Hazel

Life is taking off for a 2024 Mora High School graduate.

Hazel Carda returned to Mora, Minnesota recently to celebrate the holidays with her family, having left her aeronautical science and flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

While the cold weather and dusting of snow may take some getting used to, she is happy to be returning - if even for a short break - to the home town where she has lived her whole life.

Carda first considered becoming a pilot after traveling to Europe with the high school German club.

"That experience of seeing the world opened my eyes to how much I wanted to keep exploring," she stated. "My parents and I brainstormed careers that would offer the adventure I was looking for, and being a pilot did just that. ...I booked a discovery flight with Hawk Aviation in Rush City, and the moment we took off, I fell in love with the adrenaline. After a few lessons, I knew without a doubt that a life in aviation was the one I wanted to live."

Carda noted that Embry-Riddle has one of the best pilot programs in the world and is aeronautically focused, so her classes have been related to aviation.

"For example, last semester I took instrument pilot operations, meteorology, and aviation legislation," she noted. "Each of these classes was taught by experienced professors in their respective fields, who made their lectures both interesting and impactful."

She has already earned her PPL - private pilot license - but getting there was no easy trip.

"Along with my classes, I began my instrument flight training. Initially, it was challenging to adapt to Riddle's procedures and rigor, but now that I've gained experience and confidence, I've become a stronger pilot. In my instrument training, I am learning to rely on my flight instruments rather than visual references outside of the plane," she said. "Once I have my instrument rating, you'll be able to find me in the clouds."

She is also part of Embry-Riddle's Women in Aviation chapter, "where I've made valuable connections with women in aviation, both on campus and industry leaders. I'm excited to attend the Women in Aviation conference with my chapter in Denver, Colorado."

Several options

The aeronautical science and flight program at Embry-Riddle is typically a four-year program, but Carda indicated she is on track to graduate in three years, thanks to transfer credits and having earned her PPL. Once her schooling is completed, she said, she has options.

"Once I graduate, I won't be able to go directly to the airlines. Instead, I'll need to build my flight hours. There are many options for building time, but I'll likely become a flight instructor. I loved training for my private pilot certificate because I had amazing instructors who made every lesson enjoyable and motivated me to keep going.

"I also plan on getting jet training and experience after instructing for a while," she added. "I would be honored to be that person for someone else. Once I've acquired the 1,000 hours required for the airlines, I'll begin training to become an airline or corporate pilot. I still haven't decided which path I want to pursue."

Homeward

Until then, she is happy to have been able to visit be returning to hearth and home, and anticipates being able to fly the friendly skies while here.

"I am hopeful that the weather cooperates, and I am able to bring some of my friends and family up on some flights," Carda said.

She noted that she has missed her loved ones in Minnesota, especially during holidays and special occasions, "but I didn't expect to miss the little, everyday moments as much as I do. I miss watching movies with my best friends, randomly driving over to my grandparents' just for fun, and, most of all, I miss home-cooked meals with my family!"

Pride and joy

Carda noted that her family misses her, but "I know they are incredibly proud of me. I'm the first person in my family to become a pilot, and it's been a scary, yet exciting journey for all of us.

"My family has been incredibly supportive from day one, and every success I achieve in my training feels like a success for all of us. I'm truly grateful to have such a strong support system, especially while living across the country."

When asked if she had any advice for other young people, Carda offered this: "If you're passionate about something, go for it with everything you've got! There will be tough days when all you want to do is lay in bed, but use those moments as motivation to push through and grow stronger. If you stay focused, keep a positive mindset, and give it 110% effort, the rewards will always outweigh the struggles.

"I'd be lying if I said my flight training has been without challenges. I've had many challenging lessons and late nights studying, but I move past them, show up the next day more prepared, and keep pushing forward."