Quarter 3 Highlights: Franselaine Maghinang – From the Philippines to Phoenix East Aviation

Franselaine Maghinang, otherwise known as Frans, was born in the Philippines and moved to Hong Kong when she was eight. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language in Hong Kong, she began her career as a teaching assistant. Despite starting in a different field, her ultimate goal was always to become a pilot. She was determined to achieve this dream through hard work, discipline, and consistency. Her friend often referred to her as an “aviation geek”, a label she happily embraced. In 2024, Frans achieved a major milestone by graduating with an MS in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while working as an instructor at Phoenix East Aviation. This accomplishment brought immense joy as she continued to pursue her dreams of flying.

Frans’ early exposure to the aviation industry came from her frequent flights between the Philippines and Hong Kong. A particularly memorable experience was when her family boarded a Boeing 747 during a trip to Germany when she was about 11 years old. She was amazed by its massive size and the double deck with a staircase inside. Sitting in the window seat, she gazed at the long wings and wondered, ‘How can they fly this massive thing?’ Years later, an opportunity to try a Boeing 737 simulator at a shopping mall reignited her fascination with flying.

In 2013, Frans began her journey to become a pilot by applying for the highly competitive Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon cadet programs in Hong Kong. These programs, renowned for offering free training, were notoriously selective, allowing applicants only one chance per year to prove their tenacity through rigorous interviews and tests. Despite facing multiple rejections, she continued forward, “I persisted year after year after year, dedicating myself to studying, preparation, and self-improvement,” Maghinang said and reflected back to each setback as fuel for her determination to continue pursuing her pilot dreams. In 2017, with unwavering support from her family, Maghinang made the decision to pursue flight training in the Philippines. However, life had other plans when a close aunt in Florida was diagnosed with cancer, requiring full-time care during her medical treatments. This unexpected turn of events led her to relocate. Every setback prepares for an even bigger comeback, and during this challenging period, that is exactly what transpired. A new opportunity emerged: Maghinang’s aunt and uncle suggested that she consider pursuing her flight training in the United States. She began extensively researching several flight schools after thoroughly considering the advice she was given. Upon research, she landed on PEA, “ I had the opportunity to connect with an Admissions Officer at PEA, who was extremely helpful,” Maghinang said. “They patiently addressed all my inquiries, offering valuable insights into the various programs, pricing details, and the international student visa application process.”

After evaluating the pros and cons of flight training in the Philippines versus the United States, specifically at PEA, the core training expenses were similar in both locations, excluding living costs, however, in terms of efficiency, it was evident that choosing PEA was a clear winner. The abundance of airports for flight training in the US, particularly in Florida, along with streamlined processes, offered a significant advantage in gaining licenses and certificates. For Maghinang these were some clear-cut differences that stood in comparison to flight training in the Philippines, where limited training airports and bureaucratic hurdles often resulted in considerable delays for flight training. Another difference was the timeline for achieving milestones in flight training, “feedback from students in the Philippines said that it typically took around 6 months to achieve their first solo flight,” Maghinang said. In comparison, PEA has a remarkably faster timeline of just 1-2 months for the same achievement, even accounting for potential weather-related delays. This difference in timelines ultimately tipped the scales in favor for her to pursue flight training at PEA. Frans considered many flight training programs and locations in Florida, however, PEA stood out from its competitors for several reasons, “what really attracted me to PEA is that they are one of the few flight schools that international students with an F-1 Visa, allowing us to work as flight instructors once we complete our courses,” Maghinang said. This presented as a fantastic opportunity for her to gain valuable experience and flight hours, bringing her closer to her dream of becoming an airline pilot. The school’s fleet, equipped with advanced glass cockpit displays and the presence of an on-site maintenance department, also set PEA apart from other flight training schools Maghinang was considering. Frans made the decision to officially join PEA in 2018. This choice marked a significant step forward in her aviation journey, setting the stage for the achievements and experiences that would follow.

