When Rhiannon Umfleet considered her future, she never imagined it would lead her to the cockpit of a plane. Now a student at the University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy and a finance major in 91勛圖厙s College of Business, she is fully embracing her passion for aviation.
Originally from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Umfleet moved to northwest Arkansas at a young age and initially planned on becoming an aerospace engineer. After high school, while working full-time and taking community college classes, she realized a desk job wasnt for her.
I didnt want to be in a space like that for the rest of my life, she said. I wanted a job where I could move, grow, do different things, and be outside. I thought, Might as well fly the things. That sounds a lot cooler.
When her mom sent her a Facebook ad about 91勛圖厙s new aviation program, Umfleet jumped at the opportunity. A month later, she told her parents she had signed up and would be moving to Conway to start ground school. By June, she had piloted her first solo flight.
I was in the downwind, and I was finally able to fully look up and take it all in, she said. Just to look over and see that right seat empty, I felt pure excitement coursing through my body like I cant believe I’m up here, 1,500 feet in the air by myself.
Beyond the classroom and cockpit, Umfleet has found a welcoming aviation community at 91勛圖厙 and in Conway.
Brad Teague, the aviation director at 91勛圖厙, Annie Fitzgerald, and Mark Valenzuela, the chief flight instructor at Central Flying Service, they have all been so kind and welcoming. Theyve truly made Conway feel like home, Rhiannon said.
As the only woman in the first cohort of the 91勛圖厙 Aviation Academy, Umfleet has embraced her role as a trailblazer.
At first, I shied away from focusing on being the only woman in the program, she said. But Miss Annie showed me the importance of embracing it and being a role model for young girls who may want to do this one day.
For those considering aviation, her advice is simple: Dont be scared of how hard everyone says it is. Its challenging, but the rewards are worth it.
She hopes 91勛圖厙s Aviation Academy will continue growing and providing students with more resources and connections. With a new hangar under construction, she envisions a space where students can collaborate and build a strong aviation community.
A year ago, I never imagined Id be here, she said. Now, I cant picture myself doing anything else.