Spencer Salzberg ’22 earns solo flying endorsement

Please join the Aviation Department in congratulating Spencer Salzberg on earning his student pilot solo endorsement. Spencer flew solo for the first time on January, 14, 2021 in a Cessna 172, tail number N99265, on runway 7 at Albert Whitted Airport.

Spencer, a junior day student from Dunedin, FL, who has been at Farragut since 7th grade, has always had an interest in flying. His father is a pilot, so Spencer grew up around aviation. He started in the aviation program at Farragut three years ago.

“I love the challenge of flying,” Spencer said. “And I like landing the plane too. I just really like the freedom you get from flying.”

On the day of his solo flight, Spencer was nervous. “I think the tower could tell I was a little shaky in my voice,” he said with a laugh. “Once I took off, I was okay. I thought, ‘well, gotta get back down now.’”

“Spencer and I began flying together last year and he continued flying on his own over the summer,” said Rob Ewing, director of the Aviation Program at Farragut. “When he returned to Farragut in the second semester, he immediately impressed me with his drive to be a safe and proficient pilot. Spencer demonstrates great control and awareness in the aircraft. As always, I am fortunate and proud to be a part of this tremendous accomplishment.”

Spencer isn’t quite sure yet whether he wants flying to be a hobby or a career. “I want to work up to jets and maybe eventually do corporate,” he said. “I’ve thought about going to Embry-Riddle, but I think I’d rather go to the University of Florida.” He’s considering aircraft engineering as a major, though he’s still undecided.

One thing is for certain, though; he wants to keep flying. “Flying solo was a really fun experience,” he said.