Hannah Biltz

AVIATION FLIGHT, B.S.

"I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 14 years old, so naturally I wanted to find a university that had aviation majors. At CBU, I liked being a part of something new. We started off as a small group and it was like a family all four years throughout the program."

Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 14 years old, so naturally I wanted to find a university that had aviation majors. The flight major was more in the direction that I wanted my career to go so I chose flight. My father has been in the military my entire life so whenever we flew to visit my extended families, I very much loved the plane rides. I loved going to air shows as a young girl and I could never let go of this dream of mine.

What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I liked being a part of something new. We started off as a small group and it was like a family all four years throughout the program.

What did you think about your professors?
I loved my professors. They made the extremely difficult program FUN! They were personable and funny and all around made the program better.

Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
I started a Women in Aviation, International (WAI) chapter, called the WAI Blue Yonder chapter. I also participated in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) regional flight team competition.

How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
I was so busy my first three years in the program that my outside growth wasn’t as obvious as my fourth year. Educationally, I grew the most after becoming a flight instructor. Teaching others taught me more about myself and put my knowledge to the test. I think I grew a lot socially after succeeding in the program and building the confidence that it takes to be a pilot. I grew closer to my group of friends within the program. All of this could not have happened without spiritual growth as well. God was truly at my side through the ups and downs of the four years in the program and He tested me in ways that only made me a stronger Christian.

Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
It helped me live my purpose entirely. I truly believe God wanted me to fly, but He wants much more than that. He has allowed me to use this passion of mine to influence and help others in this very secular industry. He has allowed me to use aviation as my mission field.

What have you done since graduating?
I have obtained a full-time position as a flight instructor within the very program I completed. I recently got married and my life is very full.

How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
As I earned the certificates and built the knowledge I need for this job, the major has 100% contributed to my career today.

Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life today?
Everything!

How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
That is a loaded question! I believe I am living my purpose by listening to God and being open to what He could have in store for me. I worked for another flight school over the summer and quickly realized CBU was where God wanted me to be.