Marshfield teen takes flight: Alves becomes Licensed Pilot at 17

At just 17 years old, Michael Alves has already accomplished something many people only dream of: earning his private pilot's license. A senior at Marshfield High School, Michael has defied expectations and soared to new heights, quite literally, with a passion for aviation that began just over a year ago.

The seeds for Michael’s interest in flying were planted last Christmas when his dad surprised him with a discovery flight—a one-hour experience that allows a person to get a taste of what it’s like to be in the cockpit. 

“I loved it. They say you either love it or hate it, and I absolutely loved it," Michael recalled. 

That experience sparked an ambition that would take him from the classroom to the skies.

Michael, who was just 16 at the time, began the process of earning his private pilot’s license right after the school year ended. The journey was challenging, requiring him to study diligently for the ground school portion of his training, where he learned the theory behind flying without actually being in the air.

“It was a lot of work, especially at the beginning, memorizing all the information,” Michael admitted. He spent much of the summer flying three times a week, logging hours that would eventually lead him to his ultimate goal.

The path to becoming a licensed pilot took about six months. Michael received his private pilot’s license on October 7, 2024, a momentous occasion in his young life.

"Now, I can fly anywhere I want and take my friends and family with me," he said with excitement. “I can even buy my own plane and fly it. It’s an incredible feeling of freedom.”

For Michael, the thrill of flight is hard to put into words. “It’s just freeing,” he explained. “You’re above everything, and you’re not stuck to the road or the ground. You can go in any direction, at any speed. It’s pure freedom.” That sense of independence is what continues to drive his passion for aviation, but

Michael’s goals don’t stop there. He has big dreams for his future in the skies. “I definitely want to become a commercial pilot. I’m aiming for a career with airlines like Delta or Southwest,” he said, eyes bright with determination.

While Michael’s friends are busy with school activities and hobbies, he’s already thinking about how to take his flying career further.

“I’ve got some solo flight hours under my belt—about 13 so far,” he shared. “After I got my license, I took a trip to Baltimore just to fly around and get more experience. I’d love to own my own plane someday—it would make it a lot easier to build hours and fly when I want.”

Michael’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges and memorable moments. During his first-ever lesson, a door on the plane unexpectedly popped open mid-flight—a scenario that could cause alarm for any pilot. However, as he reflects on his experience, Michael finds humor in the situation.

“It was a big deal at the time, but on my check ride, the instructor’s door popped open, too. It was kind of funny—like it came full circle,” he chuckled.

What stands out most about Michael’s journey is the rarity of his achievement. Though he spends time at Fulltron Aviation, the flight school at Springfield Downtown Airport, he hasn’t yet met another 17-year-old pilot.

“Everyone I meet at the flight school is in their 20s. There’s not a lot of information about how many 17-year-olds are out there flying,” he says. “It’s cool to be one of the few who’s doing it at such a young age.”

Michael’s success has also been a family affair. His parents, Katie and Dave Alves, have been incredibly supportive throughout his journey. The Alves family moved to Marshfield just over four years ago, and Michael credits his parents for nurturing his aviation ambitions.

“My dad and I just started looking into flying, and they really got behind me with the discovery flight. That support made all the difference,” he added.

Despite the whirlwind pace of learning to fly while balancing schoolwork, Michael remains grounded in his love for aviation and his aspirations for the future.

“I’m working on my instrument training now, so it’s getting even more challenging, but I love every minute of it,” he said. For Michael Alves, the sky is the limit.

As he continues to work toward his ultimate goal of becoming a commercial pilot, Michael stands as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions—no matter how young you are. For him, it’s clear that the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.