✈️ In this episode of LD Aviation, we talk with Luis Rodriguez — a rising private pilot with over 200 hours PIC time, an instrument rating, and a story that proves passion + persistence > privilege. 💼 From ramp work at SheltAir to receiving the NBAA IOC 2025 scholarship, Luis is on a mission to take his career (and community) to new heights — all while repping the Latino Pilots Association, volunteering with Feeding Tampa Bay, and building his own brand: Pilot L Rod. 🎧 We talk: Part 61 vs Part 141 training differences Tips for scholarship seekers and student pilots Why ramp life builds underrated aviation instincts The power of great mentorship What real diversity in aviation looks like Building discipline, routines, and side hustles His dream of flying a Gulfstream 650 and future with NetJets/FlexJet 💡 Whether you’re a student pilot, FBO worker, or aviation enthusiast — this episode is packed with value, motivation, and hustle mindset. 🎯 Connect with Luis: ⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Meet Luis Rodriguez 01:02 – Aviation roots & family in the airline world 02:15 – Buddy passes, Hawaii, and early exposure to flight 04:00 – Flight training: Part 61 vs Part 141 06:15 – Financing flight school & cost breakdown 07:30 – What ramp life taught him that instructors didn’t 09:20 – Close call stories with King Airs on the ramp 10:25 – Winning the NBAA IOC Scholarship: The story 12:30 – How mentorship changed everything 14:10 – Building relationships on the ramp 15:55 – What he’s doing with the scholarship 17:30 – Balancing work, school, gym & a fiancée 19:00 – His Puerto Rican roots & bilingual advantage 20:30 – Impact of the Latino Pilots Association & networking 23:00 – What aviation can do better for underrepresented groups 24:00 – Volunteering with Feeding Tampa Bay 25:45 – Servant leadership & mindset from Chick-fil-A 27:00 – 5-Year Plan: Gulfstream dreams & NetJets goals 28:30 – Ramp experiences that shaped his aviation perspective 29:15 – Favorite FBO snacks 🍪 30:00 – Rapid Fire: Motivational quote, dream route & playlist 32:00 – Final message: Keep chasing blue skies 🌤️ #LDAviation #LuisRodriguez #LatinoPilots #FuturePilot #NBAAScholarship #StudentPilotLife #RampLife #FlyingDreams #PrivatePilot #Part61vsPart141 #IFRTraining #DiversityInAviation 📜 Copyright Disclaimer Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976: This video may include copyrighted content for commentary, educational, or inspirational purposes under fair use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices