Red Tail Aviators

Belated congratulations to Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Senior High School Red Tail Aviator Richard Koy for completing his first solo flight on 18 DEC 2023. Great job!

We asked Davis Red Tail Aviator Nathaniel Sanchez what it was to fly by himself for the first time (First Solo Flight 08 NOV 23). This is what he had to say:

"I was sitting in the plane with nobody in there but me getting ready for my first time flying solo. The whole time I was kind of nervous but also super excited. Sitting in the plane all by myself was cool, and I couldn’t wait to taxi to the runway. Once I hit the sky, it was like this crazy mix of freedom and responsibility.

Flying all by myself was totally different. I had my instructor's advice in my head the whole flight as I made every action. The solo flight was like a moment of reflection, and I couldn't believe I was up there, doing my thing. I couldn’t wait to land and see and hear how proud my family was. Landing back on solid ground after that solo flight was like a mix of relief and accomplishment. It wasn't just about handling the plane—it felt like I'd leveled up from a newbie to someone who could really fly solo. That first solo flight. It's stuck in my memory as this awesome mix of conquering fears and riding the high of being up in the sky."

Congratulations, Nate!

Davis Red Tail Aviation in the news!

Girls in Aviation Day is Saturday, and one local teen pilot is what it’s all about At 16 years old, Aaliyha Hunter has already logged seven hours of flight time behind the controls of small planes with an instructor by her side.

Davis High School student pilot Jacob Pabon has been recognized as the Aviation CTE department's Outstanding Senior for the 2023 graduating class. Jacob has applied to United's AVIATE Academy as well as Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and will likely have a difficult decision to make very soon.