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A 14-year-old AvGeek-in-training gets the aviation experience of a lifetime

Aug. 01, 2021
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3 min read
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A 14-year-old AvGeek-in-training gets the aviation experience of a lifetime
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When it comes to traveling with kids, our motto here at TPG is "start 'em young." When it comes to building a love for aviation, 14-year-old Kael Wilson puts even the most experienced AvGeek to shame.

Wilson, who has a severe blood disorder, recently got to fulfill his wish of getting a jump start on his future career as a pilot by visiting FlightSafety International in Columbus, OH, and training in its best-in-class $20M flight simulator — all thanks to the organization Make-A-Wish.

Wilson is "obsessed with flying," according to the organization. And that's no surprise considering his family history: Wilson is a fourth-generation AvGeek who got hooked "from traveling a lot and my dad,” he said. Wilson's great-grandpa and grandpa were both pilots, the latter serving as an instructor and pilot for the regional airline Republic Airways.

Wilson in the simulator with his father, Chris, who is a pilot for Delta. (Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish)

Wilson's father, Chris, has been flying since 1999. For the past 16 years, he's been a pilot for Delta based out of Detroit, flying a Boeing 717.

Wilson wants to keep his family’s legacy alive by becoming a pilot as well.

That's where Make-A-Wish came in. When Wilson asked for a gaming computer and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 so he could start training for his pilot’s license, Make-A-Wish not only granted the wish but took things one step further by giving Wilson the chance to go to FlightSafety International and experience a state-of-the-art simulator first-hand.

Wilson said the best part of the trip was flying the new Longitude (a business jet produced by Cessna) and getting to fly with his dad and grandpa. "It sounded like you were in a real plane,” said Wilson, who flew the aircraft from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Wilson navigating takeoff from SFO with a little help from his co-pilot and father, Chris. (Photo courtesy of Make-A-Wish).

“He did pretty well for his first time ever flying a jet,” noted his father.

Wilson's favorite places to visit thus far in his young career as a world traveler are China and San Francisco. His most memorable flight to date, he said, was flying from Hong Kong to NYC in business class on one of United's Boeing 777s.

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When asked what Wilson loves most about flying his answer was simple.

“All of it," he said. "To see the landscape when you look out the window, how everything is so small when you’re up in the air, discovering the cities and tall buildings.”

We couldn't agree more.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, life-changing wishes like Wilson's continue to be granted on a daily basis all around the country, according to Make-A-Wish. The organization has granted more than 6,500 wishes since March 2020. Learn more about Make-A-Wish by visiting wish.org.

All images courtesy of Make-A-Wish.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.