A Metro Detroit flight company is inviting the public to see what it takes to become a pilot, hosting a free open house this Saturday to demystify the world of aviation for residents of all ages.
Victors Aviation, based at the airport in Troy, is opening its doors to give the community a firsthand look at flying, according to company president Nathan Miller.
“We’re letting people know that there is a front door to aviation in this world of uncertainty,” Miller said, describing the mission behind the event.
Miller, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who flew F-18s off aircraft carriers for 27 years, said he felt called back to aviation after leaving the military and enrolling in business school at the University of Michigan. He traced his passion for flying back to childhood, inspired by the original “Top Gun” film.
“It’s a calling,” Miller said during an appearance on Live in the D.
He said that calling now drives his mission to open access to flying for as broad a population as possible.
“My inspiration now is truly and genuinely to give this fascinating, wonderful world of aviation to as many people as want to walk through that front door,” Miller said.
Miller said Troy’s location, in the heart of Oakland County and surrounded by strong schools and businesses, made it the ideal launch point for the company.
“Kind of like in real estate, location, location, location,” Miller said.
Looking ahead, Miller said Victors Aviation plans to expand carefully, guided by demand across Southeast Michigan, while building career pathways for young people through partnerships with local school districts, including a STEM-based high school program.
“The vision for Victors Aviation is to continue to grow, but do so appropriately,” Miller said.
The company is also working to grow representation among women in aviation, a field where Miller said female pilots currently make up just 10 to 12 percent of the general aviation population.
More information about Saturday’s open house and Victors Aviation is available at victorsaviation.com.