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United States Army Veteran Scott Miller’s story is a compelling and inspiring example of a man facing adversity yet refusing to give up on his dreams. On November 25, 2014, Scott completed his private pilot check ride and medical flight test at Coast Flight’s college partner, Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. Becoming a certificated private pilot after serving in the National Guard is an impressive set of achievements on its own, but Miller’s circumstances make this feat all the more remarkable. Scott Miller lost the use of his legs after a motorcycle accident several years ago, but he didn’t let this impede his positive attitude and drive to succeed. Miller’s story serves as motivation for all future pilots and anyone who faces challenges on the road to success.
Overcoming Adversity 
Many people would have given up and accepted defeat after losing the use of their legs, but not Scott Miller. The National Guard soldier fractured two vertebrae during a motorcycle accident following a drill weekend in Des Moines, Iowa several years back, which left him paraplegic. He was headed towards his home in the neighboring town of Albia that day when he hit a pothole and landed on railroad tracks near by. But instead of giving up on or settling for a lesser dream, Scott started flight training at Indian Hills Community College in late 2012.
Scott’s Path to an Aviation Career
After learning the basics in the college’s Redbird simulator, Miller began the required training and flight hours to prepare for his pilot check ride and medical flight test at Indian Hills Community College. He was able to complete all the required flight training to become a certificated private pilot. In large part, Miller’s success can be attributed to a Union hand control specially designed by a local aviation expert for the Cessna 172 he used during his private pilot training. Miller passed both tests with flying colors on November 25, 2014. His next goal is to complete the college’s advanced flight training, notes Indian Hills Chief Flight Instructor Darren Graham. “A group like this who believes in you and encourages you is what makes me have the drive to keep going,” Miller said during a recent interview The Ottumwa Courier. “Anyone can do it,” he later added.
After completing his advanced flight training, Scott’s next goal is to purchase his own airplane that he can use for charter flights, crop dusting, banner towing, firefighting or flight instruction. At that time he will be legally qualified to fly any private type of plane, excluding jets and airlines.
Proud College Partners
Coast flight is proud to call Indian Hills Community College a partner, enabling new opportunities for pilots-in-training to earn an accredited, online associate’s degree in Aviation Pilot Training while undergoing flight training at Coast’s San Diego campus. After completing the required flight ratings, students can even begin working as a commercial pilot as soon as they finish the online degree. See Scott’s experience at http://youtu.be/cMKKpX_u490
Contact Coast Flight today to learn more.
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