Freshman Earning His Wings

Leonardo da Vinci said, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” Krum student Triston Shotts can relate. The 14 year old freshman not only has the desire to fly, he’s doing something about it. “When you’re flying through clouds at 7,500 feet you feel like you're the only one left on earth,” said Shotts. Shotts is in the process of getting his pilot's license. Although you can begin training at age 12, people tend to be around 16 or 17 when they get their pilot’s license. Inspired by an airborne relative, Shotts has wanted to pursue getting his license since he was eight years old. “My uncle Tim got me started on flying lessons,” said Shotts. The amount of time it takes to get qualified just depends on your age and how fast of a learner you are. While you’re up in the plane, you have to wear a seatbelt and a headset. Shotts says the process is time consuming, and includes Co-piloting and solo flying. “You have to log at least 40 hours of flying time,” he said. “You fly solo once that’s complete, and you have to get a check ride.” Triston plans on attending Oklahoma State University for their aviation program and later becoming a corporate jet pilot.