Earning a Private Pilot's License
Congratulations to Emma Errickson whose passion for aviation, talent, and perseverance took her to the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy this past summer where she earned her private pilot's license! Emma is one of approximately 1,000 students who have qualified for and taken advantage of this program since it was launched in 2018. Out of the 1,000 who qualified, Emma is one of 861 candidates (79%) who has succeeded.
Applying for the Program
In order to apply for the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy program, Cadets must be currently enrolled in an Air Force Junior ROTC program in their high schools, have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), and be in good standing in their unit. As part of the application, candidates also take an Air Force aviation aptitude test, submit recommendations from teachers, and stand out for having, "a strong interest in aviation and a 'never-quit' attitude."
Once selected, cadets are sent to one of 24 partnering universities to participate in a challenging eight-week summer program, an experience that's fully funded by the United States Air Force. Emma's flight academy took place at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona with 22 other candidates from across the U.S. In 2023, over 300 candidates were reportedly trained nation-wide as a part of the Air Force Junior ROTC Flight Academy.
About the Experience
As part of the program, each cadet was assigned their own instructor. Training looked like a combination of ground and flight school experiences. This included executing pre-flight check-lists, engaging in flight simulators, developing flight plans, practicing emergency procedures, passing regular exams, and, of course, completing training exercises in flight. What was the initial payoff for all the hard work? Earning the opportunity to fly solo!
"Crossing the Grand Canyon was amazing!" Emma said of one of the cross country flights she was required to complete in order to earn her license. "It was just beautiful. There's nothing else like it!" A "cross country" flight is considered to be anything over 100 miles.
Through 4:00am wake-up calls, trials and successes, Emma was resolute, never losing the motivation to represent herself, her family, and the United States Air Force to the best of her ability. At the end of the program she returned to Colorado Springs with 125 total flight hours and her private pilot's license, something that often takes pilots 6-12 months to complete.
Congratulations, Emma!
Congratulations on earning your wings, Emma! Your achievements and steadfast leadership make the entire Pine Creek Community proud.
Go, Eagles!
*In addition to AFJROTC, Emma earned an Activity letter in National Tech Honor Society, is an active member of CyberPatriot, National German Honor Society, and Deutsch Club, and plays club ice hockey for the Colorado Springs Tigers, a women’s hockey team comprised of players 19 years of age and under.
