Every child remembers being asked the infamous question: What do you want to be when you grow up? For many of us, that answer is more of an endearing memory than a tangible goal. As we get older, our dream job changes – we discover our passion may not be nursing or teaching, as we originally thought. However, for 17-year-old Santa Clarita resident Moises Robles, his first and only answer has been written in the stars since the fateful day he first said: pilot.
“I remember when I was 8 and flew for the first time,” Moises said. “I knew this is what I wanted to do when I got older.”
After going on a flight with the Young Eagles, Moises also decided to join the Aviation Explorers Program. Moises was hooked on the feeling of flying.
“Everyone in the Young Eagles program was so nice to me, and I just remember wanting to fly all the time. I started studying different planes in history class, like World War II planes,” said Moises. “I was so fascinated.”
Fueled by passion, Moises decided he didn’t want to wait to realize his childhood dream – so he set out for his pilot’s license. On average, it takes one year for most individuals to acquire a pilot’s license, Moises said. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 40 flying hours. But with an addiction to the sky, Moises completed his license in just five months.
“My mom doesn’t know this, but typically before you do your first solo flight, the instructor does three practice runs with you,” Moises said. “My instructor let me fly solo after the second one because he felt confident enough in me.”
Following his recent success, Moises said he owes much to the Aviation Explorer Post 747 program, as well as his instructor Ted Ripp. Moises is now the youngest member in the Aviation Explorers program to have their flying license. Since the post gave Moises his first taste of flying, he has been an active member, encouraging others to join in the hope he can help make someone else’s dream come true. His younger sister Morelia is currently in the program and is in training to also receive her pilot’s license.
“My family also has supported me in my flying career,” Moises said.
Moises is currently attending SCV International Charter School in Castaic and is now flying toward a new goal.
“Obtaining a commercial pilot license is one of the things I really want to do; however, you need to be 21 to fly a commercial transportation plane,” Moises said. “But as soon as I turn 18, I can get my commercial license to transport goods.”
With the sky as his limit, Moises focuses on paying it forward.
“There are lots of young kids who are trying to pursue flying, and the Aviation Explorer program helped me do that. We have fundraisers throughout the year, and every dollar we raise goes toward kids’ flying lessons. Anyone who is 14 years or older can join the Aviation Explorers program,” Moises said passionately. “We have a lot of community support, and it is great.”
