FSLM Student Profile

Meet Jeb Baugh
This PGHS Junior Has His Sights Set on the Friendly Skies
By Madeline Smallwood

The humming of the engine, the jostling from turbulence, and the occasional beeping are all sounds most people are accustomed to while aboard a plane, but few know what it’s like hearing those noises from the cockpit. At 17 years old, Pleasant Grove High School junior Jeb Baugh is one of those few. 

While many of his peers are working towards obtaining their driver’s licenses, Jeb is working towards his pilot’s license. “I’ve always liked aviation and planes, and [flying] was something I was interested in,” he said. “I’ve always told my mom that I wanted to be a pilot, so she started talking to people and found my instructor, Mr. Brandy.

“I just thought it would be a good career,” Jeb continued. “I don’t really want to go to school or college for that long, and piloting is about a two-year program.” He explained that his goal is to be a commercial pilot, working for airlines, believing that this career will allow him to maintain a “good balance between family, life, and career, since you fly for a few days and then get to chill for a few days,” he said.

There are three main piloting licenses: private, involving private companies jets; commercial, involving airlines; and instrument rating, involving intense training focused on referencing instruments. With about 16 hours logged, Jeb is on his way to obtaining his private pilot’s license, which requires 40 hours of experience. Beyond that milestone, Jeb plans to obtain his commercial piloting license, which requires 1000 hours and generally takes two additional years to complete. 

Flying a plane is a huge undertaking, requiring the utmost care and focus. “It’s a big responsibility to fly, and there’s not really any room to mess up,” Jeb shared. While he harnesses the attention needed to pilot the plane, he also finds peace and enjoyment in the experience. “To be honest, I just like looking around,” he said. “When I’m up there, I like looking at the scenery.”