The idea of flying a plane of any kind is often daunting and mysterious. Glancing into the cockpit of a plane may send shivers down the spine – or inspire.
At Avit Flight Academy at Mansfield’s Lahm Airport, expert instructors are sparking that inspiration with each flight and each student, making aviation dreams accessible through personalized training.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Molly Clow initially wanted to get into aerospace engineering, while flying on the side. Her senior year of high school, she obtained her private pilots license with an instructor in Mount Vernon.
With more flying experience under her wing, she decided to pursue a flight instructor certification while attending college. She discovered a love for not only flying – but teaching as well.
“I discovered I enjoyed spreading the knowledge of science. I didn’t want to be in aerospace engineering anymore, I just wanted to go fly. And that’s what I’m doing,” Clow said.
“You take someone up in the sky who’s never flown before and their eyes just kind of light up…especially if they’ve never been on an airplane before. One of the most rewarding parts is seeing their reaction and watching their love of aviation begin to blossom.”
Avit offers a wide variety of aircraft to learn in, some offering closer experiences to the sky, instructors encouraging students to touch the clouds – literally. The academy offers students access to both Cessna and Piper aircraft, providing different perspectives and experiences that help pilots find their comfort zone.
High-wing airplanes offer different viewpoints than low-wing airplanes. When learning maneuvers and how to correct for weather and wind, different aircrafts work better for different people.
Lexington High School graduate Kylie Gottman obtained her private pilots after returning home to the Richland County area after college. She is now a CFI at Avit Flight Academy.
Gottman’s childhood offered her an inside look into different aspects of the aviation industry, as her mother was in the Navy doing maintenance work on various aircraft. However, to those without a direct connection, aviation can seem out of reach.
“The aviation community here is so uplifting and positive. You don’t just work with one instructor. Multiple planes and multiple instructors. A big part of learning how to fly is being involved in the flight community, because you don’t know what you don’t know. Ask questions. People are there for you and want to see you succeed,” Gottman said.
Mikayla Gibson, CFI at Avit, emphasizes Gottman’s point.
“Mansfield Airport has a beautiful FBO and amazing staff. The controllers are extremely friendly and understanding to less experienced pilots that may say or do the wrong thing. Mansfield is a wonderful place to begin your journey because it has instructors dedicated to ensuring your success. The airport also has good plane availability, updated facilities, and a pace that is tailored to each individual student,” Gibson said.
One of Avit’s strongest advantages is its flexible, student-centered approach to training.
“You’re able to personalize your training,” Clow said.
Of course, certain requirements must be met, but if a student wants to focus on specific things, they can. Whether students are pursuing aviation as a hobby or a career, instructors tailor their experience at Avit Flight Academy to match their goals.
For those interested in aviation but unsure where to begin, it is recommended to start with a discovery flight. It’s important to know your limits and comfortability prior to buying lessons.
“Talk to any pilot you possibly can because there is no right or wrong way to get to where you want to go,” Clow said.
The aviation industry continues to evolve, with increasing opportunities for diverse candidates—including women, who currently make up just 5% of airline pilots in America.
“Everyday this percentage increases,” Gibson said.
The path to becoming a pilot may seem complex, but at Avit Flight Academy, students find more than just flight training—they find mentors who understand the journey because they’ve lived it themselves. With a commitment to safety, personalized instruction, and a supportive community, Avit Flight Academy is helping the next generation of pilots transform their aviation dreams into reality.
Contact Avit Flight Academy today to schedule your discovery flight and take the first step toward your pilot’s license. Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avitflight/
