Help Tristan Get His Private Pilot License!

Hello!

My name is Tristan Ervin, and I'm an artist living in Orange County, California. From the age of three, when my dad and I took a trip to visit my mother stationed in Italy - I've been absolutely obsessed with the world of aviation. Any time I'd go outside, my eyes would immediately go to the sky, looking for, and identifying different types of aircraft. Fast forward to when I was 16 years old, my aunt sent me a link to a program sponsored by the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, and Delta Airlines called A.C.E. - Aviation Career Education. This program catered to black youths in Atlanta interested in the aviation world. This was a two-week summer camp that took place at Delta HQ in Atlanta, GA. The first week had 30 teens, while the second week at the next 30 teens. During the camp, we got introduced to not just the pilot side of aviation, but everything from Air Traffic Control, to the airport fire department, flight attendant careers, etc. Of those 60 teens, 10 would be selected to participate in a program called Flight Line, the following summer. Flight Line was a two-week camp where all 10 teens would learn to fly, and fly every day while attending ground school. Once the program was over, depending on each teen's progression, we'd get the opportunity to solo an aircraft if we were ready. I was the 3rd to solo in the program. From THIS point, 2 of the 10 were chosen to go on and train for their private pilot license. I was selected second for this! I started flying every weekend after that summer, but unfortunately, the second recipient of the scholarship had already graduated and sucked up all the money that was allotted to both of us. I was no longer able to fly because the funds ran dry.

Throughout my life, I've always known in the back of my head that someday, I'll finish my training and obtain my private pilot license. That time has come, and I'm fully confident in my abilities to get there. This is an expensive feat though, and this is TOTALLY a luxury type of hobby, so I'm not begging for your help. This is one of those things where if you feel like donating any amount to me, that would be incredible. If not, there are absolutely no hard feelings AT ALL. Just to know that you're rooting for me is far more than I could ever ask for.

So yeah, that's my story! Thank you if you've made it this far, haha.

Peace & Love, Always,

Tristan