Meet K’naya Williams | 17-year-old Student Pilot

We had the good fortune of connecting with K’naya Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi K’Naya, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As an aviation enthusiast, my flight journey has been shaped by a willingness to take risks. For me, I view the fear of risk not as a barrier, but as an opportunity. My name is K’Naya, and I’m a 17-year-old student pilot pursuing my private pilot license with the goal of becoming a pilot in the United States Air Force.

I was first introduced to aviation in December 2022, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to this field. The idea of becoming a pilot felt like a fairy tale at first—especially since no one in my family had ever attended college or had a professional career. Yet, I have been determined to make it a reality. I conducted extensive research on the steps I needed to take to achieve my goal of joining the U.S. Air Force as a pilot. After five months of exploration and conversations with various pilots, I took a significant step out of my comfort zone and enrolled in my local flight school at the age of 16.
Unfortunately, I lacked traditional guidance as an aspiring pilot. When challenges arose, I didn’t have anyone to help steer me back on course. Being the first in my family to navigate this path meant I had to learn, grow, and network independently, which I embraced in my pursuit of flying the C-17 Globemaster.

With no family connections in aviation, I ventured into the industry on my own. This experience has fostered a bold spirit that has been crucial on my journey. I took courageous steps to engage with pilots, book flight lessons, and make sacrifices during my teenage years to chase my dreams. The relationships I’ve built with pilots from diverse backgrounds have enriched my understanding of aviation. I’ve been fortunate to participate in programs like OBAP, which allowed me to fly on my dream aircraft, the C-17 Globemaster, and spend two weeks at Elizabeth City State University gaining hands-on experience.

While risk-taking can be daunting, my experiences have shown me that stepping outside of my comfort zone can lead to incredible rewards. I’m living proof that embracing risk can open doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the start of my flight journey, I took a job at a steakhouse to help finance my lessons. Now, as a 17-year-old, I balance two jobs while pursuing my dreams. This journey hasn’t been easy; in fact, it’s been quite challenging at times. One of the toughest obstacles has been funding my flight lessons. Despite these struggles, my faith in God and my belief in my potential keep me motivated.

What sets me apart is my commitment to embracing the entire journey. Learning about engine systems, developing critical problem-solving skills, and exploring new horizons have been incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to be on track to become a first-generation college student, military officer, and pilot.

I want to inspire others by showing that your background, appearance, or circumstances don’t define your potential. No matter where you come from, you can achieve your big goals. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to value the process itself. I hope to share my story to encourage others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to make it an unforgettable experience! We’d start off with a meal at Ribeyes Steakhouse in Henderson, NC—trying out their delicious menu is a must.

For some entertainment, we’d catch a movie one night to enjoy the latest blockbuster with plenty of popcorn. Another
evening, we’d hit the bowling alley to embrace our competitive sides—it’s always a blast!

While ‘EMPOWERED,’ a vibrant teen Bible study group, only meets once a month, I’d love to take my friend if it falls during their visit. The energy and connection there is truly special!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my flight journey, I’ve recognized the importance of reaching out to keep progressing through the challenges I face. I couldn’t have come this far without the support of my diverse network, including family, mentors, and instructors. Their guidance and encouragement have been vital to my growth, and I will always cherish the invaluable lessons they’ve provided as I continue to move forward on this path.

Website: https://knayashighlights.godaddysites.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_knayaaa_?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits
Nellie C Photography