Benjamin Laversin (Benji) is a recent graduate of the Professional Pilot Program at Lone Star College-Montgomery, offered through Lone Star College-Conroe Center. His journey began three years ago in France. As a high school student, Benji dreamed of becoming a pilot. Growing up in France, he frequently visited airports to travel to see his two older sisters, who had already moved to the U.S. to study at Lone Star College. These visits sparked his love for airplanes and fueled his passion for flying. Motivated by this passion, Benji committed himself to pursuing an aviation career.
Benji was eager to begin his flight training and pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. However, the high costs of flight training in Europe made it difficult. Determined to achieve his goal, he sought new opportunities and viewed studying in the U.S. as a great chance to make his dream come true. With his sisters already living in the U.S., Benji decided to follow their example and eventually made his way to Texas to pursue his aviation career.
As an international student on an F-1 visa, Benji was already enrolled at Lone Star College. One day his advisor told him about the Professional Pilot Program, and his love for aviation was renewed all over again. His early days in aviation were challenging. He had to learn a new language, understand aviation terms in English, and adjust to a different culture. Communicating with air traffic controllers and classmates was challenging as well, but he didn’t give up. With help from his instructors, teachers, and his hard work, Benji kept going. He studied a lot, practiced flying, and gained confidence.
A significant moment in Benji’s aviation journey occurred when he learned about the program’s Director being involved in a serious aircraft accident. This news deeply impacted him, especially since he was traveling in the air with his instructor when the incident happened, he even assisted in rescue efforts. Fortunately, everyone survived this accident and have recovered. This experience prompted Benjamin to reflect deeply on the importance of safety in aviation. It taught him to respect the inherent risks of flying and strengthened his commitment to becoming a careful and responsible pilot. As a result, he approached his training with even greater dedication and thoroughness, ensuring that safety would always remain a top priority.
Today, Benji works as a flight instructor at the US Aviation Academy. This job helps him gain more experience and teach others. He has logged over 450 flight hours and is working toward reaching 1250 hours to qualify for his Airline Transport Pilot Rating. This brings him closer to achieving his long-term goal. He hopes to take on leadership roles in aviation in the future, whether flying for an airline, cargo company, or private business. His goal isn’t just to log flight hours, but also to achieve something meaningful. Benji didn’t realize that he would become the first international student to complete the college’s Professional Pilot Program. This achievement was a significant milestone for Lone Star College and has helped to open doors for many other international students who have come after him.
Benji’s story isn’t just about personal success; it’s an example for students around the world. It shows that with determination, support, and hard work, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams. His experience inspires others to pursue careers in aviation, reminding everyone that the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.
His advice to international students is:don’t be afraid to leave home. Moving to a new country can be a life-changing experience. He believes that his move from France to the U.S. has made a positive difference in his life, and he encourages others to consider taking that step too. For those currently in aviation, he says: keep learning and growing, because there’s always more to discover.
Lone Star College-Montgomery is proud to recognize the achievements of its students and to be a place where dreams can become reality. Benji’s story shows what can be accomplished through determination, support, and hard work. We celebrate his success and look forward to seeing him continue to grow and inspire others. At Lone Star College-Montgomery, we are committed to helping students reach their goals and providing opportunities for success.
If you are interested in becoming a professional pilot, consider enrolling in the Lone Star College-Conroe Center Professional Pilot Program. Our programs are designed to give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in the aviation industry. For more information, please visit our website at lonestar.edu/pilot or contact a member of the Professional Pilot Team. Take the first step toward your aviation career today!