Help Deann Regain Her Wings

Hello, my name is Jino Kim. I am writing this on behalf of my dear friend and former flight student, Deann. She’s an incredibly talented young pilot whose dreams were shattered by a horrific car accident—and now, she needs your help.

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A Natural-Born Pilot

When I first flew with Deann, I jokingly accused her of being a seasoned instructor because she was that good. Her maneuvers were flawless on her first attempts. I used to call her “Human Autopilot.” She earned her private, instrument, and commercial licenses without failures. To add, she was not from an aviation family—her skills were entirely her own.

Deann worked multiple jobs, applied for scholarships, and took out large flight training loans to chase her dream. As it was for many of us, her plan was to repay them once she became an airline pilot. That future is now uncertain.

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What Happened

While training to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Deann was T-boned by a reckless driver. The accident left her with:

• severe concussion

• multiple nerve damages

• herniated and degenerating discs

• broken wrist

• loss of mobility and independence

• uncontrollable symptoms that doctors deemed to be hopeless

• and the worst, the loss of her FAA medical certificate, grounding her career

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The Aftermath

For those who are unfamiliar with FAA medical certification, a simple history of migraines can disqualify or trigger additional investigation. This additional investigation can also extend from months to years to be processed by the FAA.

The other driver’s minimal insurance barely covers Deann’s ongoing medical expenses. Moreover, Washington state won’t pay out until treatment is complete, which could take years.

Deann is now struggling to pay for:

• ongoing physical therapy and spinal treatments

• surgeries

• mounting flight school loan interests

• And basic necessities—all while unable to work due to her injuries

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How You Can Help

I am asking for your help. This bright, determined young pilot’s future is now on hold because of a horrific accident that we dare not imagine for ourselves. For us airliner pilots, most of us are thankfully protected by our unions and companies in these unforeseeable situations. Deann does not. Any donation, big or small, will make a meaningful difference in helping Deann stay afloat during her recovery and reclaim her dream of flying.

She didn’t want to share photos of her injuries, so I’ve shared a picture of us after her first solo flight, a proud moment for both of us.

If you’re a fellow pilot, you know how much sacrifice and discipline was needed to achieve your dream. And you also know how easily it can be taken away with the loss of a medical certificate. She hadn’t earned her wings yet with an airline. However, she was on the path of becoming an impeccable pilot. If you’re not a pilot, I still hope you’ll join us in lifting up someone who has dedicated her life to something bigger.

Thank you so much for reading, sharing, and donating.

— Jino