Recent TJ Graduate Flying Toward Dreams
By Julie Evanchak
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS — THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
est Jefferson Hills WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS cKeesport
CITY OF MCKEESPORT NEWS
Most teenagers unwrap new clothes or money on their 15th birthday . However , Lillyan Safran , a recent Thomas Jefferson High School graduate , found herself flying in the captain ’ s seat of a plane on an Allegheny County discovery flight .
From a young age , Safran traveled to numerous locales , such as Scotland , Texas and Florida , where she found a love for exploration . She was never one to sit still , which is why she enjoyed traveling . As a high schooler , when there was steady pressure to begin determining a career path , she knew a desk job would not satisfy her .
After completing career surveys and research her freshman year , the idea of flying a plane took hold in Lillyan ’ s head . She quickly became fascinated with the thought of becoming a pilot , which kick-started her passion for flying .
Her parents , especially her father , Peter , fully supported her dream . Her dad helped turn her dream into a reality by taking her on a discovery flight when she turned 15 . It was a surprise gift and she learned basic maneuvers from a CFI ( Certified Flight Instructor ). She flew over beloved places like Kennywood , providing her a new perspective on life . Lillyan explains , “ seeing places I loved and being above everyone was something I will never forget .” When she was a TJ junior , she got in contact with Pittsburgh Pilot Training and instructor Jordan Abrovmitz to create a plan of action . Since then , she has been committed to her training and explains how “ everything flew into place .”
Her senior year ended in early June and Safran has completed flights , takeoffs and landings , and crossed state borders unaccompanied in her Piper Archer LX plane . When asked what it feels like to fly , Safran compares it to the large descending hill on a roller coaster where your stomach drops and you can only feel
46 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LILLYAN SAFRAN
excitement and exhilaration , but she concedes that it especially feels this way because it is her passion .
Safran is close to obtaining her pilot ’ s license . While studying for the final exam , she has also completed 36.5 out of the 40 total hours required to obtain a pilot ’ s license . Her supportive instructor , Lauren Lamb , is proud of Safran ’ s accomplishments and immensely enjoys teaching her .
Lamb began pursuing flying while she was in high school as well and enjoys training others . While at first hesitant to teach , she found the excitement students experience when landing a plane for the first time is contagious . She advises people interested in becoming a pilot to “ talk to everyone and anyone because no two paths are the same .” By creating connections and doing research , people can discover a world of opportunities . Lamb is excited to see what Safran does with her future in aviation and hopes she continues chasing her dreams .
While continuing to work towards getting her pilot ’ s license , Safran will be attending the University of North Carolina- Wilmington this fall of 2024 to begin working towards a business degree . She hopes to become a certified flight instructor and eventually become a commercial airline pilot and fly internationally . “ The job is ever-changing which is why I love it so much ,” Safran notes with a smile .
Safran plans to fly until she no longer can and hopes to spend this summer taking friends and family up in the air so she can share her dream and passion with them .
Julie Evanchak is a recent graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School . She will attend The Pennsylvania State University this fall to study Advertising / Public Relations