Florida Catholic | Student Pilot

At seventeen, student pilots his future

Cardinal Mooney Student, Chris York, is one of the youngest private pilots in the nation.

FLORIDA CATHOLIC STAFF REPORT

Published: 02.15.08

Cardinal Mooney High School junior Chris York stands beside a Cessna 172, which is one type of airplane that he flies. Chris, 17, received his FAA private pilot’s license in October 2007.
Courtesy Photo

Last summer, Chris York was not only preparing to return to Cardinal Mooney High School for his junior year. He was pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot.

After spending the summer in an intensive pilot-training program through Cirrus Aviation at Sarasota International Airport, Chris passed the Federal Aviation Administration’s ground school and his flight exams.

In October 2007, at age 17, Chris received his FAA private pilot’s license, making him one of the youngest pilots in the nation.

“We watched Chris grow from an adolescent into a young man over a summer of dedication to achieving his dream,” said Nayda Rivera, administrative director at Cirrus Aviation.

“He noticeably changed as he matured and prepared himself to accept the responsibility of handling an aircraft in the sky.”

Chris said he is inspired by stories of his great uncle, David Dottle, a World War II bomber pilot who was killed in action.

Chris also credits his teachers at Cardinal Mooney High School for the encouragement he receives that inspires him “to reach for the stars, or in my case, the sky,” he said.

Chris plans to continue his training, obtain higher pilot ratings and possibly pursue a career in aviation.

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At seventeen, student pilots his future

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