Debrief

High-flying pianist

Joanne Pearce Martin is the principal keyboardist at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The dramatic, fluid design of the L.A. landmark mirrors the free spirit of its resident pianist. Pearce Martin is an aerobatic pilot, skydiver, BASE jumper, and owns an FFA AS/202 Bravo with her husband, Gavin Martin (also a keyboardist). She is the daughter of a Wright Brothers Master Pilot award winner, Robert Pearce, who started his daughter flying “in the womb” in the family Bonanza.

Started in aviation… I’ve been in small airplanes my whole life because my dad is a pilot—he’s 88 years old and still flies his Baron every week.

Early challenges… Forcing myself to stay on the ground to study the technical aspects of flying, because all I ever wanted to do is just get up there and fly!

Hardest lessons… Navigational lessons when I was working on my instrument rating.

Aviation activity… Flying to gatherings of other pilots—the ultimate being our flight to Oshkosh [AirVenture] from Los Angeles.

Favorite aircraft… I’ve always had a major crush on the Pitts. A big fantasy is also to somehow get to fly a P-51 Mustang. My husband and I are proud to own an FFA Bravo, a Swiss-built aerobatic lowwing plane with inverted oil and fuel systems.

Advice for students… Educate yourself! Of course you learn from your instructor, but there are so many additional ways to supplement your training. Surf the Internet, watch videos of accomplished pilots and aviation educators, or read several books on one of your problem areas.

One More Thing… Don’t give up, even when something is frustrating you. Always keep your eyes on the prize—a pilot’s license is something you’ll be proud to have forever.