By Mary Ann Alvarado
The pursuit of a private pilot certificate is a testament to perseverance. Raegan Buzzard’s taxi to flight began at the age of 12 when father and daughter walked past a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) recruiting table at Ramstein Air Base, in Ramstein, Germany. Lt. Col. James Noyes, wearing a pilot flight suit, introduced the idea of joining the Air Force Auxiliary, learning about aviation, leadership, and experiencing flight through their orientation flight (O-flight) program. The idea caught hold and opened new possibilities.
Returning stateside, Raegan, EAA 1295471, immersed herself in CAP leadership and flight programs. CAP volunteer pilots mentored her through five powered flights in Maryland, and she traveled to West Virginia for five glider flights. When asked what she wanted to fly, she responded with, “I just want to learn to fly everything!” By the age of 17, she attended CAP’s National Cadet Special Activities at the Hot Air Balloon Academy in Mattoon, Illinois; the Powered Flight Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and a mini-camp for gliders at the Eastern Soaring Center in Petersburg, West Virginia.
In 2019, EAA Chapter 524 in Frederick, Maryland, awarded Raegan a Ray Aviation Scholarship. This scholarship fueled her aviation enthusiasm. Performing volunteer hours with the chapter, she worked on the 1946 Piper Cub restoration project and is currently working on the follow-on RV-10 build. Under the tutelage of EAA Chapter 524 members, she gained exposure and training in the mechanical and theoretical aspects of flight. This mentoring has further fueled her desire to become an aeronautical engineer.
However, the flying aspect of her scholarship experience faced one setback after another. Airplane maintenance, weather, and CFI scheduling issues plagued her instructional regimen. The COVID-19 quarantine further impeded progress with more delay. Raegan’s regular trainer aircraft was a Cessna 150. Additionally, she flew a Cessna 172 and an RV-12 when both 150s were not available. The actual flying aspect came quickly once she added a “pillow” to elevate her view out of the airplane. She credits previous glider training for achieving a “feel for thermal lifts and proper rudder control.”
When asked what advice she gives aspiring pilots, she said, “Never give anyone your original documents. Please give them a copy because folders and documents tend to disappear. Second, take your written FAA flight test early in your flight training. Knock it out ahead of time so you can focus on your flying, landing, or getting used to a new instructor. Third, concerning the oral exam; listening, reading, writing, what helps you learn the best. Find what works for you; I used an audiobook, scribbled notes, and found a few images that helped me to master difficult areas.”
In the end, it was hard work and the dedication of two CFIs from Bravo Flight Training that facilitated private pilot certification completion. Raegan contends that it was “perseverance, my family’s support, and the local aviation community that made all the difference.” Raegan hopes to pay it forward and continues to encourage local youth and her peers to pursue their dreams of flight, stay the course, and dig deep for the willpower to achieve that goal.
“My father taught me that there are many avenues to success,” she said. “You must remain positive on your journey because nothing ever works out the way you planned. Never lose sight of your goal, adjust your course when necessary, adapt and overcome, and you will achieve your dreams!”