Karen's Flight Training

19 donors

$2,252 raised of $20K

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Karen's Flight Training

Karen Ortigoza is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of James Talbott.

Hello,

My name is Karen Ortigoza, but my friends call me by nickname, Sauri. I am 29 years old, and I live in Asunción, Paraguay. I have my private pilot's license, instrument rating, 230 hours total time, and I am about to take my commercial pilot's license check ride.

My fundraising goal:

To raise enough funds to complete my Instructor and Multi-engine ratings, and do an FAA license conversion in the United States.

My story:

I started in aviation at the age of 19, when I was hired as a Security Agent for American Airlines, working at the Asuncion Airport in 2012. At that time, I was studying on a scholarship at the American University. I have a degree in Computer Engineering.

Working for American Airlines was a truly a unique experience for me. I grew professionally and really enjoyed the job. Seeing the aircraft in the sky filled me with joy, and it was then I decided I wanted to be an airline pilot.

This is nearly an impossible dream for a young girl living in Paraguay, unless you come from a very wealthy family. I come from a family of four children, raised by a single parent. If I was going to be an airline pilot, I would have to find a way on my own.

I started working on my private pilot's license in 2014, but the next year American Airlines discontinued operations in Asunción, and I was laid off. And I had to stop my flight training due to a lack of funds. I was then hired by LATAM Paraguay Airlines as a flight attendant and I was able to re-start flight training.

I proudly I received my private pilot's license in October of 2018. It took me four long years to self-fund and complete it, as flight training is very expensive and wages in Paraguay are very low.

Then the pandemic hit and my airline, LATAM Paraguay, ceased operations. Since that time, I have had several jobs, but none that would provide me a salary that would allow for me to continue my commercial flight training.

I am fortunate to have two mentors in the USA, both of whom are Captains at major airlines. Their guidance, encouragement and support have been invaluable to me. With their help, I was able to complete my Instrument Rating and the required flight training for my Paraguayan Commercial Pilot's License. I am now waiting on a date for the commercial flight test.

My mentors suggested I join both Women in Aviation International, and The Ninety-Nines. I have applied for scholarships through both of these amazing organizations, but have not been selected yet. It was also their suggestion that I start a GoFundMe campaign.

Moving forward:

Having considered all options, I have decided that the best thing for me would be to do a commercial license conversion in the USA. My progress in Paraguay is very slow and I feel I am being left behind when pilots are in high demand.

My plan is to do the FAA Commercial License conversion, and complete the Multi-engine Instrument Rating and an Instructors Rating (CFI, CFII and MEI), while studying on an F-1 visa in the USA. I would then do Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as a flight instructor at the school, and the Optional Practical Training (OPT), in order to build flight hours. This is allowable under the F-1 visa.

The school I am most interested in is Aviator College in Fort Pierce, Florida. You can learn more about this college and the programs here: https://www.aviator.edu/international-students-1

There are many schools in the USA that offer flight training for foreign students studying on F-1 visas. I will determine which school is the best fit when the time comes.

Flight training costs vary with each student, depending on whether you need more or less training. I am sure the total amount I need will exceed what I have listed below, especially when you add in housing expenses.

How the funds will be used:

Multi-engine rating................................$5,000

Instructor Rating (CFI, CFII and MEI)...... $11,000

FAA conversion.........................................$3000

Books, FAA written exams, check rides....$1000

Total...........................................................$20,000

I realize these are lofty goals, but I will not quit. I am extremely determined and dedicated to complete all of my training, and one day, work as a commercial pilot for a major airline.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and considering to donate to my flight training fund. I hope you can find it in your heart to help me succeed. I assure you that all donated funds will be used only for flight training. And I promise to keep you updated on my progress.

With love, respect and gratitude,

Karen Sauri Ortigoza

Asunción, Paraguay.