Mia’s Journey To Becoming A Pilot

At what age did you decide that you wanted to be a pilot? The first time I ever thought about becoming a pilot was about three years ago when I was just 16 years old.

How did you become interested in flying? My parents are my inspiration, but what especially drove me to that field is thinking about what job I’ll do in the army. I wanted to become a simulator instructor in the Air Force, like my mother. She got her private pilot license when she was only 18 and that’s how she managed to get that job in the army. I decided that I wanted to do the same but ended up getting a simulator instructor job in the artillery corps. although I still managed to fulfill my dream of becoming a private pilot, one week before I had to return to Israel and enlist.

Does anyone else in your family fly? Yes, both my parents are airline pilots in Israel, and both are Captains.

Is flying a career for you? I hope it will be a career in the future. There is a long way ahead but I’m determined to keep on going.

Do you plan to be an airline pilot? In what part of the world? Yes, although nothing is set in stone yet, and a lot can change during my time in the army. I’m still not sure where, but after the amazing experience I had, learning to fly in the states, you can be sure that I’ll be back there sooner or later.

Is it hard to convert your FAA pilot certificates to an Israeli pilot license? In order to convert the FAA pilot certificate to an Israeli pilot license, you have to numerous written exams and pass the practical exam, so it’s basically like doing your PPL all over again except you already have the aeronautical experience required.

What is next for you now that you have earned your FAA Private Pilot Certificate? There is a lot I aspire to achieve next, like getting my instrument rating, becoming a commercial pilot and maybe even an instructor. The one thing I can say for sure is that I plan on keeping on learning and flying as much as I can!

What was the best part of your flight training here in the United States? It’s hard to only pick one, But the best thing has to be the level of professionalism. I loved studying in such an environment. Other than that, it’s a huge country with an infinite amount of unique and breathtaking views.

How long will you serve in the Israeli Army? I’ll serve two years and eight months.

After your time in the Army, will you return to the states for more flight training? Absolutely! I can’t wait to come back and resume my flight training!