By Staff Writer: Marissa VanDaelen

Airlines play a major role in transportation. Flying makes getting to places that are far away much easier to get to. However, flying isn’t just a transportation tool for some people. Howell High School senior Ryan Lawrence has a passion for flying and has recently flown solo for the first time.

“I was pretty nervous at first but once I got up there, my instructor and I had done it so much that it was just kind of instinct by then and so it felt pretty normal,” Lawrence says.

Lawrence flew at the Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport. He did three laps around the airport, including three landings and takeoffs. He’s flown a few times with friends too but nothing beats flying solo. Lawrence is also the first student who has flown solo at HHS.

“I had the opportunity to fly solo with the lessons I’m taking. Once I build up enough hours, my instructor lets me go by myself. Once he decides I’m ready to go, he lets me,” Lawrence says.

Additionally, Lawrence is currently in the Ground School class that HHS offers. The class is an opportunity for students to learn all about flying. It’s a two-hour block for one semester.

“We learn pretty much everything there is to know about flying without actually flying in class. Some of the things we learn about are weather, airspace navigation, and aerodynamics. We learn pretty much everything there is to know in order to be good at flying,” Lawrence says.

After high school, Lawrence plans to attend Western Michigan University. He wants to become an airline pilot.

“I’m going to Western for aviation and I want to be an airline pilot for my career. Western has a great four year program for that and I’m excited to go there,” Lawrence says.

With more opportunities to fly solo in the future, Lawrence will surely be getting used to his future career that he already seems eager to start.

“I have always been fascinated by flying, I’d say. I love planes too. I just think they’re really cool. Everything about flying is so fun. I think it’s like the best job you could ever ask for. Traveling and seeing the stuff you see while you’re up there, it’s just great,” Lawrence says.