FERGUSON, Mo. — The aviation industry could gain a young pilot from Ferguson soon.
Matthew Gaikens, an 18-year-old senior at the STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High in Ferguson, has started making headlines for his early achievements in the cockpit.
Gaikens has not only earned his pilot's license before graduating high school but also has his sights set on a noble career path.
The story of Gaikens' ascent into the skies is one of ambition, dedication and an unwavering passion for engineering and aviation.
"My instructor ... he got out of the plane. He told me that I was going to do three laps within the traffic pattern. When I eventually got into the air, I was just cruising along. It was very cinematic. I just knew that's what I wanted to do," Gaikens said, recalling his first solo flight experience.
He was part of the Red Tail Cadet program specially designed for any Ferguson-Florissant high school student who attends one of our four high schools.
The teen's journey did not go without its challenges.
Gaikens had to balance rigorous academic commitments with demanding flight training schedules, often sacrificing sleep and personal time.
"Those days were rough because I would have to come to school. Then immediately after, go to the airport and sometimes fly throughout the night. I'd get back out at about 1," he said, highlighting the intensity of his dedication.
Gaikens' curiosity and commitment have made him a standout student, earning him recognition from both teachers and peers at the STEAM Academy.
"He's always been a natural problem solver. You throw a problem at him, and he kind of sees the cogs in his brain turning as he's trying to figure out how to resolve it," said Sarah Winstead, a science and engineering teacher and department chair at the school.
"While it's a melancholy feeling that he's going to be leaving us, we're excited when he comes back in the fall to tell us about all the great things that he's doing after that first semester. Matt is one of the top students in his class and just an all-around individual," Jeff Tandler, building principal, said.
With a pilot's license in hand, Gaikens is now focused on a future as a medical evacuation pilot, a profession that combines his love for aviation with a desire to help others.
"I know what this license is for. It's a gift. It's a blessing to have, and I want to transfer that gift to flying to other people and help them," he said.
Gaikens said he has a desire to help his peers and be a beacon of hope for anyone with a dream.
"I thought I would just be flat-out rejected and not ever get into a plane, but here I am after saying yes and agreeing to fly. Now, I'm here with my license and I'm set up for college," Gaikens said.
The teen also said that he would take one flight a week until graduation to different places across Missouri to get acquainted with the region.