journey and it took me like 7 years to complete because i paid out of pocket and worked at the same time, now im in a spot where i can start actually flying for hire and its a great feeling. you really feel like youve made it so im super stoked that u got it done at such a young age! hopefully we get to share the flight deck sometime soon! keep doing great things miss :)

[Mrcl]

Was on the same way as you, but sadly got pushed into some mental health trouble after sexual abuse...had to sort that out for the past two years, now I m 20 and on my way to my Lufthansa qualifications. Finally regained my motivation and happiness. It really almost finished me that I had to waste so much time because of useless, oxygen wasting people, and I m glad I m finally my old me again. Can't wait for my first take off ;)✈️

[rebecca_ngn]

I’m a teenage female and my dream is to become an airline pilot! Thank you for the inspiration and motivation. I agree with you, even though it is a struggle being a female in a male dominated field, it’s important to ignore negativity and use it as an empowering tool.

[joshirymc]

So amazing your maturity and having such a important role at an airline at my age 22. Looking forward to the next video.

[malama_ka_aina]

Respect. I started my flight training by myself and funded it by myself. I unfortunately needed to stop when my father fell ill. I don't have pilots in my family and didn't know any before starting. It's been more years than I want to admit since I've gotten back into it. Living vicariously through YouTube until I get an opportunity again to finish and eventually get checked out in an Eclipse 550. I've got some plans. Best of luck to you!

[fatikay]

Dear Sara, what I admire the most about you is the amount of FOCUS 🙏🏼 and DEDICATION 🥰 you displayed to get where you are today. In a constantly distracted world, your path reminds me, as a regular woman, that truly anything is possible with those 2 qualities. Thanks a million. 😊🌻

[mrmakaiwi]

I just started at CAU last month!! I didn’t realize you went there! I saw your videos a while back and you were one of the people who helped me leave my career as a first responder and make the jump into aviation. Thank you for helping me follow my dreams!!!!

[danetastic]

This is a perfect example of age being just a number. Your maturity and focus has allowed you to achieve a lot at a young age. You’re definitely an inspiration to some of us older people who are finally figuring themselves out and going after our true purpose in life. Thanks for sharing your story!

[ozairakhtarcom]

I'm in my 30s and you are actually an inspiration for many of us and especially for the youngsters. 🍀

[hanymsimulation]

I followed you once you posted that you've become an airline pilot and I remember that picture being my ultimate inspiration. Now I'm a 1st year pilot cadet at Pharmaflight in Hungary.
You're such an amazing, bright person and a professional specialist. Please, keep uploading!

[HGKspectro]

I’ve been an aspiring pilot since I first saw a plane as a kid. Now I’m in high school and I’m starting to consider my pathways on becoming one! These are the types of video I have been looking for! The quality of your vidss are amazing!!

[piealotflyer]

Very interesting and a very informative vlog. You are a good ambassador not just for females in aviation but for young people.
Don’t take any notice of the negative comments about female pilots you have experienced. It is clear from this vlog that you have worked very hard to get where you are and it is well deserved. Hopefully people making the negative comments and remarks will start to realise that anything that is achieved in aviation is down to hard work and dedication.
Good luck with you future aviation career and thank you for posting this vlog

[edwardjones]

Haha cool I asked for exactly this video!

Your focus on your career and dedication to achieving it - with the great responsibility it involves - is super inspiring.

Hats off to you

[loucuevas]

Hi Sara. Congratulations on being an airline pilot. I’ve been an aircraft mechanic for 51 years now, the last 44 with the airlines, the last 21 as a lead mechanic. You can tell I love the life too. LOL. I just today started watching your vlogs, and really enjoy them. Good luck in your future. You’re doing great.

[m.rabbetts]

In relation to the Q&A about connecting with other female pilots, I’d add that organisations like the 99s can be really helpful too! There will likely be a chapter out of an area near you and if they’re active, the fly-ins that you get to do with them are awesome.

[daydreamer]

I'm starting my PPL tomorrow at 27years old. Wish me luck y'all I'm so excited

[Umarkhani]

Hi Sara I'm Jennie I love ur videos so much it inspire me and make me motivate more and more to be a pilot I really want to be a pilot one day and seeing a girl pilot makes me so proud I've been in a lot of airplanes since my childhood and I've be soo excited and happy and I always think that one day I will also fly a plan <33