Spencer Salzberg ‘22 earns Private Pilot Certificate

Please join the Aviation Department in congratulating Spencer Salzberg on earning his private pilot certificate. Spencer passed his private pilot practical test on Saturday, May 1, 2021, in a Cessna 172 aircraft at Albert Whitted Airport with FAA-designated pilot examiner Toby Blanton.

Spencer’s aviation journey is moving along quickly. He earned his solo endorsement in January, and it only took a few short months for him to pass his written and oral exams. “The flying part was easy,” Spencer said. “Studying for the check run and the oral exam was the hard part because you have to remember so much.”

Spencer is a junior day student from Dunedin, FL, who has been at Farragut since 7th grade. He started in the aviation program at Farragut three years ago. “He’s a good pilot, he’s worked extremely hard and very quickly amassed a lot of hours and a lot of experience,” said Rob Ewing, director of the Aviation Program at Farragut.

“I just love the freedom,” said Spencer. “You can go anywhere, explore different places, different airports, and try new things. It’s a challenge, and it’s fun.”

Since Spencer has been progressing so quickly, and since he’s earned his private pilot certificate as a junior, he may achieve a Farragut first in the aviation program. “He could end up being our first student flight instructor next year,” Mr. Ewing said.

Spencer still isn’t sure whether he wants to fly for a career, but he definitely wants to fly for fun, and he hopes to buy his own plane someday. Over the summer, he plans to work with the non-profit organization, Pilots N Paws, and help transport rescue animals to their new homes. “It’ll get me community service hours, and it’s fun to fly with animals,” he said. “Plus, it gives me an excuse to fly.”