Mitchell Golden, sophomore from San Antonio, TX, has known from a young age that he wanted to fly. “Although I’m the first pilot, aviation runs several generations deep in my family,” says Golden. Baylor University was an obvious choice for Mitchell due to the Christian environment, diverse academic exposure, and flexible flight training program.

Mitchell earned his Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating prior to coming to Baylor. “Baylor’s Aviation Science program tailored my training plan around my prior experience,” says Golden. Mitchell recently completed his Commercial Pilot Certificate and Multi-Engine Rating, and is currently training for his Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. “The opportunity to advance to higher levels of training so early on has put me in a great position to get experience instructing students before I even graduate.”

Golden on Waco:

“Waco is a great place to be for an aspiring professional pilot. We have three great training airports with multiple runways, instrument approaches, and a flight school at each. We can conduct a variety of training activities right in our own backyard. Air traffic density is minimal, so we don’t have to worry about delays on training flights. There is a variety of professional aviation activities in Waco, ranging from airlines and charter to corporate operations, which allows for great networking opportunities.”

Mitchell’s favorite thing about the program, aside from the flying, is the variety of classes that Aviation Science students take. Not only has he learned about flying planes, he has taken classes in aerodynamics, meteorology, aviation law, and aviation management. “It really has made me a more well-rounded aviation professional,” he says.

Golden plans to spend time flight instructing in Waco after graduation. He has not decided on a specific career goal, but he has a hard time keeping his eyes off of business jets.