Auburn-DeKalb Executive Airport

6 hours ago

✈️ Pilot Spotlight: Amanda

What started with a discovery flight in a little red Cessna 172 in 2020 quickly turned into a passion.

Having never been in an airplane before that first flight, Amanda knew immediately after taking the controls that aviation was something special. Since earning her private pilot certificate, she’s continued building her skills, adding an instrument rating, commercial certificate, and most recently a commercial multi-engine add-on in Sweet Aviation’s DA42 Twin Star based right here at Auburn-DeKalb Executive Airport. Today, she’s approaching 1,000 flight hours and working toward becoming a Certified Flight Instructor, with dreams of flying corporate aircraft while helping inspire the next generation of aviators.

When asked why she loves flying, her answer is simple: it’s her world.

“Every aircraft I get to fly represents a new learning experience and a collection of great memories,” she says. Whether it’s a small trainer or a multi-engine aircraft, being in the air never loses its magic.

While Amanda initially only stopped at Auburn-DeKalb for quick touch-and-go landings, everything changed after a visit to pick up a motorcycle nearby. That’s when she met local pilot Ron Goodyear, who welcomed her to the airport and showed her around. Today, she spends plenty of time at DeKalb flying with Ron and enjoying the incredible aviation community that calls GWB home.

One of Amanda’s favorite airport memories came during Auburn-DeKalb’s Halloween event with EAA Vintage Chapter 37, when she, her sister, and cousin flew in dressed as the Three Amigos. Seeing pilots, families, and young aviation enthusiasts come together in costume made for an unforgettable day.

“The friendly atmosphere here is what makes Auburn-DeKalb special,” she says. “From the amazing local pilots to the incredibly helpful staff, you truly can’t top it.”

Thank you, Amanda, for sharing your story and for being part of the Auburn-DeKalb aviation family! 🛩️ ... See MoreSee Less