Student pilot turning lifelong dream into reality
“Defying gravity and leaving the bounds of earth in an airplane is the best feeling in the world.” That’s how Zachary Erck describes his lifelong passion for aviation. As a wee lad growing up in Camarillo, California, Zachary often visited the Waypoint Café at the Camarillo Airport with his family. He was awestruck by the aircraft, the pilots and the pilots’ tales. It was during a Discovery Flight for his 13th birthday that Zachary finally had the opportunity to take the controls. After breaking through a low overcast layer, he was introduced to a sunny new world above that beckoned him with endless opportunities.
Zachary Erck is the latest recipient of Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship, an award he intends to apply toward accomplishing his dream of becoming an airline pilot. Since that magical first flight more than 20 years ago, Erck, with the help of his supportive family, has taken several more Discovery Flights. Until recently, though, he had never been in a position to pursue aviation as a career.
After a decade of success in the hazmat trucking industry, a timely nudge from his mother inspired Erck to embark on flight training at Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ) situated near his home in Marana, Arizona. He continues to effectively balance his full-time job hauling fuel, attending flight school, and managing his family responsibilities. Learning from some talented instructors at Noble Aire Flight School, Erck completed his first solo flight in a Cessna Skyhawk, with just over 15 hours of flight time. He is quickly nearing completion of his Private Pilot certificate.
“I’ve always been a hard worker and dedicated 110% to what was in front of me and what was important,” said Erck. “That includes my family, my job, and my future goals. This scholarship will get me that much closer to my dream of becoming an airline pilot.”
Erck is utilizing Sporty’s online Learn to Fly course to complete his ground training and FAA knowledge test. He intends to transition into Sporty’s Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Training Course as he progresses through his certifications. Ultimately, Erck wants to inspire others by becoming a certified flight instructor and sharing his passion for flying with his students.
Sporty’s Pilot Training+ is an all-inclusive membership that unlocks Sporty’s complete library of award-winning, video-based courses for one annual fee. Membership also includes the opportunity to apply for three $2,500 scholarships, awarded annually.
Subscribe to Sporty’s Pilot Training+ by visiting Sportys.com/PilotTraining.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
Zachary Erck is the recipient of Sporty's Pilot Training+ Scholarship.
As a child growing up in Camarillo, California, Zachary often visited the Camarillo Airport with his family.
Erck intends to apply the award toward accomplishing his dream of becoming an airline pilot.
