AV8 Questions: Maddie Erickson

Interview with Maddie Erickson, Instructor, AV8 Flight School

When did you become interested in aviation? I’ve been interested in aviation for as long as I can remember. I’ve loved flying since I was young and it was always the part I looked forward to when going on vacations!

Are your family or friends interested in flying? I am a first generation pilot in my family. My mom started taking flight lessons when she was in college, but never finished. I’ve taken some friends and family flying and they love it. My fiancé wants to pursue flight training after coming flying with me.

How did your career in aviation begin? I went to California to visit my cousin and his friend is a pilot. He took us from San Diego to Palm Springs and I thought it was the coolest thing. He let me fly us home and I was set on becoming a pilot after that.

Has your career evolution followed an expected path? I always thought I was going to be a flight attendant. I never considered becoming a pilot until after I flew a small plane for the first time.

Do you have a favorite aspect of your work? I love how rewarding being a flight instructor is. Seeing how happy your students are after their first solo or passing a checkride and knowing you helped them get there is the best.

Is there a time in aviation history, or aircraft that you find most fascinating? My favorite aircraft at the moment is the DA42. I love how efficient and simple it is. It’s truly a great aircraft in all aspects.

When is, or was, your favorite industry-related event, such as annual camp or fly-in? I love Oshkosh, and that happens every year. I’ve never been myself, but I will make it there one year. I love watching all the videos of the different aircraft there and how many people all come together for the love of aviation.

What is the future of flight for you? In the future I plan to fly for a regional airline and gain experience flying jets. I’m excited for what the future holds for me and eventually want to fly the A320.

AV8 Flight School’s DA42

Thanks, Maddie, for taking part in the series, AV8 Questions: Interviews with Aviators. The AV8 team is grateful that you chose aviation as a career. Your students are fortunate to have such a proficient and passionate guide on their journeys to becoming pilots!

Have questions about becoming a pilot? Contact us at AV8 Flight School and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you to get flying!

AV8 Questions: Interviews with Aviators