From Civil Engineer to Future Airline Pilot

During his six years of service, Zhang was constantly surrounded by military jets, fostering a deep appreciation for aviation. A turning point came when he was honored as “Airman of the Year” and had the opportunity to attend a civilian air show with the C-17 jet team. Stepping inside a C-17 Globemaster III for the first time solidified his passion for aviation, inspiring him to pursue a career as a pilot.

Choosing Embry‑Riddle and the Riverside Airport Location

Determined to turn his passion into a profession, Zhang chose Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University for its reputation as the premier aviation university in the United States. “Embry‑Riddle’s strong academic programs, industry connections and commitment to aviation excellence made it the ideal choice for advancing my career as a pilot,” he says.

Enrolling in classes at the Riverside Airport site was a strategic decision for Zhang. The location provided convenience, allowing him to balance his studies with flight training. The airport’s dynamic learning environment further enriched his education. “Riverside Airport’s Class D airspace presents challenges that help pilots develop essential communication and situational awareness skills,” he explains. “The variable wind conditions also add complexity, refining decision-making and aircraft handling abilities.”

Arriving to Class — By Plane

One of Zhang’s most unique classroom experiences was his decision to fly to class instead of driving. With classes scheduled around peak Los Angeles traffic hours, he realized that the two-hour drive could be dramatically shortened. His solution? Renting a Cessna 172 from his flight school and flying from San Gabriel Valley Airport (KEMT) to Riverside Airport (KRAL) in just 30 minutes.

“Beyond convenience, this decision aligned with my career goals,” Zhang shares. “As I work toward meeting the ATP flight hour requirements to become an airline pilot, every flight contributes to my experience and proficiency.” With the Embry‑Riddle classroom located directly above the terminal at KRAL, his transition from landing to learning was seamless.

A Shorter Commute, A Bigger Impact

Reducing his daily commute from two hours to just 20 minutes has allowed Zhang to focus more on his studies and pilot training. “The time saved has given me the opportunity to dedicate more hours to studying, completing assignments, and staying ahead in my coursework,” he says. Opting for a hybrid blended class structure further enhanced his flexibility, enabling him to balance in-person engagement with online learning while continuing to build essential flight hours.

Reinforcing a Dream Through Safety and Professionalism

One of the most impactful lessons from his SCTY 400 course was the emphasis on aviation safety. Zhang recalls discussions about real-world scenarios where experienced pilots demonstrated composure, integrity and sound decision-making under pressure. “What stood out to me the most was how professional pilots handle challenging situations to ensure safety,” he says. “The course deepened my understanding of aviation safety and reinforced my passion for becoming a responsible and competent airline pilot.”