Colonie Central High School freshman Nicholas Sutter has started taking major steps toward his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. What began as a weekend tradition, plane spotting at the Albany International Airport with his mom, has since transformed into a concentrated journey into the aviation field. From the time he began construction on his ever-growing model airport at age six, to his efforts logging over 346 hours in Microsoft Flight Simulator, his commitment to the skies is unwavering. In 2024, he officially became a student pilot and began taking gliding lessons with the Adirondack Soaring Club; he has since completed 19 glider lessons—marking the beginning of his dive into real-world flight training.

“Spotting planes is what got me into aviation in the first place and wanting to be a pilot. It’s what started all of this for me,” Sutter shared on his personal website that he had created during a web-design class offered at CCHS. “Watching planes, learning about them, and sharing that online is how my whole aviation journey began—and it’s just the beginning.” Sutter uses his website and social media accounts, including his TikTok, Instagram and YouTube channels under the handle @albanyplanespotter, to document his progress. He credits the encouragement of fellow aviation enthusiasts online, a special visit to the Air and Space Museum, as well as the kindness of various professional pilots—as key motivators in continuing his journey to the sky.

In addition to this extracurricular interest, South Colonie is proud to support students like Nicholas through electives such as Aerospace Engineering. This course is offered to upperclassmen, and includes a broad range of curriculum—from physics of flight, aircraft controls, flight simulations, and even instruction on aerospace design. This course aims to give interested students a strong foundation in the field.

“This year, our aerospace students went on two field trips: the Air Traffic Control Tower at Albany Airport, and 109 Airlift Wing - Air National Guard Base. We have also had two guest speakers come to the class and speak to students about their careers as a military pilot and an aerospace engineer," shares Colleen Lynn, CCHS Aerospace Engineering Instructor. “Next year, I hope to expand on these trips and include a visit to the Empire State Aerospace Museum, as I believe opportunities like these give students invaluable information about their prospective career paths.” 

As Sutter prepares for his first solo glider flight, which is currently scheduled to occur this summer; he continues to demonstrate that with focus, initiative, hard work, and continuous support, even the sky is not the limit. We look forward to following the flight path of this dedicated student in the years to come.