Chasing Horizons: Dan Zagorii’s Path to Aviation

Meet Dan Zagorii, a man whose life has spanned countries, from Ukraine to England, and eventually to the United States. Growing up with a huge interest in the arts, Zagorii’s childhood was anything but ordinary, “I was a boarding school kid,” Zagorii recalls, with a laugh. “There was a lot of studying, but not a lot of practicality to anything I learned – certainly nothing about aviation.” His passions were rooted in the arts: set design for theater, video production, and even co-founding a video editing company with a friend. But in the midst of stage productions and the lens of a camera, it was always the sky that captivated him. “Traveling on an airplane was always my favorite part of any trip,” Zagorii said. Despite being a first-generation pilot and having no family ties to aviation, it’s clear that, for Zagorii, the sky was always calling.

Zagorii’s love for aviation started long before he ever thought about making it a career. “Apparently, I never cried when I went on a plane,” Zagorii laughs, recalling a story his mom often tells. “She would say I’d cry all the way to the airport, but as soon as we stepped foot on the jet bridge, I’d stop.” As a child, he wasn’t the one causing a scene on the plane – far from it. “I was the kid looking out the window, fascinated by the way the airplanes flew.” Yet, despite his early fascination, aviation wasn’t always at the forefront of his mind. Growing up, Zagorii had dreams of Broadway and Hollywood, aspirations fueled by his love for the arts. “Hollywood always seemed like an unattainable dream, with all the competition,” Zagorii said. Little did he know, aviation would prove just as competitive. “Aviation was always that nagging thought in my head,” he admits. “I always wanted to, but I didn’t know where to start.” With no clear path and no support system in the industry, aviation remained a distant dream – one that would eventually evolve into a reality, though not without its own challenges. In Europe, the idea of flight training seemed like something that would occur after attending college, something that would be figured out later in life. “We all grew up thinking that university was the place to figure out what you were going to do,” Zagorii said. Aviation was no exception. There was this idea that to become a pilot, it seemed like you needed a college degree to get into an airline. Zagorii’s journey to becoming a pilot and starting his flight training was anything but ordinary, “the way I started was very spontaneous,” Zagorii said.

His path into aviation began unexpectedly, during a Thanksgiving break in 2020, when a surprise from his stepmom changed the course of his life. “We went to Miami and she surprised me with a trip to NASA Kennedy Space Center,” Zagorii recalls. “She rented a Cirrus SR 20.” That moment would set everything into motion. As the flight began, he was thrilled to just be on board, and when he asked the pilot if he could sit in front, he was told yes. “I remember being very excited.” The ride was quiet at first, but as they flew, Zagorii couldn’t help but be captivated by the experience. “I sat there fascinated,” he adds. Then, on the way back, the pilot started talking to him about flying – sharing tips, stories and advice. “He just kind of talked me into it,” Zagorii admits with a smile. The pilot even let him take the controls for a bit, “it was at that point that my mind was kind of made up. I just needed to convince my parents.” Zagorii said. And convince them he did. Zagorii began his flight training in January 2021, “I got my Private Pilot Certificate at 17,” he said, proud of how far he’s come. While he didn’t train at Phoenix East Aviation, his journey began at the earliest possible age, setting him on a path filled with both challenges and rewards. “Aviation started as an idea and a hobby,” he reflects, “but it soon became a decision I don’t regret making.” That single flight set the stage for a life-changing adventure – one that would ultimately shape Zagorii’s future in ways he never expected.

When Zagorii first began his flight training, the biggest hurdle wasn’t the maneuvers or the technical knowledge – it was the fear of the unknown. “For me, it was the fear of entering a career in an industry where I had no support, no one to talk to about it, and nobody to ask for advice,” he said. Starting from scratch in an unfamiliar world, Zagorii felt the weight of stepping into something without guidance. “One of the biggest challenges I faced at the very beginning was trying to figure out what my family thought about my flight training,” he adds. But the most nerve-wracking part? Just getting started. “It’s like that saying – ‘the hardest part about writing a paper is actually starting it,’” he reflects. “For me, it was entering something blindly without any real support system. It was challenging, but I knew it was something I was willing to take on.” What made things even more difficult was juggling high school and flight training. “The stress of starting flight training while still in high school made me nervous,” Zagorii admits. “I was doing all my training between high school terms and semesters, so there were tight deadlines for checkrides and a lot of logistics to work out.” The pressure to complete certain milestones in time, like knowing he could face a three-month delay if he missed a deadline, only added fuel to his fire. “I really had to focus on my goal – getting my certificates – while managing my time as a high school student,” Zagorii said. Despite these challenges, he pushed through, completing his private pilot certificate in just six weeks. “I’d say that was a pretty impressive achievement,” he proudly adds, looking back on how he turned his nerves into motivation.

