How Curiosity Led Ethan Lopes to a Life in Aviation
Aviation wasn’t a lifelong dream for Ethan Lopes, it was an unexpected spark. “Greetings, fellow aviators! My friends call me Ethan, he says warmly. “Although born in the United States, my ethnic origin is Indian!”
That spark first ignited through Instagram reels featuring F-22 Raptors, the Blue Angels, and sleek experimental aircraft. “How could you not want to fly?” Ethan laughs. Despite having no family history in aviation, those short videos led him to pursue a future among the clouds.
Ethan began his aviation journey at Phoenix East Aviation, where his curiosity quickly turned into passion. From earning his Private Pilot Certificate to advancing through his Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, CFI/CFII, and finally achieving his multi-engine rating, Ethan embraced every challenge along the way.
“I loved every bit of my flight training (except the nerve wracking checkrides, duh!),” he jokes. “I’m super glad I made the decision to take this path to the skies, it’s been a heck of a ride!”
One defining moment that shaped his training came during his first night landing. “It challenged my depth perception and confidence,” Ethan recalls. “After practicing approaches and staying patient, I gained a stronger sense of control and precision, which in turn also helped me perfect my day landings.”
Through dedication and self-awareness, Ethan learned one of the most valuable lessons a pilot can carry: focus on your own growth. “Don’t compare yourself to others,” he advises. “It truly is the biggest downfall of many, making yourself feel like you’re incapable. Absolutely never compare yourself – just be better than you were yesterday.”
Among his favorite memories from training is a trip that combined both skill and adventure. “One of my favorite memories was with my multi-instructor when we flew to Tampa during the day, had dinner, explored, and then flew back at night!”
Ethan also takes flight preparation seriously, carefully reviewing personal minimums, aircraft limitations, and conducting a thorough threat and mitigation briefing before each flight. These thoughtful habits have helped him navigate challenges safely and confidently.
Grateful for the instructors who guided him, Ethan hopes to one day give back by teaching others. “Maybe one day I’ll be flying besides some of my instructors in the flight deck,” he shares. Ethan Lopes’ story is a reminder that the path to aviation doesn’t have to start with a lifelong dream, sometimes, it begins with a spark of curiosity and the courage to chase it skyward.
