New Private Pilot – Mandy Hatfield

Private Pilot Checkride: August 8, 2021
Instructor: Bentley Mundle
Aircraft: Cessna N53456
Location: Monterey, CA (KMRY)

“The past year and half has been an life altering, whirlwind for many of us. While I saw many lose there jobs or have they’re jobs put on on hold, I also watched my coworkers work tirelessly to care for sick patients, exhausting themselves both physically, mentally and emotionally. I had several coworkers retire early, quit, or have to go out on medical leave because of the emotional toll the pandemic took on many of us in healthcare. In October of last year I took a break from my job and went to Alaska and flew with a female pilot through the massive expanse of Denali National Park, landing on top of one of it many glaciers. It was at this point that I decided I wanted to learn how to fly as I knew it would give me a focus, a goal, and a passion to follow during a time in which many in my field felt tired, lost and hopeless. I am extremely grateful to have been able to learn and experience all that aviation has to offer. It definitely gives some perspective to the worlds problems as everything looks much smaller from seat of a Cessna, and more peaceful with headset.:)” ~ Mandy