Want to become an airplane pilot?

Star Marianas Air pilot Brandy Buzza, left, shows pilot trainee Angel Concepcion Lagunay how to do a preflight check at the Tinian International Airport last Sept. 26. (Justine Nauta)

Are you interested in getting your Private Pilot License but anxious about flying a small plane? Let pilot trainee Angel Concepcion Lagunay and Star Marianas Air pilot Brandy Buzza share with you some of the perks of having your PPL.

According to Buzza, PPL will allow you to fly in the sky with your friends and family for a family-style jaunt but you cannot be paid, nor can you fly commercial passengers. The great thing is that, SMA will be able to assist trainees in getting their PPL and, if you want to take it to the next level, SMA will even help you get your instrument rating license, and commercial license.

SMA pilots are doing all these on their own free time. Buzza says that, as of now, there’s no official name for the program, that it’s just a bunch of people who love and want to teach and want to reach out to as many people as they can to get them started on an aviation career.

“We’re lucky enough to have the support of our management to do this on our off days and take it on,” said Buzza.

That’s where Lagumay comes in, who is now working with Buzza on getting her PPL. Being one of the first students that SMA will be helping in securing her PPL, first-time students will have Lagunay as a mentor if they are anxious or worried about their first time flying, Buzza said.

According to her, people with more time on their hands can get their PPL in as little as two months. For others, it can be as long as six months. On average, people get it done in four to five months.

It’s not only the months that count, but you have to commit to 35 hours in order to be eligible for the PPL, according to the Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. Additionally, you have to be 17 years old or older to get your PPL.

When asked what makes a good pilot, Buzza says that it’s anyone who puts safety before anything else. “There’s a lot of hazards in aviation and just putting safety first and being careful with details is the most important thing,” she said.

One thing to keep in mind is that air traffic language is like learning another language. Buzza says that there are many recordings online that can help anyone understand the “language,” and with a lot of practice you will begin to understand the meaning behind everything.

For anyone interested in getting into aviation, Buzza said they should do their research, look into all the steps that it takes, and if you need more answers, she will be available to help you. She loves to teach, and so does the other pilots.

“Give it a try. You won’t know your fear or your ability to take that next step unless you try it out, and once you get the feeling [that] it’s going to be part of your career, then go for it continue and finish it up. It’s a good career to have,” said Donna Cabrera, SMA general manager.

Lagumay also has comforting words for her peers who may be interested in flying. “Be confident in yourself. I’m always here since I’m the first student and they can always talk to me. I’m very open to new people. [You] don’t have to be scared with anything because [SMA pilots] are great instructors, and I’m sure they won’t let you down,” said Lagunay.

For those who are interested, you Buzza at brandyjobuzza@gmail.com or SMA at hrd@starmarianasair.com or call (670)433-9997.