So You Want to Be a Pilot? How One Homeschool Dad Took to the Skies

“Flying a plane is a lot like life—it’s never exactly what you expect, but if you’re prepared, it can be the adventure of a lifetime.” That’s how Nate, a commercial airline pilot and Air Force veteran, opened our latest homeschool Career Day talk. What started as a curious ninth grader on a dairy farm turned into a 20-year Air Force career and a smooth landing in commercial aviation. And the best part? He wants your homeschooler to know—it’s possible for them too.

Nate didn’t grow up with connections in aviation. No silver spoon. No family pilots. Just a local air show and a spark of curiosity. He was raised on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania and thought he might become a state trooper—until that air show changed everything. “It wasn’t just that I thought flying was cool. I realized…I could actually do it.”

He pursued an engineering degree in college, joined ROTC, and entered the Air Force as a navigator. Eventually, his persistence and passion opened the door to pilot training. After two decades in the military—flying fighters, navigating combat airspace, and even training the next generation—he transitioned into a civilian role. Today, he flies commercial jets across the U.S. and international routes with all the passion of that same teenage boy at the air show.

What stood out most in our conversation was this: he loves his job.

In Nate’s words:

“I can unequivocally say I love what I do. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfect for me.”

He spoke about the freedom of scheduling, the excitement of navigating unpredictable weather, and even the joy of doing pre-flight checks on the tarmac. But he was also honest: aviation isn’t for everyone. There’s turbulence—literally and metaphorically. There’s training, unpredictability, and constant change, especially with AI and automation on the horizon. But if your student loves it, the journey is worth it.

So what can a homeschooler do right now if they’re interested in aviation?

Nate gave some golden guidance:

• Get good grades. College may not be required, but it helps.

• Save for flight training. A private pilot’s license can cost $10,000+.

• Test the waters. Try a local aviation club or intro flight.

• Keep a strong work ethic. Discipline and initiative are key in aviation—and life.

• Explore military pathways. For those interested, it can fund training and provide unmatched experience.

Above all, Nate emphasized this truth: “You don’t have to come from money, or connections, or know a single person in aviation. If God puts it on your heart and you’re willing to work for it—it’s possible.”

Let this message take flight in your home:

1. Apply this mindset: Help your child see that passion and persistence matter more than pedigree. Let them explore career paths—even ones that seem unreachable. And remind them, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

2. Subscribe to the Level Up newsletter for more career day spotlights, homeschool encouragement, and real stories that spark purpose.

3. Share this article with another homeschool parent whose child dreams of flying—or doing anything bold and extraordinary. Let’s build faith-fueled futures together.

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