Crystal Hoffman was born and raised in sunny San Diego. She started her flying journey in early 2020 with the push from her 5 children. What started off as a promise to her kids to earn her private pilot certificate, quickly turned into a love for aviation she could have never imagined. Crystal earned her private pilot certificate in March, 2021. Becoming more involved with the Ninety-Nines and serving on the Board of Directors, she was inspired to continue to earn her ratings; realizing this is what she wanted to do for a living. She also became the coordinator of the new Ramona Flight Training Center, creating a community of aviators, from student pilots to professional pilots alike. She offers educational opportunities and community events such as hangar movie nights, airport BBQs and fly-ins.
Crystal earned her instrument rating in December of 2021, with the help of the Amelia Earhart Scholarship; her commercial certificate in June of 2022, and multi-engine in September of 2022. She has plans to complete her CFI/CFII by February of 2023.
Crystal currently is a contract pilot on a PC-12. She has long term goals of working for a Part 135 charter and eventually a legacy carrier airline, while instructing on the side.
Our chapter thinks Crystal fully embodies what it means to be a Ninety-Nine – we are so thankful that Crystal is so active in our chapter and are so excited to see her continue to grow and excel in her aviation journey!
The Pilot of the Year Scholarship will be awarded to one Ninety-Nines Student Pilot Member or Full Member for a value of $2,500 to be used towards her initial pilot certificate or an advanced certificate/rating.
The application deadline is January 30th, 2023.
To be eligible for the Pilot of the Year Scholarship, the applicant must:
- Be a member of the Southwest Section of the 99s.
- Have a minimum of five hours of flight training in the 6 months prior to the application deadline
- Have a current and valid medical certificate
- Have a pilot certificate
- Student pilots must have their written completed or have soloed
- Receive their flight training within the United States.
- Demonstrate a need for financial assistance