Joseph Mensah ~ Aviation

My CBL experience allowed me to commit to a career as a professional pilot by exposing me to the industry, connecting me with current and retired pilots, and helping me find my eventual path toward where I am today as a commercial pilot. 

My first experience getting to fly a small airplane came in my junior year of high school when I had a discovery flight that was funded by the Community Based Learning (CBL) program. It was then that I came to the realization that flying was one of the only activities that truly excited me. Following my discovery flight, I worked alongside a community partner named Scott Fortney to fly drones, learn how to use a flight simulator, and explore what was needed to pursue flying as a career. After concluding my CBL with Scott, I was sure that I wanted to become a pilot.

I found joy in flying. Unlike with school, I was happy, excited, and eager to study because I was genuinely interested in all aspects of aviation from physics to the mechanics of the plane. As I approached my senior year of high school, I wanted to do another CBL experience to kick-start my journey in aviation. I met with EAA Chapter 613 scholarship chairwoman Beth White, EAA 1303626, who visited my school and chatted with me and my adviser about pursuing aviation for credit. I joined the flying club at Franklin County and took my first lesson with Kyle Bedard, EAA 1355775, on the first of March 2020.

Earning my private pilot certificate as part of my high school program enabled me to begin my academic journey before going to college.I am especially grateful that I got to explore my interests early on in my high school through the CBL program. As I soar above the clouds and see beautiful sites, I am thankful that I am living a life I am passionate about — it is an epic journey, and it is mine.