“I’ve wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember,” remarked Ruia. “My career goal is to work for a large aerospace company at the intersection of business and aviation.” Ruia will graduate high school this spring and has plans to enroll in an industrial or aerospace engineering program.
Ruia saved for nearly four years to fund his Private Pilot training, primarily tutoring youth in mathematics and flute performance. “I have a passion for teaching people skills that I possess,” Ruia commented. “One of the most satisfying aspects of teaching for me is seeing students succeed.”
Ruia will use his award to begin Instrument training at Global Pilot Academy in Tampa. He hopes to pursue his passion for teaching as a flight instructor and later, a designated pilot examiner. Because he has always been a nervous test-taker, Ruia hopes to help alleviate the added pressure students often experience that comes with checkride day through an empathetic and understanding approach to his evaluation technique.
Sporty’s Flight Crew is a three-level customer benefit program that rewards customers with access to training programs, unlimited free shipping, an on-call personal Sporty’s shopper, and more. The top two levels (gold and platinum) include the opportunity to apply for a $2,500 flying scholarship.
It’s easy to enroll as a Sporty’s Flight Crew member by visiting sportys.com/flightcrew.
