While most Clay Center Community High School seniors are focused on classes, activities, and graduation plans, Miley McGee has been spending her mornings thousands of feet in the air.
McGee has recently been working towards achieving her private pilot’s license, which is the result of months of early mornings, dedication, and a lifelong love of aviation inspired by her family.
“My dad inspired me to get my license,” she said. “He got his private pilot license when I was little, and we always took fun little trips, and he always let us fly.” Her father still flies for fun, and the family owns a Cessna Centurion 210, making aviation a natural part of her life.
McGee began her training at the start of her senior year through Matta Aviation Services in Junction City, which is the same company where her dad completed his training. Balancing schoolwork, sports, and flight training required serious commitment. Flying starts her day, which also includes a full school day and sports practice after school.
“I have to be there at 7:00 every morning,” she said. “When it was warmer, I flew five times a week, but it is less now because of the weather.”
In mid-December, McGee reached a major milestone: her first solo flight.
“I was so nervous,” she said. “I had to complete three takeoffs and landings. I ended up doing those pretty perfectly. Those are probably the best landings and takeoffs I’ve ever had. After that, I was like, ‘dang, I can actually fly an airplane all by myself.’”
One of the traditions marking her progress was symbolic and meaningful. Her instructor, Cory Gadd, cut the back of her shirt to represent independence.
“When they cut your shirt, it’s to symbolize them letting go,” she explained. “They will draw a pilot related picture on it and then give it back to me so I can frame it.”
McGee has also completed a three-hour cross-country flight and continues preparing to obtain other certifications, like being able to fly into an airport with a tower.
McGee’s goal after graduation is to help and grow with the family businesses. While she doesn’t plan to have aviation as her career path, it will remain a passion and an avenue that her family uses in their business.
“I just really enjoy being up in the air and seeing things from a different perspective. It’s something I will use throughout my life.”