By Isabella Downton, Northern Manitoba
My student pilot journey did not begin with a discovery flight, it began when I was five years old. My family co-owned a floatplane charter business, and I grew up in this environment. On one particular day, we were taking a trip in the Noorduyn Norseman. I sat on my dad’s lap in the right seat and put my hands on the controls. I looked to my left and saw the pilot raise his hands to indicate I was the one flying. I focused hard on keeping the airplane flying and there was no going back after that; I had caught the bug.
In high school, I applied to the local aviation school which was known to be a tough program. Unfortunately, my offer of acceptance in 2020 was rescinded due to COVID. I waited another year and finally was able to begin flight training in 2021. I earned my private and commercial licenses in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It’s a beautiful city and was a great place to learn how to fly.
Flying is a skill that did not come naturally to me. Being a pilot was my life’s dream and I had to work extra hard to accomplish it. Looking back on my experience, I realize that my largest problem was my confidence. I had yet to realize that half of learning to fly was having the right mindset. I spent 16 months working toward my PPL. During this time, I was grateful to my patient and encouraging instructor who stuck with me while I overcame struggles. After what seemed like a lifetime, I passed my flight test. Things changed for me after I realized I was capable of being a pilot. As I progressed through my time building, my confidence grew along with my humility. Five months later I passed my CPL flight test.
Reflecting on my time as a student pilot, I realize that I am still a student (and not just because I have more ratings to complete). I am a big proponent of lifelong learning. Becoming an instructor has driven home the idea that we are constantly evolving and learning new skills from not only our teachers but also pilots before us, our colleagues, and our students. Despite my journey being challenging, it helped me grow into the person and pilot I am today.
Now, I am on a new adventure, flying floatplanes in northern Manitoba. I can’t help but be grateful that I pushed myself so I can enjoy aviation for all the things it has to offer.