Mallory Rhodes, EAA 1302779, has come a long way in a short period of time. Mallory was awarded a Ray Aviation Scholarship through EAA Chapter 302 on May 10. Her total flight experience at that time was her one Young Eagles flight.
“She is a hard charging young lady and is on track to meet her goal of completing her private pilot certificate prior to this year’s AirVenture,” said Chapter 302 President Joe Waltz.
Mallory said her scholarship has been a blessing and she is grateful for all her mentors.
“When I was little I had talked about being a flight attendant because I loved traveling and I loved flying,” Mallory said. “After being part of the aerospace engineering class and the Eagles Nest project build I realized the dream of being a pilot was much more achievable than I always believed! I was really driven into aviation due to all the encouragement and guidance I have received from the mentors and my flight instructor! Everyone has been so positive and uplifting throughout my journey so far so when it came time for my solo I felt confident.”
Mallory soloed in a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
“I flew a little with my instructor and he told me to kick him to the curb and go for my first solo,” Mallory said. “At first I was nervous for a second, but then I realized I had done this several times before and I told myself nothing was different.”
Mallory isn’t letting the grass grow under her feet, as she has already completed her first cross-country trip.
Mallory plans on flying to AirVenture in the RV-12 that she and her classmates at Montgomery High School built this year under the auspices of the Eagles Nest Program.
“I am very excited and I believe it will be so impactful for me to be able to fly an airplane that I had a hand in building to the air show,” Mallory said.
Her long-term goals are to continue her aviation journey and eventually become a commercial pilot.
“In the fall I will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide where I will continue my education in aviation and continue working on my hours as well,” Mallory said.