Zero to Hero

My name is Derek Schroer, and I just went from zero to commercial pilot in under 9 months!  With a background in business, I completed a 4-year program in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and earned my MBA in Finance last year from Webber International University, while playing on their collegiate golf team. After marrying the love of my life last September, I realized during our honeymoon that corporate America didn't excite me; entrepreneurship did. Intrigued by the pilot shortage in 2023, I began seriously considering becoming a pilot with my wife's support. Upon returning to Orlando, I researched local flight schools and booked a discovery flight at First Landings, which sparked my interest. From that moment on, I was determined to commit fully to flight training. Despite having no flight experience or aeronautical knowledge, my CFI Anthony Hachem's exceptional instruction allowed me to solo for 14 hours—an unforgettable adrenaline rush in my training journey. I progressed faster than I could’ve ever expected, achieving my PPL at minimum hours and completing my license within 30 days, thanks to First Landing's support and efficient training structure. Moving into instrument training, I continued to build flight hours and completed this rating within three months. The ability to transition smoothly between training phases, coupled with ample resources, has been crucial to my rapid progress. Evenings were spent time-building, while mornings were dedicated to marketing for the school. The commercial time-building, characterized by frequent flights to various airports around Florida, offered such a fun experience flying up and down the coastlines. On July 11, 2024, I officially became a commercial pilot—an achievement I'm incredibly proud of. Looking ahead, I'm excited to pursue CFI training and further my skills. First Landing's team has played a pivotal role in my journey, enabling me to achieve my goals efficiently and surpass my expectations. Going from zero experience to a commercial pilot in under 9 months has been an incredible experience, and I look forward to seeing where my aviation career takes me next!