We are proud to spotlight an exceptional individual in the world of aviation, Shay Carter, the 2023 recipient of the Colorado Pilots Association Scholarship. Shay's journey and achievements are a testament to her dedication and inspiration to aspiring aviators everywhere.
Q: Please introduce yourself.
A: My name is Shay Carter, and I’m working on my commercial pilot’s rating through Aims Community College here in northern Colorado. I moved here from Arizona, where I went to Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor’s in Earth and Space Exploration and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering. I received my PPL in May 2023 and finished my Instrument Rating in December 2023. I am to finish my commercial rating, tailwheel endorsement, multiengine and certified flight instructor ratings all in 2024.
Q: At what point did your fascination with aviation first spark?
A: My introduction to general aviation came through the world of skydiving. I began skydiving in 2018 and earned all my licenses. When we moved to Colorado I found a group of skydivers who are also pilots and own their own planes. Spending time around them and their aircraft really fueled my interest in learning how to fly more than just a skydiving parachute.
Q: What are some of the first steps you took to pursue your passion?
A: The first step I took after I decided I wanted to pursue flight training was to look into a way to finance the training. That search lead me to Aims Community College. Since it is a college I was able to get assistance for tuition and fees. The very next step was to get my FAA medical done to make sure I can fly, and then moved forward with getting approved through the TSA since I’m a Canadian citizen.
Q: Do you have a role model or someone you admire within the aviation industry whose achievements inspire your aspirations?
A: My biggest role model in the aviation industry is my friend Marion Stemmer. She’s one of the people in the group of pilots I met here in Colorado, and out of the whole group she is the most experienced pilot of them all. She’s a very talented skydiver and incredible pilot and I just hope to one day be a fraction as talented as she is.
Q: How did you discover the Colorado Pilots Association scholarship program?
A: I found the Colorado Pilots Association scholarship through word of mouth from my instructor at Aims, who was a former scholarship recipient herself, Sara Bauermeister.
Q: How did you approach the application process, and what advice would you offer to future applicants?
A: I tried to tell my story and be unique to set myself apart from other potential applicants. I think telling your own story and finding something that makes you different can help in the application process.
Q: In what ways has receiving the scholarship influenced your career path and long-term goals?
A: The scholarship helped me complete my instrument flight training this fall and I was able to earn that rating in the timeframe I aimed for. I also had the privilege of attending the CPA annual meeting and attending the holiday party which was a great experience and I hope I’ve made a few new connections because of it.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or accomplishment during your time as a scholarship recipient?
A: Passing my instrument check ride has probably been my most memorable accomplishment since receiving the scholarship. Instrument flight training takes a lot of work and the journey can be pretty exhausting. Passing the final check ride was a huge moment of relief and happiness for me.me is Shay Carter, and I’m working on my commercial pilot’s rating through Aims Community College here in northern Colorado. I moved here from Arizona, where I went to Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor’s in Earth and Space Exploration and a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering. I received my PPL in May 2023 and finished my Instrument Rating in December 2023. I am to finish my commercial rating, tailwheel endorsement, multiengine and certified flight instructor ratings all in 2024.
Q: At what point did your fascination with aviation first spark?
A: My introduction to general aviation came through the world of skydiving. I began skydiving in 2018 and earned all my licenses. When we moved to Colorado I found a group of skydivers who are also pilots and own their own planes. Spending time around them and their aircraft really fueled my interest in learning how to fly more than just a skydiving parachute.
Q: What are some of the first steps you took to pursue your passion?
A: The first step I took after I decided I wanted to pursue flight training was to look into a way to finance the training. That search lead me to Aims Community College. Since it is a college I was able to get assistance for tuition and fees. The very next step was to get my FAA medical done to make sure I can fly, and then moved forward with getting approved through the TSA since I’m a Canadian citizen.
Q: Do you have a role model or someone you admire within the aviation industry whose achievements inspire your aspirations?
A: My biggest role model in the aviation industry is my friend Marion Stemmer. She’s one of the people in the group of pilots I met here in Colorado, and out of the whole group she is the most experienced pilot of them all. She’s a very talented skydiver and incredible pilot and I just hope to one day be a fraction as talented as she is.
Q: How did you discover the Colorado Pilots Association scholarship program?
A: I found the Colorado Pilots Association scholarship through word of mouth from my instructor at Aims, who was a former scholarship recipient herself, Sara Bauermeister.
Q: How did you approach the application process, and what advice would you offer to future applicants?
A: I tried to tell my story and be unique to set myself apart from other potential applicants. I think telling your own story and finding something that makes you different can help in the application process.
Q: In what ways has receiving the scholarship influenced your career path and long-term goals?
A: The scholarship helped me complete my instrument flight training this fall and I was able to earn that rating in the timeframe I aimed for. I also had the privilege of attending the CPA annual meeting and attending the holiday party which was a great experience and I hope I’ve made a few new connections because of it.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or accomplishment during your time as a scholarship recipient?
A: Passing my instrument check ride has probably been my most memorable accomplishment since receiving the scholarship. Instrument flight training takes a lot of work and the journey can be pretty exhausting. Passing the final check ride was a huge moment of relief and happiness for me.
Do you want to learn to fly or know someone who does? 2024 CPA scholarship application is live: Click here