Flight training is not only a memorable experience, but a financial commitment, “it’s a stereotype to hear that ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ in an Asian household and I know how every dollar, penny, and cents count, so I promised myself to make sure not a dollar goes to waste and that I would put all of my effort in each activity that I do,” Maghinang said. As she prepared to begin her flight training, she could not help but feel a bit apprehensive, about the idea of being an international student in a foreign country, “It was tough not knowing anyone, but when I started my training, I was pleasantly surprised by the large number of international students at PEA. It felt like we were all in the same boat, each of us experiencing the same fears and uncertainties,” Maghinang said. This unexpected sense of community eased the apprehension she once felt. PEA became more than just a place to complete her flight training; it became a second home for her. The friendships she built became an integral part of her flight training; they not only helped her navigate the challenges of being an international student but also enriched her understanding of the aviation industry. As a student, Maghinang found her first solo to be a memorable moment. However, an even more special experience was the day she had the privilege of flying with her family, “being able to share with them the exhilaration and passion that fuels my love for flying was truly special,” Maghinang said. It’s moments like that, that remind her of the beauty of flight and how fortunate she is to experience it almost every day. As an instructor, she has trained students who eventually became her colleagues and has taught numerous ground school classes. She takes pride in helping students progress and obtain their licenses, “some of whom I’ve had the honor of conducting their Checkrides with, and that has been an incredibly proud moment for me,” Maghinang said. As she recalls the time she once felt rejection from getting into the cadet programs, “I have found fulfillment in instructing and assisting students in reaching their dreams; this reminds me that every detour can lead to an even more rewarding destination and that everything happens for a reason.” She is honored to play a part in helping them achieve their goals and soar to new heights.

Maghinang has achieved a vast amount of success during her flight training at Phoenix East Aviation. She has not only gained an array of licenses and ratings but has also held several leadership positions within their flight training department. She holds the following licenses and ratings: Commercial Pilot Single and Multi Engine Airplane Land with Instrument Rating, along with her CFI, CFII and MEI. Maghinang’s career at PEA has seen steady progression, growth, and increasing responsibilities. She has held the position of Flight Instructor, honing on her skills in teaching and mentoring new pilots; Check Instructor, where she was responsible for evaluating the progress and competence of student pilots at crucial stages in their training; Team Manager, where she continued to demonstrate her leadership skills, and oversaw a group of flight instructors, coordinating schedules, maintained training standards, and serving as the middle ground between instructors, upper management and students; and most recently, serves as an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, where she plays a critical role overseeing the student’s training and course curricula, ensuring they aligned and are in compliance with FAA regulations and PEA’s standards. The progression from Flight Instructor to Assistant Chief Flight Instructor in a relatively short time span speaks volumes on her dedication, skill, and leadership ability.

Flight training and the journey to becoming a pilot is often challenging, but holds room for both excitement and personal growth, much like it was for Maghinang. With her own knowledge and experience, she wants to advise future and prospective pilots that flight training is not a joke, “Many people are enticed by the glamor of flying around the world as a pilot and the high salary that comes with it,” Maghinang said. “However, it’s important to acknowledge the demanding nature of pilot training.” She emphasizes that building and developing a good attitude and mindset prior to starting flight training is imperative for success. Comparison can be the thief of joy, so remember that everyone’s flight training timelines can look different, “you will compare yourself with others or your classmates and I am already telling you, don’t – this is your own unique journey.” Everyone progresses and learns at different rates, and there is nothing wrong with that, but what somebody can control is their attitude toward training, “with all of the other factors that you cannot control, you can control your attitude and the effort that you put in your training and we at PEA will help you get the training that you need to get to your goals,” she wants people to remember. One can be a very skilled pilot, but without a good, positive attitude, they won’t reach high. And remember… “attitude is altitude!”

Needless to say, Frans Maghinang’s aviation journey is a true testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Beginning with her early fascination of aviation as a child in the Philippines to her current role as an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at Phoenix East Aviation, she has navigated multiple challenges and setbacks with determination. These obstacles only propelled her forward to a successful career that is far from over at PEA; her solid foundation of experience, diverse skill set, and passion for aviation, Maghinang continues to make great contributions to the aviation industry.

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