NEWS
Instrument Rated
Performing to ACS standards via sole use of aircraft instruments, Shanna Lucas earned her Instrument Rating (Private Pilot add on) for CSEL Airplane. Most memorable was when her Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) said, "Go ahead and take your foggles off. Look at the sunset, and let's go back to print off that Instrument Rating certificate." IFR, she recounts, is a rating pilots should not miss out on, for how it will better you as a pilot. Now a "cloud surfer," she recounts IFR as a very fun, yet very challenging segment within her training. An experience she will never forget, and certainly, a rating she will use for the rest of her career.
Officially a Private Pilot
On Friday, August 25th 2023, Shanna Lucas earned her Private Pilot, single-engine land (PPSEL) license through a two day check ride event. Having passed the oral on Thursday the 24th, with the flight discontinued for the summer heat... on the morning of Friday the 25th, Lucas performed and satisfied the Airman Certification Standards (ASC) to the best of her ability. With utmost pride and gratitude, Lucas looks forward to accomplishing more within her aviation education as an American Airlines Cadet at Coast Flight Training, as well as serving the community that has supported, guided, encouraged, and educated her during her journey. A dream that has existed for almost two decades... Shanna Lucas is finally a pilot!
First Cross Country Solos
On June 11th, 2023, Lucas completed her first solo cross country (her first solo flight outside of her local airspace). A little hop from San Marcos, TX to Fredericksburg, TX and back, her only regret is being unable to check out T82's awesome airport, and pick up local Fredericksburg-grown peaches!
On July 9th, 2023, Lucas satisfied her 150 nautical mile, solo cross country requirement. Flying the route of San Marcos, TX --> Burnet, TX --> Kerrville, TX --> San Marcos, TX, Lucas found this trip to be exceedingly memorable as it was beautiful. 3 hours of flight time was not long enough! ;)
x3 Awardee || Miss Women with Wings 2023 Pageant
On May 20th, 2023, Lucas was awarded the People's Choice Award, "for having the most votes and support in the Miss Women with Wings pageant"; the Influencer Award, "for being the most active on social media through the entirety of the competition;" and a Women with Wings ambassadorship for her efforts and determination as a contestant in the Miss Women with Wings 2023 pageant. @womenwithwings_
Shanna's First Solo
On April 10th, 2023, Shanna Lucas took her first solo flight, within traffic pattern, at her local airport KHYI. Three laps within the pattern, all smooth landings. Shanna feels so appreciative for her friends' support. She is incredibly appreciative to her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Jordan for his belief and instruction to insure she was solo-ready. After a celebratory lunch at Raising Canes, she rejoined her group back at the airport to support a fellow student pilot on his first solo. What a core memory!
Women in Aviation (WAI), North Texas Chapter, 2023 American Airlines Cadet Academy Scholarship Winner
On January 14th, 2023, Shanna Lucas was named as the scholarship recipient of an American Airlines Cadet Academy Scholarship, awarded by the WAI North Texas chapter as one of many scholarships awarded to well deserving girls and women building their hours and certifications in aviation.
Lucas attributes the timing of her first aviation scholarship as surreal... Not only was her first scholarship awarded during Lucas's first week in flight school, but DURING Lucas's first takeoff and flight with her academy. Paralleled are two different, yet imperative assisted takeoffs that have created lift for Lucas to experience a new phase of flight she had before then never known. Working from the ground up, Lucas hopes to continue serving as a good neighbor, photography purveyor/practitioner, and flight student.
