Spencer Richmond, a graduate of Central Florida Aerospace Academy and James C. Ray Scholarship Alumni, is currently taking to the skies as a First Officer for Legends Airways, flying the Saab 340B for cargo operations. He is currently waiting for a class with Skywest where he will be training and then flying the ERJ 175 for Part 121 passenger operations. Let’s see how Spencer got to where he is today.
Spencer received the James C. Ray Scholarship in December of 2018 and then received his Private Pilots License on his 19th birthday out of Bartow Flying Service at Bartow Airport. He attained his Instrument rating three months later, his Commercial License in June of 2020, and then his CFI/CFII (Certified Flight Instructor) in August 2020, all at Polk State College’s Aerospace Program. Shortly after this, he started instructing students out of Legends Aviation Academy, which is connected to Legends Airways.
As Spencer built time from instructing, he was brought on to attain a Saab340B rating through Legends Airways to fly for their cargo operations. He has been flying there since. Spencer regards his most memorable time flying at Legends, where he would fly their Super Cub and land on many grass strips all around Florida.
In asking how the scholarship impacted Spencer’s life, he states, “The scholarship has changed my life, it opened my eyes to the never-ending opportunities in the aviation industry. It propelled me into training, allowing a jumpstart to a career I didn’t know I could love so much.” He further gives advice to the future generation of James C. Ray Scholarship recipients, “Realize the opportunity you have in front of you take training seriously but don’t hesitate to enjoy every second of it even if you are struggling with certain things.”
Spencer’s goals for the future include building hours to fly for a major airline. He would like to become a Captain for American Airlines, Delta Airlines, or United Airlines while being a check airman on the side.
Spencer is a wonderful example of attaining the scholarship and jump-starting his career within the span of two to three years. We wish him the best of luck and can’t wait to see him achieve his goals as an airline Captain!
