From Childhood Dreams to Flight Instructor: Nitai Raff’s Aviation Journey

For Nitai Raff, aviation isn’t just a profession – it’s a lifelong passion that began when he was just 10 years old. “I started out flying RC airplanes, which quickly evolved into an interest in flight simulators,” he recalls. His fascination with aviation only grew stronger, leading him to a six-year career as an Air Traffic Center Controller (ARTCC), where he gained invaluable experience in aviation operations and safety. In March 2023, Raff took the next step by enrolling at Phoenix East Aviation for his civilian flight training, earning all licenses and ratings from his Private Pilot Certificate to Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. Now, as a flight instructor, he finds immense fulfillment in teaching students. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about guiding students with no prior aviation experience and watching them grow into confident pilots,” he says. Aviation has always been at the core of Raff’s life, and he approaches it with a deep commitment to safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement. “My passion for flying, which has been with me since childhood, continues to fuel my desire to learn and improve,” he shares. With a well-rounded background in both flight training and instruction, he remains dedicated to advancing his career and contributing to the industry. “The journey is far from over, and I’m excited to continue growing and making a difference in aviation,” he adds.

Raff always knew that aviation was his calling, with his passion for flying taking shape at a young age. He transitioned from model planes to flight simulators, solidifying his dream of turning aviation into a lifelong career. “It wasn’t just a passing hobby – it became clear to me that aviation was something I wanted to pursue as a career,” he shares. He took his first steps toward that goal by beginning flight training, embracing both the thrill and the freedom that came with flying. As his experience grew, so did his desire to inspire others. “I knew that teaching others and sharing my love for aviation was the right path for me,” he says. Today, he feels incredibly fortunate to work in a field that has always fueled his ambition and excitement, turning a childhood passion into a rewarding profession.

Before beginning flight training at Phoenix East Aviation, the prospect of moving to a new country was both exciting and daunting. “The thing I was most nervous about was moving to a new country and adjusting to a completely new environment,” he admits. Being far from home and surrounded by unfamiliar faces was an intimidating thought, leaving him uncertain about what to expect. “Starting a new chapter in life with a group of strangers and learning to adapt to a different way of life felt like a big challenge,” he shares. However, those initial nerves quickly faded as he immersed himself in training. “I quickly realized that the excitement and passion for aviation outweighed those initial nerves,” he reflects. With the support of the PEA community and the shared enthusiasm among fellow students and instructors, he found himself growing more comfortable and confident. “In the end, while the unknown was nerve-wracking at first, it turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience,” he says, grateful for the journey that led him to this point.

One of the most memorable moments in his aviation journey was when he completed his first solo flight. “It’s one of those experiences that every pilot looks forward to, and it truly is the most intense and rewarding feeling for a new pilot,” he recalls. Taking off alone, with no instructor by his side, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. “The moment I took off on my own was a realization that all the hard work, preparation, and hours of training had led me to this point,” he says, reflecting on the significance of that milestone. For him, there is something uniquely special about the first solo flight – the freedom of being in the air alone, the sense of accomplishment, and the understanding that he had reached a major turning point in his career. “It’s a feeling I will always carry with me, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget,” he adds, cherishing the memory of that unforgettable experience.

As Raff reflects on his journey and the challenges that come with pursuing a career in aviation, his best advice for both current and prospective students is simple but powerful. “Stay committed to your dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem at the time,” he shares. He acknowledges that there will be obstacles along the way, and moments when it feels like progress is stalled. “There will be challenges, and times when it feels like things aren’t moving forward, but it’s important to remember that dreams are meant to be realized,” he says, offering encouragement to keep going despite setbacks. For him, aviation, like any goal, requires persistence, dedication, and belief in oneself. “Don’t let obstacles discourage you; instead, let them motivate you to push through and keep striving,” he advises. He emphasizes the importance of trusting the process, continually learning, and seeking support from others when needed. “Surround yourself with supportive people, whether it’s fellow students, instructors, or friends,” he suggests, reminding students that every small step is progress toward their ultimate goal. With unwavering confidence, he concludes, “dreams do come true – but it takes determination to make them a reality,” encouraging all to keep their focus on their aspirations and trust that hard work will lead to success.

As a flight instructor with around 1,000 flight hours, including more than 500 flights, Raff is in his early stages of his career. “Each day, I continue to learn and grow, not only as an instructor, but also as a pilot,” he shares, emphasizing the constant learning that comes with the career. Helping students realize their dreams has been one of the most fulfilling parts of his journey so far. “Being able to share my passion for aviation and help students achieve their dreams is incredibly rewarding,” he says. His ultimate goal remains clear: to join a major commercial airline and eventually become a captain. “The idea of traveling the globe, experiencing different cultures, and being part of a team that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers excites me deeply,” he reflects. Each milestone, whether gained through instructing or further training, brings him close to his dream. “Each step I take now is a part of the larger goal of advancing in my career and eventually reaching the skies as a commercial pilot,” he states with confidence. Although the journey ahead will be long, his commitment and anticipation for the future remain strong. “The road ahead is long, but I am dedicated and excited to see where this journey will take me,” Raff concludes.

As he progresses on his path to becoming a captain, Raff’s advice to all aspiring pilots remains unwavering: stay focused, embrace each learning opportunity, and never lose sight of your goals. With passion, determination, and a supportive community, there are no limits to what can be achieved. The sky is not just the limit – it’s the beginning of an incredible journey.