After a conversation with a high school guidance counselor and Al Blain’s phone number in her pocket, Alayna followed a nudge to pursue aviation as a potential career path. A high percentage of pilots have aviation in their blood and they grow up flying with family members and navigating the myriad directions the aviation industry might offer. As a junior at Skyview and with no background in aviation, no experience around airplanes, and no personal connections in the field, Alayna was at a loss of where to begin until she followed her gut and reached out to call the number in her pocket.
As was often said of AJ, no one was a stranger, only a friend. Alayna experienced the same from Al. The spark lit as she walked around the hanger at Billings Flying Service, catching the vision for what it was to be a pilot. “This is it,” she said. “This is what I want to do with my life.” AJ’s ability to share his passion and bring a stranger into his circle in a matter of minutes mirrored the same ability of his father, who, in sharing his passion for aviation, fanned the flame for Alayna.
With a map in front of her, she pursued her private pilot license her senior year of high school and began looking at to make a career in aviation. Connecting with the AJ Blain foundation further wrapped Alayna in the arms of her new “aviation family.” She received a scholarship from the foundation, which made possible pursuing her aviation degree at Rocky Mountain College. Alayna will obtain her commercial license this spring as she completes her second year at RMC, and she is on track to be certified as a flight instructor next year.
“It’s hard to create a passion and career in aviation without a connection,” Alayna mentioned. “I was that young girl who had no idea where to start.” The Blain’s opened a door, and Alayna walked through. Her enthusiasm for flying exemplifies the passion AJ had for being in the air.
As only a sophomore in college, working full time with Beacon Air Group and chasing her dream career in aviation, Alayna is already giving back and passing on what the AJ Blain Foundation has gifted her. As of this spring, Alayna and a friend will launch their non-profit organization, AviateHER, with a focus on creating opportunities and mentorship to bring young girls into the field of aviation. Similar to AJ’s passion of getting others in the air, Alayna is continuing AJ’s legacy, knowing that he has become a part of her journey and will continue to be as she is able to pass the spark along to the next generation.