Wiregrass High senior aims high: pilot's license by December

“There's your high school down there," said flight instructor Jim Spears while Kate Travis guided the Cessna 172 "Skyhawk" from 1,500 feet. Spears pointed to Wiregrass Ranch High School, where Travis, 18, is a senior.

Kate Travis started flying about a year ago, after she got a flight lesson as a birthday present from her family. Her father was a pilot, so it might be in her blood. She hopes to have her pilot's license by December so she can take her dad up for a flight as his Christmas present. She hopes to someday fly for the Air Force or a commercial airline.

"It's the hardest thing you can learn how to do. It's not easy," said Travis, "but it's very rewarding."

Edward Linsmier, Times Staff Writer