“Growing up in the Detroit metro area, I was surrounded by family, tradition, and a whole lot of hard work. In our Italian-speaking household, the values of dedication and pride ran deep—lessons I learned from watching my family build and grow our construction business. For a long time, I thought I’d follow in their footsteps. But something else was calling me. Even as a kid, I couldn’t shake the pull I felt every time I looked up and saw a plane streak across the sky.
At just 12 years old, I convinced my parents to let me start flying lessons. By the time I was in high school, I had my Private Pilot’s License (PPL). That little piece of paper was proof that my passion for aviation wasn’t just a fleeting childhood dream. I worked and flew whenever I could, determined to turn that passion into a career.
Then came the turning point. I’ll never forget the day Skyborne Aviation Academy entered my life. It wasn’t planned—I heard about it on a random radio ad during my drive to work. Something about it stuck, so I dug a little deeper. A couple of months later, I found myself wandering through SUN n’ Fun, where I stumbled across the Skyborne booth. One campus tour and an application later, I knew I’d found the perfect place to take my dreams to the next level.
In what felt like no time, I packed up my life at 19 and moved to Florida to train at Skyborne. Leaving home was no small thing for me. I’d never been so far from my family, and suddenly being 1,000 miles away from everything I knew was daunting. I won’t lie—there were tough days. The demands of training are intense, and at first, I struggled to adjust without my usual support system nearby.
But, Florida quickly became a second home. Skyborne wasn’t just a place to learn; it was a community. I was surrounded by people who shared the same dream, the same drive, and the same willingness to embrace the highs and lows of training. We leaned on each other, celebrated our wins, and powered through our challenges together. The friendships I’ve build here are for life, and I’m beyond grateful for them.
To anyone considering a career in aviation, here’s what I’ve learned: nothing worth having comes easy, and being a pilot is no exception. This path demands precision, trust, and complete dedication. It’s not just a job; it’s a responsibility. The stakes are high because lives will one day depend on you.
But the rewards? They’re unmatched. This isn’t just a career—it’s a lifestyle. The aviation industry is filled with passionate, driven people who love what they do. And when you’re up there in the sky, there’s nothing else like it.
If flying has ever crossed your mind, start with an discovery flight. That first step could lead you to the most incredible journey of your life. Because the sky? It’s waiting.”
– Sergio I.
