November 4, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Young Pilot Looks To Fly High In Santa Monica Sky:

Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise, and Arnold Schwarzenegger are among famous celebrities who have owned small airplanes and in some cases flown out of the Santa Monica Airport.

But there are many other, less-famous people who also use the local airport to fly small solo planes. One such person is 16-year-old Santa Monica resident Dante Gaudet. He might be the only person in his high school class that can brag to his classmates about flying a small aircraft.

“To me it’s a very freeing feeling,” Gaudet said about being a solo pilot. “I’ve always looked up into the sky and wondered how planes fly. It started my curiosity.”

Perhaps it was destiny as well, as he lives within walking distance of Santa Monica Airport. Many of his days as a youth were spent watching planes takeoff and land around the grounds, and from there he was set on his path.

“Dante had a great understanding of airplanes at an early age and a real interest in aviation,” said his father, Dirk. “So that kind of started the whole conversation (about flying).”

Dante was introduced to aviation through the Young Eagles Program in Santa Monica. He started training to become a pilot at age 10, about the minimum age required, according to Dirk. At 16, Dante was finally able to get his license to fly solo, and next year he’s hoping to pass tests to fly others around.

For now, Gaudet operates small planes and often flies to other neighboring airports like Van Nuys and back to Santa Monica. He can reach heights up to 9,000 feet and flies high above the ocean and Hollywood area.

Dante said it’s important for pilots to have quick reactions, and the most challenging part about flying is “multi-tasking” and “being able to stay calm under difficult circumstances.” All pilots are required to watch weather reports and Dante says pilots are taught not to fly if visibility is poor.

So far, he’s passed all tests. After high school Dante plans to go to college (perhaps Stanford) and his dream is to someday become an aerospace engineer.

“I don’t really want to be a pilot for commercial purposes,” he said.

Right now he’s just content to fly the friendly skies in small planes around Santa Monica. His father, Dirk, is obviously proud of everything his young son has accomplished so far.

While Dirk is a landscape artist by profession, he describes himself as an “aviation enthusiast.”

Both father and son share a passion for airplanes, but Dante is the one who actually pilots planes in the sky. He’s hoping to someday meet Harrison Ford and said he’s a fan of “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars.” After all, how cool would it be for anyone to fly alongside Han Solo?

in News
<>Related Posts

Coast Guard Completes Marina del Rey Yacht Fire Fuel Cleanup

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

The Vessel No Longer Poses a Pollution Threat After Weeks of Recovery Operations Cleanup efforts have concluded in Marina del...

Legendary Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies at 91 in Bel Air

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Celebrated Musician, Producer Leaves an Indelible Legacy By Dolores Quintana Legendary musician, music producer, film and television producer, composer of...

Brentwood’s Beloved New York Bagel Co. to Close After 21 Years at Topa Town & Country Center

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Local Favorite, Designed by Renowned Architect Fred Gehry, Must Vacate by December 31 By Dolores Quintana New York Bagel Co.,...

Activist Named 24th Senate District’s “2024 Woman of the Year”

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

In Addition to Working With the Alzheimer’s Association, She Has Been Active in the Stop Asian Hate Movement Senator Ben...

Santa Monica Pier Bridge to be Replaced in $29M Project

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

The Updated Design Includes Expanded Walkways, Modern Lighting, and New Railings Santa Monica has finalized the design for a new...

H5N1 Detected in LA County Wastewater, Health Officials Urge Precautions for Residents

November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Los Angeles County Investigates Low-Level H5 Avian Flu Detected in Wastewater The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is...

Beverly Hills City Government Agrees to a Stipulated Judgment After Blocking Abortion Clinic Opening

November 1, 2024

November 1, 2024

City to Implement Training, Oversight on Reproductive Rights Following Legal Settlement  California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a legal agreement...

Dia De Los Muertos 2024: Here’s Where To Celebrate The Holiday Tradition This Weekend

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Los Angeles Has a Variety of Ways to Explore Latino Culture and Honor Ancestors Starting just after Halloween, Dia de...

Santa Monica Seeks Public Input on Cannabis Equity Program

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

This Program Aims to Ensure That Individuals Affected by Past Criminalization Have Fair Access to Opportunities Santa Monica is calling...

(Video) Downtown L.A. Reacts to World Series Victory

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

The Dodgers Are World Series Champs For The Eighth Time https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTFtyDDKn

Here’s Why West L.A. Stunk So Bad This Week

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Coastal Communities Were Blanketed by an Intense Smell Brought on by an Oceanic Phenomena Sarena Snider had just returned to...

Halloween Pre-Game Party Brings Chills and Spooky Thrills to The Rose Venice

October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Enjoy Halloween With Festive Cocktails, Appetizers, and a Costume Contest The Rose Venice in Venice is set to host a...

Michael Mina’s Egyptian-Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Santa Monica

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Inside, the 270-Seat Restaurant’s Interior Draws Inspiration From Greek and Egyptian Coastal Aesthetics Renowned chef Michael Mina has opened his...

Los Angeles Dodgers Win 2024 World Series in Thrilling Comeback Against Yankees

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Dodgers Claim the Championship Title With a Stunning Victory After Intense Game By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles Dodgers are...

Trailer for Luca Guadagnino’s Queer Drops, Set for Limited Release on November 27

October 30, 2024

October 30, 2024

Based on William S. Burroughs’ Novel, the FilmBrings a Powerful Love Story to Life Not content with releasing one amazing...