Aviation student, Jose Lynch ‘18, flies solo for the first time
Please join the Aviation department in congratulating Jose Lynch ‘18 on earning his solo endorsement. Jose flew solo for the first time on February 28, 2018, in Cessna 172SP N6013J on runway 7 at Albert Whitted Airport.
Jose has known he wants to fly for a long time.
“I was adopted from Guatemala when I was four years old,” he said. “When I got to the Atlanta airport on my way to Maine, that was the first time I’d seen so many planes in one place. I was fascinated. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
Jose has been in the Aviation program for two years, starting first in the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University dual enrollment course, then this year enrolling in the Aviation Academy.
Jose was nervous for his first solo flight, but of course, he was also very excited. “It was amazing,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to do it for a while. I knew how to talk to the tower and get in the pattern and land. Once I knew I could do it all myself, it was a big accomplishment.”
“He has always impressed me with his work ethic,” said Aviation instructor Rob Ewing. “Jose always strives for perfection and his dedication shows in the way he flies; he is always prepared and always improving.”
Aviation isn’t the only thing Jose has been involved in at Farragut. Since he started at Farragut in 2015, Jose has participated in Cross Country, Track, Wrestling, Math Club, Photography Club, National Honors Society, and Athletics Club. As a 5-day-boarder, Jose says that “it’s nice because if I have questions about schoolwork I live with some of my classmates so we can work on it together, but it’s also nice to have a break from school on the weekends if I need it.”
As for what lies in the future? “I’m still waiting to hear from a few colleges, but right now it’s looking like UCF with a major in Civil Engineering,” he said. “I’m going to get my private pilot’s certificate, though. I’m definitely going to keep flying.”
