Coral Shores senior taking flight in next journey

Austin working towards private pilot license, then college

Dominic Austin is presented with a scholarship by the Middle Keys EAA so he can obtain his private pilot license. Pictured, from left, are Ed Bortree, Fred Fink, Dominic Austin and Sol Bradman. JULIE AUSTIN/Contributed

The skies are blue on a picturesque May 12 as Dominic Austin takes off from the Marathon Airport in a Piper aircraft. 

Austin recalls the winds being strong as he made six landings during his training. All in all, the Coral Shores senior, who will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall, said the day of training was good as he currently works to get his private pilot license. As of May 12, Austin completed nearly seven hours of training.

“I’m kind of an adrenaline fan,” he said. “I like getting that blood pumping and that sweat going. I really like the landings and takeoffs.”

Austin’s admiration for flying at a young age originated in a flight simulator. He also recalls the preliminary flight test his parents set up for him as a 15th birthday gift.

“It was too expensive to really keep going and I couldn’t get my private license until I was 17,” he said. “It kind of fell back and I didn’t really continue on with anything.”

His passion for flying was still there, however, as he sifted through his schooling options and examined what he really wanted to do. Austin was eyeing Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, but figured there was no way he could attend, given the cost. 

Dominic Austin sits in the cockpit as he readies for takeoff. JULIE AUSTIN/Contributed

Austin thought about taking courses to become an auto tech, but it wasn’t the life he envisioned. He ended up attending Embry-Riddle for an open house and instantly took interest. 

“We went through the aviation maintenance hall, and it just kind of took off with me. It’s what I wanted to do right then,” he said. “The school had tech (courses), mechanics (courses) and aviation repair. I would be able to get my commercial pilot’s license. It just kind of had everything in one spot, so I kind of hunkered down and said, ‘yes,’ that’s what I want to do. The big thing was they told me get your private license before you get here; it will save you a whole bunch of money.”

With help from Coral Shores athletic director Rich Russell, Austin was able to get in contact with some pilots in town. Russell put him in touch with Sol Bradman, who teaches flying in Marathon. Bradman graciously agreed to help Austin to get him the hours needed for his license. 

Dominic’s also connected with Col. Brian Neal, who recently retired from the Air Force and is now a commercial pilot, and David Turner who starred in football for us in the ’80s,” Russell said.  “David has been flying commercially since the late ’80s. I’m very indebted to each of these three outstanding men for their willingness to ‘give back’ and assist Dom.”

Not only is he on his way toward his private pilot’s license, but he also recently received a $2,500 scholarship from the Middle Keys EAA to help pay for pilot training in pursuit of his private pilot license. Each year, EAA Chapter 1241 awards four scholarships to deserving local high school students who are interested in pursuing an aviation career. Austin is the first recipient. 

“The objective of the scholarship is to help kids like Dominic get their private pilot’s license,” said Fred Fink, of the Middle Keys EAA. “We take recommendations and Dominic was recommended to us. We brought him in and interviewed him. We were very impressed with him. He’s very career-oriented and he’s mapped out his path in life.”

Last week, Austin had the chance to take his mom, Julie, up in the air for a ride over Marathon. Austin said the view was phenomenal, between crystal clear water and sightings of nurse sharks.

Austin said he ultimately wants to fly jets in the Navy when he graduates from Embry-Riddle. 

“That’s my overall goal,” he said. 

As for his senior year, he said that a lot got shot down pretty quickly with the current pandemic. A track-and-field standout, he was going for some school records. Austin said that, overall, he knows where he’s going in life. 

“That’s the important part,” he said. “My parents won’t get to see me walk across the stage, and that kind of hurts. But they’ll see me walk across a different stage in a few more years.”

Having the chance to know Austin quite well, Russell said he’s a special young man. 

“He’s always impressed me with his attitude and effort while lettering in cross-country, soccer and track for Coral Shores High School,” Russell said. “He further impressed me with some of his Upper Keys Foundation public service efforts, and independent of UKF or Coral Shores, he and his family assisted in providing some essentials to members of the Key Largo community.”

Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.