By Avellon Williams
New MEXICO – After becoming New Mexico’s youngest pilot at 17 years old, Gabriel Carothers made history. It was a few days after the aviator’s 17th birthday that he finished his private pilot check ride, according to KOAT.
Carothers said that he became interested in flying at a young age. “My father had a family friend who had an airplane that used to fly us,” the teen said. “So, he thought it’d definitely be interesting to take me and my brother up for a flight when we were 5 and 6 years old.”
The flight simulator that Carothers designed and constructed was also set up when he was just 14. “I had to do research on what went into a computer and then what parts and components were needed to make sure it worked,” the teen said. “Learning all the intricate pieces of it, the programming of it in the simulator itself was another thing.”
The flight simulator that Carothers designed and constructed was also set up when he was just 14. “I had to do research on what went into a computer and then what parts and components were needed to make sure it worked,” the teen said. “Learning all the intricate pieces of it, the programming of it in the simulator itself was another thing.”
Carothers said he wasn’t really thinking of becoming the state’s youngest pilot when he achieved the feat history.” “I was just thinking about flying and doing what I like to do every day,” he explained. In addition, Carothers plans on learning how to fly vintage aircraft and participating in airshows. Further, he expressed interest in enrolling at the Air Force Academy.
“Leaving a trail behind and leaving a path for other kids to follow really lightens up my heart, and to make sure that they have a future no matter what they do,” the teen said.