When looking back on his flight training, the most memorable is clear – the cross-country trip he took with his instructor in a Cirrus SR 20. “We flew from Miami to San Francisco and back,” Zagorii recalls. “It took us six days, a lot of flying, and not a lot of resting, but that trip really solidified my love for aviation. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do.” While most pilots might recall their first stall or steep turn, Zagorii’s heart lies in the freedom of flying cross-country. “Sure, everyone loves a good stall and a steep turn, but my jam is flying – straight and level, on cross-country trips, seeing different places, taking pictures, talking to different controlling facilities, and just exploring,” he said. For Zagorii, that trip wasn’t just a journey across the country – it was a moment when all his training came together. “It was during this trip that I saw all of my training come to fruition,” he said. At that point in his flight training, Zagorii had just completed his instrument rating and was a private, instrument-rated pilot. “It felt like everything I had learned up to that point clicked,” he reflects. That cross-country adventure, with its long hours and breathtaking views, was the moment Zagorii truly embraced his future in aviation.

Zagorii’s aviation journey has been marked by an impressive collection of licenses, certificates, and ratings. “I hold my Commercial Pilot Certificate,” Zagorii said. “With ratings for Airplane Single Engine Land, Airplane Multi Engine Land, Airplane Single Engine Sea, and Instrument Airplane.” But his accomplishments don’t stop there. Zagorii is also a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) for both single and multi-engine aircraft, as well as a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII). “I’m also really proud to have recently obtained the Gold Seal designation for my Flight Instructor certificate,” Zagorii said. This prestigious recognition is awarded to instructors who have trained and recommended at least 10 students for their practical test in the past 24 months, with more than an 80% first-time pass rate. “It’s considered one of the highest honors you can receive as a Certified Flight Instructor in the United States,” Zagorii said. “And I am beyond proud of all my students who were part of my journey.” His achievements reflect not just his skill as a pilot and instructor, but his dedication to teaching the next generation of pilots.

One of the most impactful pieces of advice Zagorii received during his flight training has stuck with him ever since: “Trust the process.” For someone who started flying at a young age, it shaped the way he approached not just aviation, but life in general. “I know it’s different for different people,” he explains, “but for me, it worked out. Just go with the flow, see where life takes you, and never say no to opportunities in aviation.” This mindset helped him embrace the unpredictable nature of his aviation journey. He also learned an important lesson along the way: “Every little challenge, every 5 AM wake-up call, every hard situation adds to your overall experience, and it’s all worth it in the end.” That perseverance would be tested when attempting to become a flight instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) didn’t come to fruition. “I moved to Daytona Beach to attend Riddle, and I did everything to become a flight instructor there, but it just wasn’t in the cards,” he recalls. Whether it was scheduling conflicts, or they weren’t hiring, nothing seemed to align. But rather than seeing it as a setback, Zagorii trusted the process. “I knew my other option was Phoenix East Aviation. I didn’t know if they were hiring, but I was determined. I went to talk to the Director of Flight Training, and gave it a shot.” His persistence paid off. “I’ve been a flight instructor at PEA for the last 8 months,” he says with pride. “I guess you can say that shot in the dark was a pretty good one! I’m very grateful.” Zagorii’s journey has been full of twists and turns, but with a trusting mindset and an openness to opportunities, he’s found success in unexpected places.

Zagorii’s advice for current and potential student pilots is simple, yet profound, and the exact same advice he once received: “Trust the process.” Flight training is a journey full of small achievements, big milestones, and above all, immense personal satisfaction. “Flight training is not easy,” Zagorii acknowledges. “It’s filled with a lot of progress, but most importantly, a lot of happiness and self-satisfaction.” But he also emphasizes that the path isn’t always smooth. “My biggest advice to someone just starting out is to never look back and regret the fact that you decided to become a pilot,” Zagorii said. “Because there will be a moment when you look back and realize everything you’ve accomplished is worth all the small challenges you’ve faced along the way.” For Zagorii, the key to making it through the tough moments is the internal drive. “Don’t do it if you don’t have that internal ambition,” he said. “Flight training can be very difficult. Is it challenging? Absolutely. But those challenges only become worth it if you truly enjoy what you’re doing.” This mindset applies beyond just aviation. “This goes for any industry, really,” he adds. “It’s not worth it if you’re doing it for somebody or something else.” If you’re not passionate, the obstacles can feel like a drag – quite literally, Zagorii humorously points out with a “no pun intended.” But, once you commit to the journey, his message is clear: don’t give up. “Flight training is worth it,” he says. “It requires dedication and commitment, but it’s absolutely worth it.” For Zagorii, the struggles along the way are just stepping stones to a rewarding career.

Zagorii is currently building both his experience and future in aviation. With approximately 1,570 hours, he is well on his way to achieving his career goals. “Right now, I’m finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree at Riddle, and I’m really enjoying life instructing,” Zagorii says, reflecting on his current role. “It’s the best way I get to fly while still attending college.” Though his future is still unfolding, Zagorii has a clear vision for where he wants to go. “My ultimate goal is to become a Line Check Pilot on a wide-body aircraft at a major US airline,” he shares with a smile and determination. For Zagorii, the journey is just beginning, but his passion for aviation and commitment to the process will undoubtedly guide him toward achieving that dream.