Zachary High graduate Mason David recently earned his private pilot's license through the Professional Aviation degree program at Louisiana Tech University.  This is the first step in a sequence that will eventually result in him obtaining his instrument rating and commercial pilot's license.

Mason's interest in aviation grew during his time at Zachary High, especially as he went through his physics classes. When it came time to pick a college, he focused on finding the school with the best aviation program in Louisiana. His dad mentioned Louisiana Tech and he quickly decided that it was the right choice.

Mason's advice for current high school students who are interested in a career in aviation is simple: "It's never too early to start studying. You can get a head start on the book portion of the test in high school."

After college, Mason hopes to spend some time in the Airforce to gain flying experience. After that, he plans to become a cargo pilot, perhaps flying for UPS or FedEx. One thing's for sure, he's come a long way since he was the little boy on vacation dreaming big at the National Aviation Museum in Pensacola.