Erick Bennett ’18 flies solo for the first time

A few weeks ago, Erick Bennett ‘18 became one of the first students this year to obtain his solo flight endorsement.

Erick, who has attended Farragut since his sophomore year, has taken Aviation at Farragut every year and is now taking courses with the flight school at Albert Whitted Airport. In fact, aviation is what attracted him to Farragut in the first place.

“I’ve enjoyed aviation since I was a little kid,” Erick said. “My dad’s a pilot for American Airlines so I grew up around it. It’s what I love to do.”

Since aviation is his passion, Erick didn’t have too hard of a time earning his endorsement. “I had to do different flights around the pattern, know how to land and take off, and know all the specs of the airplane I’m flying.”

At Farragut, Erick is a member of the student government, and he played football his first two years here. Hailing from Columbus, OH, Erick knows what his future looks like.

“Ohio State University is my dream school,” he said. “I want to be an airline pilot like my dad.” He plans to earn his private pilot’s certificate this year, go to college and finish all of his ratings, and then become an airline pilot.

“I love the freedom of flying,” Erick said. “I love how it’s such a different hobby from what other people my age are doing.”

We wish you the best of luck Erick!