Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Valtz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
A mother of four and a former researcher at Rhode Island Hospital, I received a gift certificate to fly at Horizon. December of 2005. I finally used her certificate in October 2006. Little did I know I was going to have a life changing experience…the day after my first lesson, I went in for my second. By my third lesson I knew I wanted to be a pilot, wanted to take a leap of faith and switch careers.
When I asked Zeke how I could fly more I learned that as a career student I could fly the most. I was at a point in my life where I needed a change and flying was exactly what I was looking for. I has being flying about 30 hours a month – as often as I could.
What was it that captured my attention? “It was just the incredible feeling of taking off; it’s hard to describe in words. There is a sense of freedom from gravity and everyday life.”
The staff at Horizon made the training easier. The people are wonderful, they treat you really well, they treat you like family, and I feel like it is a cohesive group [at Horizon]. If you have any questions you can turn to any instructor, and at any moment they will drop what they are doing and answer your questions.”
I continued to grow and work my way to become the Chief Flight Instructor at Horizon Aviation. Now it is my turn to share the aviation passion with others, to remove barriers and obstacles to obtaining a Pilot’s license, it is what I do, what I love.
“What does being a pilot mean to me? It means learning to fly new airplanes and to new places. It mean flying to Washington DC to visit my daughter or to New York City to visit my parents. It means flying out to the Vineyard for Sunday morning brunch, in less than 30 minutes from Boston. It means flying to Oshkosh, the world’s largest airshow with the thousands of other pilots from all around the world. But most importantly, it means sharing these experiences with other pilots. So what is the newest adventure? Last season it was learning to fly acro in an open cockpit biplane and the high performance Marchetti. This summer it is flying into an airpark on the Cape where all the neighbors have unusually large garages… because they all house airplanes. This is what it means to be a pilot.”
Has it been a smooth road?
No, the road was not always smooth. When you have been out of college and studying for more than 20 years, it takes time to get your head back in that game. Hand eye coordination doesn’t come as easily as it used to. Mistakes have to be made so that learning can occur, but that is hard to take when you are used to being in control of your life. When I entered this field, I didn’t know what to expect. This is the scariest feeling, especially if you aren’t certain you are cut out for the task. I was fortunate that I had a network of support from the kids, friends and other pilots working towards the same goal. Persistence in constant improvement and believing in myself was ultimately what helped me succeed.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Horizon Aviation is one of the most experienced flight schools in New England. In the past 16 years we have conducted more than 80,000 hours of flight training. During this time we have helped thousands of people pursue their dreams of flying. As a result, we have the experience to help prospect pilots reach their goals as efficiently as possible and customize a training experience to each person’s unique requirements.
We operate 16 aircraft at two locations: Norwood, MA and Providence, RI. Our fleet size means we’ll usually have a plane available when you need it, and our variety of aircraft means we can help you reach your goal whether you’re flying for fun or trying to become a professional pilot. In short, we have the capability to get you to your goal with a minimum of interruptions.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Boston is a great place to learn how to fly. The sights are wonderful and the different seasons bring great weather experiences for a learning pilot. There are many wonderful airports to explore for breakfast or lunch in New England. Whether you want to go to New Hampshire, Block Island or the Vineyard, a flight is just over 30 minutes away. Boston has great public transportation, which allows easy access to the surrounding airports.
Pricing:
- $149 for an introductory flight
- $12,000 average for Private Pilot’s License
Contact Info:
- Address: 125 Access Road, Norwood, MA 02062
- Website: https://www.horizonaviation.com
- Phone: 781-762-7600
- Email: info@horizonaviation.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horizon-Aviation-99274699277/
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