Few women are airline pilots, but WHBHS senior Arlexa Karoutsos is working on becoming part of that select few. Arlexa’s attending high school AND receiving her private pilot license, in hopes of becoming an air traffic controller with a commercial license.
There are plenty of women working in the airline industry as gate agents and flight attendants, but very few who are actually pilots. “I think Arlexa becoming a private pilot is great because she can empower other women pilots also,” said senior Noelle Brockmiller. Arlexa came into high school deciding to participate in a BOCES program. Once she saw a program for “professional pilot” she thought it was a great opportunity to take. Arlexa states, “Signing up was the best decision I have ever made.”
She then took pursuit in obtaining her private pilot license. This requires, 40 hours of flight time, • 3 hours of cross-country flight training, • 3 hours of night flight, • one cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles, • 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop • 3 hours ,of flight with instrument training, • 5 hours of solo cross-country time, • and one solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points.
Senior Sarah Kirshy, one of Arlexa’s good friends, says, “ I admire her dedication towards aviation. Being a pilot was not what she had originally wanted to do but she pursued it and fell in love. This goes to show that if you put your hard work to use, something great can come from it and benefit you in the greatest ways. Arlexa will be attending Beaver County College next year to get her air traffic control degree. “I think that everyone should take advantage of the BOCES programs that are offered. It was the best opportunity I have ever had.”