
It's possible to become a U.S. certified pilot in just 12 days. With the help of certified flight instructor Etian Contreras, left, Matt Sloane, right, earned a special light sport pilot certificate, which allows him to fly certain types of airplanes under certain conditions.

Sloane's flying classroom was a Tecnam P2004 "Bravo" -- a two-seater airplane that weighs only 550 pounds empty.

This was Sloane's view as he lined up for his first landing ever at the controls of an airplane at Florida's Orlando Apopka Airport. His flight instructor was sitting on his right, ready to take over, if needed.

Sloane enjoyed this beautiful view out the plane's left window, during a 2-hour required cross-country solo flight. It "was one of the most peaceful experiences I'd ever had," he recalled.

Finally, only 12 days after starting the program, Sloane, center, gets a certificate from pilot examiner Franklin Burbank, left. Sloane walked away that day a real pilot, realizing a childhoo