Dreams of Flight: My Journey in Aviation

Early Fascination

Living the Dream

My earliest memories are colored by an irresistible fascination with airplanes. Whenever the distant hum of an engine drifted overhead, I would immediately look up, mesmerized by the sight of these machines soaring through the sky. I was consumed by curiosity—how did they manage to fly?

As a young child, I built simple airplane models from sticks I found in the yard, tying them together and imagining their flight as I imitated the rumble of engines. Sometimes it was the steady thrum of a piston engine; other times, the sharp roar of a jet.

The Rocket City Experience

Growing up in Huntsville, Alabama—aptly nicknamed "The Rocket City"—during the Space Race, I often saw every manner of aircraft overhead. Commercial airliners with four engines mixed with swift military jets, and for an observant child, the sky was a boundless source of adventure.

Building Models and Discovering Joy

As my interest deepened, I started building model airplanes. Some were plastic, destined for display, while others were made to fly; Control Line models were my favorite. After saving money from cutting grass and other odd jobs, I would buy the most essential component: the engine. From there, I could select the model, construct it, and take it to the skies.

Flying these models was exhilarating, but I found true satisfaction in the process of building and repairing them. I became engrossed in understanding how the engine worked and the importance of each part. Improving flight performance and mastering repairs after crashes became especially rewarding.

Pursuing Aviation Education

After high school, a summer spent working construction quickly showed me the importance of higher education. In the absence of the internet, researching aviation schools meant poring over magazines, books, and speaking with people at local airports. Eventually, I identified a nearby school that was both accessible and affordable.

My goal was to learn the inner workings of real aircraft, so I enrolled in a 21-month course to become a certified aircraft mechanic. At first, I didn’t fully grasp what the certification entailed, but I was eager and enthusiastic. Every day, I woke early, attended classes, and absorbed as much knowledge as possible.

Hands-on Experience and Living the Dream

Joining the flying club gave me invaluable experience: I soloed in a Piper J3, completed my check ride in a Piper Super Cub, and built flight hours in Cessna 150s, 172s, and a 177RG. I was so deeply immersed in aviation that considerations about future employment never crossed my mind; I was living my dream.

A Lifetime of Flight

Nearly five decades later, I still stop and look up every time an airplane passes by. Aviation has given me a life filled with remarkable experiences, international connections, and purposeful travel. Whether I was hot, cold, or covered in oil or hydraulic fluid, every moment felt like part of a grand adventure—not just a job.

Finding Your Place in Aviation

If you feel the same passion for aviation, know that there is a place for you in this community. Your experiences will shape you, whether you choose to fly, maintain aircraft, or support the industry in other ways. Together, we build an industry that transforms lives and opens up the world.

I followed my dreams. Now it’s your turn.

Jeffery Howard

Stay Safe, Stay Strong, and Stay Professional