Menu

Topics

Connect

Comments

Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.

Warman, Sask. teen one of youngest pilots in North America

WATCH ABOVE: Sask. teen one of youngest pilots in North America – Sep 10, 2019

As far as she can remember, Sara Striker has been hooked on life in the skies.

Story continues below advertisement

“My dad flew ever since I was born, so I started to fly in the right seat since I was two,” she said.

Since then, the 14-year-old from Warman, Sask., went up with her dad on his floatplane whenever she could.

“She’s always had her hands on the controls and just mimicked my movements in the aircraft,” said Sara’s dad, Ron.

“She took an interest in flying more at a little later age.”

In March, Sara began her training at Millennium Aviation — starting with ground school.

On Aug. 30 — her 14th birthday — she finished her solo flight and got her permit; making her one of North America’s youngest pilots.

Story continues below advertisement
Sara Striker after her solo flight. Courtesy: Chris Striker

“It was my new year’s resolution,” Sara explained.

The daily email you need for 's top news stories.

“Flying is my hobby and instead of getting trophies and medals, I get my student pilot permit, so that was pretty cool.”

The permit means Sara can fly solo under the supervision of a flight instructor, but she has to wait until she’s 16 to get her recreational licence.

She admits the experience was nerve-wracking.

Story continues below advertisement

“All I thought was just fly the plane because you’ve been doing it for the past three months and your entire life,” Sara said.

For her parents, it was a proud moment, but there was no denying the butterflies.

“I always said that Sara would be able to fly instinctively,” said Sara’s mom, Chris. “But as soon as those wheels came off the tarmac I was just a wreck.”

“I know she can fly, she’s been flying a floatplane with me for years, but to actually see it happen, yeah I was pretty nervous,” Ron admitted.

As for Sara, this is the beginning of what she hopes turns into a long career — maybe even inspiring others along the way.

Story continues below advertisement

“Go in with high hopes and determination,” she said.

Advertisement

You are viewing an Accelerated Mobile Webpage.

View Original Article