We asked our flight instructor Tess Landis, CFI, about her experience and why she loves flying. Read more below!
Q: How did you get into flying?
A: Ever since I was little I looked up to my Dad. He was an Air Force pilot and now at an airliner. Seeing all the places he got to travel to peaked my interests. When I was in high school I did a discovery flight and fell in love with being in the sky. So, when I went to college I chose aviation as my major.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a pilot?
A: I knew I wanted to be a pilot when I got the first rush of taking over the controls. I loved how I was in charge of the aircraft and I could decide where I wanted to fly to.
Q: What do you think is important when choosing a flight school?
A: When choosing a flight school I believe the atmosphere is very important. You want to fit in and enjoy going to the airport every day.
Q: What do you like most about being an instructor?
A: I love being able to share all the information I have learned about flying to another person. Seeing them have the “aha” moment when something clicks in their mind makes me so happy.
Q: What is your most memorable flying experience?
A: My favorite flying experience was renting 2 airplanes and having a group of 8 of us fly to the Keys and go snorkeling then flying back. Not everyone can say they went to the keys for the day to snorkel.
Q: What advice would you give students?
A: My best advice is to always try your best, no one will fault you for trying.
Q: What advice would you give individuals interested in instructing?
A: If you are interested in instructing try teaching a non-aviation friend about a subject. If you like doing that then teaching will be good for you.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: After flight instructing for a few years I want to join the corporate world for a little while. But eventually I want to make it to the major airlines.
Q: If you could fly anywhere, where would it be?
A: If I could fly anywhere I would want to start in Europe and fly over all the major cities. I love seeing the world from above, and I want to tour Europe from the sky.
