CDS Seniors Chart Their Aviation Paths

As the school year draws to a close, three seniors are preparing to take flight—literally and figuratively—toward their dreams in aviation. Carter Brown, Jacob Winters, and Nathan Keegan have each embarked on unique journeys fueled by passion, perseverance, and a shared love for the skies.

These young men exemplify the spirit of ambition, resilience, and faith. As they prepare to embark on their respective aviation careers, they carry with them the lessons learned at Calvary Day School and the unwavering support of their community. Their stories serve as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and reach for the skies.

Carter Brown: A Legacy of Flight

Carter's fascination with aviation began in first grade when his grandfather would take him to Smith Reynolds Airport for Saturday morning breakfasts. Inspired by the sight of planes and the stories of his two grandfathers—both private pilots—Carter knew early on that he wanted to follow in their footsteps. He began flight lessons around his 16th birthday and achieved a significant milestone by completing his first solo flight on his grandfather Brown’s birthday.

Balancing academics, flight training, and schoolwork posed challenges, especially with weather-related cancellations and the demands of his Private Pilot Checkride. However, Carter's determination paid off when he successfully passed his checkride. One of his proudest moments was taking his father and grandfather on his first passenger flight, a tribute to the family legacy that inspired his journey.

Looking ahead, Carter plans to attend North Carolina State University in the fall to major in Aerospace Engineering while participating in the Air Force ROTC. His ultimate goal is to serve as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He encourages fellow students to remain consistent and dedicated, emphasizing that the thrill of flight never diminishes.

Jacob Winters: Overcoming Obstacles with Faith

Jacob's interest in aviation was sparked by his father, a captain for Southwest Airlines, who suggested a discovery flight at Twin Lakes Airport. Although Jacob didn't begin training immediately, he started lessons at Talon Aviation during the summer of 2023. His journey was not without challenges; a knee injury from a soccer game required several months of recovery just before he was set to solo. Throughout this setback, Jacob relied on his faith in Jesus Christ to persevere, viewing each lesson as a gift and an opportunity to grow.

Jacob achieved his Private Pilot's License on June 8, 2024, after passing a written exam and a rigorous checkride. He credits his Christian education at Calvary Day School for instilling perseverance and character, which have been instrumental in his aviation journey.

After high school, Jacob plans to attend the Florida Institute of Technology to major in Aviation Business Management - Flight. He aspires to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and eventually a commercial pilot. He advises aspiring aviators to take a discovery flight to determine their interest, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience.

Nathan Keegan: Exploring New Horizons

Nathan's fascination with flight began with a desire for the freedom to travel anywhere in the world. A friend's offer for a test flight solidified his passion for aviation. Guided by his friend Elliot, who answered his questions and provided mentorship, Nathan delved deeper into the world of flying.

After high school, Nathan plans to pursue flight training at Liberty University to obtain his ratings and certifications. While he remains undecided on his specific aviation path, Nathan is excited about the opportunities ahead. He encourages others to explore aviation, highlighting the vast possibilities within the field.