16-летняя Анна Голлот совершила первый полет в одиночку ровно в день своего дня рождения

Gulf Coast teen solos on her 16th birthday Anna Gollott completes her first solo flight at Apollo Flight Training in Gulfport GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Anna Gollott turned 16 and marked the milestone with her first solo flight, completing the achievement on the first day she was legally eligible to do so. Gollott had been training for six months at Apollo Flight Training leading up to the flight. Her instructors said her preparation included takeoff and landing practice, short field takeoffs and landings and emergency procedures. Instructors say she stood out from the start Apollo Flight Training owner Michael Carastro said Gollott demonstrated ability early in her training. “She is a prodigy, if you will,” Carastro said. “She’s just a very highly motivated and a natural pilot and we’re proud to have been a part of her journey.” Flight instructor Andrea Huguenin said Gollott’s performance was consistent throughout her training. “She stands out tremendously,” Huguenin said. “From the first lesson I had with her, she was a natural at it.” A family connection to flying Flying was part of Gollott’s life before her formal training began. She grew up riding in her father’s plane as a passenger before taking the controls herself. “I feel like not too many people can solo on their 16th birthday,” Gollott said. “And I think it’s pretty cool to do since it’s the first day I can legally solo.” Gollott said she was nervous heading into the flight, but relied on her training. “I was pretty nervous but I just had to get out there and do what I’ve been doing,” she said. Shirt-cutting tradition marks the solo milestone After completing the flight, Gollott participated in an aviation tradition — having the back of her shirt cut by her instructor. Huguenin explained the origin of the custom. “Initially, we didn’t have the comms in the plane,” Huguenin said. “So, the instructor would sit behind the student and they would tug on their shirt to get their attention. But now, when we cut their shirt, it symbolizes that the instructor doesn’t need to be there anymore.” Corporate jet captain Alice Furr, who witnessed the solo, said Gollott handled the flight with composure. “This is her first opportunity to be able to legally solo and she did it,” Furr said. “She just knocked it out of the park. So, she’s a new shining star in aviation.” See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE. Copyright 2026 WLOX. All rights reserved.