This month’s 67 Designs’ Customer Spotlight is Tucker Jackson, a native of Glendora, California, on an exhilarating journey to conquer the skies. Born and raised in the heart of Southern California, Tucker's path led him to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he is currently training to become an airline pilot. His days are spent as a linetech at Cirrus Aircraft, but his eyes are always set on the horizon. Having recently earned his instrument rating, Tucker is now working towards his commercial license and plans to achieve his CFI, CFII, and multi-engine ratings.
Tucker Jackson’s story is a testament to the thrill of flight and the dedication required to master the skies. His journey from Glendora to the cockpit of a Cirrus SR22 Turbo is just beginning, with many more adventures and learning to come.
Proud flier of: Cirrus SR22 Turbo in Volt
Customer of 67 Designs since: 2024
Flight Hours: 218 hours
Early Inspiration for flying: With 218 flight hours under his belt, Tucker’s inspiration to fly took root during a two-year church mission trip to Lake City, Florida. There, he met a Delta pilot whose dual life as a rancher and aviator piqued Tucker’s curiosity. Initially considering a career in construction, Tucker found the allure of flying far more compelling.
The sensation of being in control high above the earth is unparalleled for Tucker. “Flying makes the world feel so much smaller and more connected” he says, describing the feeling of being up in the air. There is nothing that can recreate the feeling other than flying itself, and there is no better view of the world when sitting in the pilot’s seat.
Most Memorable Flight: Tucker’s most memorable flight is on the horizon: a journey to Pocatello, Idaho, to reunite with his brother for the first time after a two-year mission. This will be his longest flight yet, with his parents accompanying him. Reflecting on past flights, Tucker recalls a special trip to Lake Powell, flying his fiancée, mother, and younger brother from Brackett Airport to Page Airport, where they enjoyed their houseboat and lake activities before returning home.
Aircraft Preferences: Tucker’s aircraft of choice is the sleek and sophisticated Cirrus SR22 Turbo. His initial flight training began in a Sling NGT, which did not quite capture his heart. However, discovering the Cirrus Training Center in Scottsdale was a turning point, igniting his passion for aviation and top choice of the Cirrus SR22 Turbo.
Flight Training and Challenges: Training to become a pilot has been a rigorous yet rewarding experience for Tucker. The process involved extensive ground knowledge, countless hours of studying, and practical flight training. Flight Insight on YouTube was a great resource for Tucker starting out. The check ride, a critical part of his testing, tested Tucker’s proficiency and knowledge on Aircraft Certification Standards, aeronautical decision-making and maneuvers after the three-hour oral exam which Tucker passed with flying colors just this last month. Fortunately for Tucker, he has not encountered many challenges inflight. Successfully navigating the testing process has made Tucker appreciate the importance of preparation and continual learning to prevent challenges in the future.
Lessons Learned: The greatest lesson Tucker has learned is the importance of vigilance and preparedness. He emphasizes that complacency can lead to dangerous situations and underscores the need to be ready for emergencies. Tucker’s reminder to himself is that “it can happen to you.” His personal connections to friends who have faced close calls have reinforced this belief.
Flight Travels and Dream Trips: Tucker’s flights have taken him all across California and Arizona, including a few favorite destinations like Palomar and Santa Barbara. Looking ahead, he dreams of testing his knowledge and flying overseas, specifically to Switzerland, in a Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet—a goal he hopes to achieve once he is type-rated.
Community Involvement: Tucker is eager to join the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association, where he looks forward to connecting with fellow enthusiasts. He hopes to attend the COPA 2024 Migration event in Scottsdale, Arizona happening this September 26th-29th where Vision Jet and Cirrus SR pilots gather to connect and swap stories. While he missed Oshkosh this year, he intends to make it a priority next year.
Expert Advice: To succeed in aviation, Tucker believes that passion is essential. One must be diligent with their studies and truly invested in the process to stay motivated. Even after earning a license, the learning doesn’t stop—there is always more to know as a pilot, and this knowledge comes with experience. Staying ahead requires spending significant time in the books. According to Tucker, if someone has a true love for aviation, it is definitely a field worth pursuing.
For more on Tucker’s adventure, connect with him on instagram @tuckerbeau
This Customer Spotlight by Meg Klavitter.
This series was envisioned and created by Kate Della Pietra in the summer of 2020 when she worked for 67 Designs as a marketing intern.
