Aviation student Alex Oi Moreno ’19 earns private pilot certificate

Please join the Aviation Department in congratulating Alex Oi Moreno ’19 on earning his Private Pilot certificate. Alex passed his Private Pilot check ride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner on Wednesday, May 15th, 2019.

“I was so nervous,” he said. “It almost didn’t feel real that I got it. But then it hit me, what a big accomplishment it was. I’m very proud.”

The toughest part of the process was the theory. There are many rules and procedures that Alex had to memorize and learn in order to earn his certificate. It was all worth it, though.

“I love being in the air,” Alex said. “Farragut has such a rigorous program, but when you’re in the air, it takes away all the stress and worries about homework and academics. It’s very freeing.”

Still, the skills that Alex has learned in his aviation class have carried over not just to his studies for his certificate, but the rest of his life. “It’s a lot of self-discipline,” he said. “Knowing what to do and what not to do. That helps me a lot in life.”

Alex had help, too. “Mr. Hercher and Mr. Ewing are great,” he said. “They really helped, teach and reteaching every single day. I really appreciate them.”

“Earning a private pilot certificate in high school is a tremendous accomplishment that requires both dedication and perseverance,” said Mr. Ewing. “Alex has demonstrated both these attributes and so much more. It is always a pleasure to work with talented, driven students that never give up and continually strive to be the best. The Aviation Department is proud to have provided a foundation for his future aviation career.”

Alex is attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall with a major in Aeronautics. His goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. He has some words of advice for future aviation students.

“Study,” he said. “That’s all you have to do. Keep studying until you get the license, and then after that still keep studying. It’s worth the time.”