By Edmee CR Hasler
Contributing writer
Salem native Blake Shaner, a 19-year-old aspiring pilot, recently achieved a significant milestone in his aviation journey by completing his first solo flight. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in Shaner’s path toward earning his private pilot’s license, bringing him one step closer to his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Shaner’s interest in aviation began at a young age, with his passion ignited by a childhood trip to Disney World where he found the airplane ride to be the highlight of his experience. Since then, he has been actively involved in aviation through various organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Civil Air Patrol, which have provided him with numerous opportunities to explore and pursue his passion.
For his first solo flight, Shaner trained at Starflight Training at Roanoke Airport, where he logged 9.4 hours in a Diamond DA-40 aircraft. Despite having previously completed 15 hours of flight training in Danville, he had to undergo additional training to familiarize himself with the new aircraft and the different flying conditions at a towered airport like Roanoke. His solo flight involved taking off alone and completing three laps in the traffic pattern, a significant achievement for any student pilot.
“Soloing the airplane for the first time is like a first big milestone in training,” Shaner explained. “It’s an incredible feeling to be in control of the aircraft completely on your own.”
Shaner’s dedication to his training is evident in his detailed planning and his commitment to achieving his goals. He hopes to take his written exam soon, another crucial step toward obtaining his private pilot’s license. He is also applying for a scholarship through the Civil Air Patrol, which he hopes will cover the remaining costs of his flight training.
The journey to becoming a pilot is not only demanding in terms of skill but also financially challenging. Shaner acknowledges the substantial costs involved in flight training, noting that he has already invested a significant amount of money into his training hours. However, his passion for aviation and his determination to succeed drive him forward.
Looking ahead, Shaner aims to accumulate the necessary flight hours to advance to higher levels of certification. He aspires to eventually fly for either NetJets, a private airline corporation, or American Airlines, with a long-term goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Shaner’s story is a testament to the dedication and perseverance required to achieve one’s dreams. As he continues his training, he remains focused on his ultimate goal of soaring through the skies as a professional pilot, fully aware that this journey is just the beginning of a lifelong passion for aviation.
Courtesy photos
