My Story
Professional Aviation has always been a dream of mine. Growing up in Nicaragua, that dream seemed like an impossibility. There are no Nicaraguan airlines. There is one flight school in Nicaragua with a total of 5 airplanes. But with a family income of $50 per week, training there was not an option. I dreamed as a child I would someday be a pilot, but the natural response to my dream was disbelief from the people around me. I continued to dream in silence.
In 2012 I met a family of missionaries from the US. They sponsored me for short-term visitor visas to visit them in the US. I was on one of those short-term visitor visas in 2020 when COVID hit. I was not able to return to Nicaragua. They renewed my visitor visa as needed and I began training as a Private Pilot.
After receiving my Private Pilot Certificate in 2021, they transferred my visitor visa to a student visa. I continued my training and received my Instrument Rating. With further study, I received my Commercial Certificate in 2025. I also completed the training and obtained my Advanced Ground Instructor Certificate. I am currently working on my Certified Flight Instructor Certificate.
I am an active member of various aviation communities. I am a member of EAA, WNC Air Museum, WNC Pilots Association, and Pilots for Christ. I enjoy hearing from more experienced pilots to help me be a better pilot and to allow me to share what I have learned with others. Pilots for Christ has asked me to write my story to use in a book of inspiration for others.
Most recently, I was welcomed as a Senior Member of the Civil Air Patrol. This required a special citizenship waiver since I am not a U.S. citizen but here on a Student Visa. As a part of the Civil Air Patrol, I hope to be able to inspire young cadets to follow their dreams despite any hardships they may face.
I am a Nicaraguan citizen in the United States legally on a M1 Student Visa. The M1 Student Visa does not allow me to work. It also does not allow me to borrow money from a bank. I have relied on donations and grants to fund my training for my Private Pilot Certificate, my Instrument Rating, my Commercial Certificate, and my Advanced Ground Instructor Certificate. I am currently working on becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. My family is in Nicaragua and lives on about $50 per week. They cannot help with my training.
I am living with a family in the U.S. who paid all my expenses to come here and secure my M1 visa. They provide my food, housing, transportation, and other things I need. They also pay all my lawyer and immigration fees to keep my M1 Visa in legal status as I continue to study. They help as much as they can with my flight training, but their funds are extremely limited. They have health issues and other family obligations. It is through donations, scholarships, and grants that I can realize my dream of becoming a professional pilot.
It is through God’s grace and the generosity of many people that I have been able to achieve the goals I have already achieved. This flight has had its share of turbulence, but I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead of me.
As I finish my training in early 2025, I will be open to opportunities to apply my training with an employer. This will require an employer to sponsor me for a Work Visa. This is a major obstacle for me to continue with my dream of becoming a professional pilot. But with God’s help, I have overcome many obstacles along this path. I trust that I will be able to overcome this one as well.
Education
- March 2025
WNC Aviation,LLC
Commercial Single Engine Land Rating - February 2025
WNC Aviation, LLC
Advanced Ground Instructor - December 2022
WNC Aviation, LLC
Instrument Single Engine Land Rating - September 2021
WNC Aviation, LLC
Private Pilot Single Engine Land Certificate
Languages
- English
Full Professional Proficiency - Spanish
Native Proficiency
Experience
- Personal Driver
June 2018 – December 2019
I was a personal driver for a distinguished individual in Nicaragua. Maintained his vehicle. Ensured safe transportation from his residence to various locations across Nicaragua. - Director Of Ministry in Nicaragua
July 2014 – December 2019
I contacted the rental company and made the arrangements for housing for the teams coming into Nicaragua. I secured our rental cars for each trip. When special needs arose, I worked with the missionaries in the US to take care of those needs. I did all of the driving there in Nicaragua for the teams. I was the guide and interpreter for the teams. I worked alongside of the teams in ministry and serving in the various communities. After teams left, I followed up with the communities that were served.
I worked in my community in Nicaragua providing soccer shoes and balls to all of the young people who wanted to play. I was a “big brother” to many of the young boys in my community, giving advice and encouragement for their daily lives.
Contact Me
Phone: 828-450-8698
Email: Michaelortiz0314@gmail.com
Address: 15 Sales Farm Drive, Asheville, NC 28803 USA
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ortiz-853942347/