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August 10, 2009 – Atlanta, Georgia - What comes after setting a United States record on your 16th birthday?
For Errick Smith of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, the answer was easy — earning his rotorcraft/helicopter pilot rating.
On July 21, 2008, Smith set a U.S. record when at Atlanta’s DeKalb Peachtree Airport he became the youngest person to solo in an airplane — a Cessna 172 — and two helicopters — a Robinson R22 and a Schweizer —on the same day. The record was later confirmed by the World Records Academy. Then, just over a year later, on July 29, 2009, Smith earned his helicopter rating at age 17.
“It took some work,” Smith admitted. “But I love a good challenge.”
While he may love a good challenge, Smith said he also likes to inspire other teens. “It would be nice to see some younger people getting involved in aviation,” he said. “If I can do it, you can, too.”
So what’s the first thing he did once he got his license? He and his mother headed to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
A junior at Ocean Springs High School, Smith said he became interested in flying because of his uncle, an aerial photographer based in Atlanta, who often shoots from helicopters. After Smith went up for his first helicopter flight at age 8, he knew what he wanted to do.
But Smith said he isn’t done learning. He next plans to finish his fixed-wing training, although helicopters remain his favorite. “With helicopters you can put down anywhere,” he said. “With an airplane you’re limited to runways or small grass strips. While I like both, helicopters are just more fun to me. But if it’s aviation-related, I’m in.”
After getting his fixed-wing rating, Smith said he also plans to earn his instrument and flight instructor ratings.
While Smith said he isn’t sure what he will do for a career some day, he knows one thing. “It will be something aviation related, that’s for sure.”
His mother, Deonda Smith, said the only thing currently delaying her son’s goals is that the local airport is for sale and the flight school has been closed.
Nonetheless, Smith said he would be back to AirVenture 2010. “And I hope to have my airplane rating by then.”
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After setting a U.S. record for being the youngest to ever solo an airplane and two helicopters on the same day in 2008, Errick Smith, now 17, earned his rotorcraft/helicopter rating July 29, 2009. Photo courtesy Errick Smith
The smile says it all — Errick Smith earned his helicopter rating on July 29. Photo courtesy Errick Smith
Errick Smith poses with his mother, Deonda Smith holding his World Record Certificate, and his helicopter instructor, Susanne Hallen, holding his temporary certificate.
Photo courtesy Errick Smith
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