A Story of Resilience

For one St. Petersburg native, Albert Whitted Airport has always felt like an integral part of the city. As a child, Noble O’Connor spent countless hours climbing on the playground while his older brother attended Civil Air Patrol meetings. Even then, the sight of planes taking off and landing sparked a fascination that would eventually grow into a full-fledged passion for aviation.  

For years, that passion remained on the periphery. Attending events like AirVenture in Oshkosh and Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland provided a way to stay engaged, but the desire to take to the skies never faded. The turning point came at sixteen when he took a discovery flight. The moment the aircraft lifted off the ground, he knew—that flying wasn’t just an interest; it was a calling.  

But pursuing that calling came with challenges. Flight training is expensive, and the cost of lessons seems like an insurmountable obstacle. That changed when FOAWA member Rand Snell introduced him to the scholarship program. Wasting no time, he applied, knowing this opportunity could be the key to making his dream a reality. Receiving scholarship funding in 2023 wasn’t just a financial relief; it was a crucial steppingstone that allowed him to continue training without accumulating debt, even through some of life’s most difficult moments.  

Weathering the Storms 

The past year tested his resilience in ways he never expected. The loss of his father was a devastating personal blow, and shortly afterward, failing the private pilot check ride added another layer of hardship. It would have been easy to walk away, to let grief and disappointment dictate the future.  

But the community at Albert Whitted Airport and the support from FOAWA made all the difference. Fellow pilots, instructors, and mentors provided encouragement and guidance, reminding him that setbacks do not define a person—how he responds to them does. With each new challenge, he found ways to grow stronger, both as a pilot and as an individual.  

A Future in Flight 

While the aviation industry offers countless career paths, he feels particularly drawn to the corporate sector. Through ongoing training and networking, he’s come to appreciate the vast diversity of experiences within aviation—everyone has a unique story, and there is always something to learn from those who have come before.  

Beyond flying, he is passionate about rock climbing, triathlons, and photography. These hobbies, though seemingly unrelated, have instilled a deep sense of discipline, problem-solving, and focus—traits that directly contribute to success in aviation. The ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt to new challenges, and pay attention to the finest details are skills honed both in the air and on the ground.  

Advice for Future Aviators 

For those considering applying for the FOAWA scholarship or working toward their own aviation goals, his advice is simple: “Make yourself known.” Engaging with the local aviation community, asking questions, and building relationships are key to finding the right opportunities. Aviation is filled with people eager to help and support newcomers but taking that first step is essential.  

If he could offer advice to his younger self, it would be to worry less and appreciate the journey more. It’s easy to focus on the gaps—the time it takes, the obstacles in the way—but in reality, each step forward is a victory. Every setback brings a lesson, and every lesson brings him closer to the pilot and person he aspires to be.  

As he continues on this path, he is committed to giving back. Whether it’s mentoring new student pilots, explaining concepts, or simply offering a word of encouragement, he wants to be the kind of person who supports others the way he was supported.  

Aviation isn’t just about flying—it’s about the people who make it possible. And for him, it all started on a playground by the runway.