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Success Story

A 12-year project

Ready to share the freedom of flight

Success Stories

Matthew Sellers (center) with CFI Gary Whaley (left) and Eric Goins (right).

Name: Matthew Sellers
Age: 29
Event: Private pilot checkride
Where: Wayne Executive Jetport (GWW), Goldsboro, North Carolina
Airplane: Cessna 172M

 

I started flight training while in high school in 2003. I was a recipient of an Order of Daedalians flight scholarship. This was a partial scholarship, so I wasn’t able to complete my flight training, as money is tight for a high school student. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from 2004 to 2008 on the USS Enterprise.

Following my service I moved back to North Carolina and began serving my community with the Goldsboro Police Department. It was there I met Eric Goins, who was already a private pilot. Eric inspired me to try again for my certificate (as my financial status had changed a bit), so I did.

During my flight training my son was born (May 2014). This, along with other obligations in life, slowed my progress—but I did not give up. I studied, trained, and on July 8, I passed my checkride. It felt amazing to know that I have accomplished something so important to me, something that I started 12 years ago, and that I will have the honor of sharing with my friends and family—the freedom of flight.

‘Help inspire new pilots’

His career is taking off

Success StoriesI want to thank you for your Facebook page and all that you all do to help inspire new pilots and keep the ones in training inspired. I hope to see much more of AOPA as my flying career continues, as I passed my checkride on July 31 at Tulsa International Airport. My home airport is McAlester Regional Airport in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Name: David Hartsfield
Age: 30
Event: Private pilot checkride
Where: Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Airplane: Cessna 172N

David Hartsfield (left) with DPE Lee Romanek.

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AOPA Flight Training staff
AOPA Flight Training Staff editors are experienced pilots and flight instructors dedicated to supporting student pilots, pilots, and flight instructors in lifelong learning.

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