Going For A Whirl


Jamail Larkins’ day may consist of acquiring new accounts for his aviation marketing group or solidifying good relationships with existing clients — all while attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University in Daytona, Florida.

In his spare time, Larkins performs at air shows, looping, rolling, and spinning 2,000 feet above the ground in his Christen Eagle II, a two-seat, high-performance, aerobatic biplane. Larkins, an Augusta, Georgia, native, has been flying since he was 12 years old and today is the president and CEO of Larkins Enterprises Inc., an advertising/aviation sales company he founded at the age of 15 with $1,000 from his parents.

“I needed a way to pay for the expensive flying lessons, so I decided instead of working for minimum wage I would start my own business.” Larkins expects his company to finish 2004 with $200,000 worth of contracts.

Larkins’ second plane is the Cirrus SR20, a single-engine airplane, which he uses to promote his national DreamLaunch tour. Visiting 46 cities, he speaks to middle and high school students about career opportunities in aviation as well as planning for success.

“We teach the students the same concept that pilots use inside the cockpit to have a safe and successful flight, and they can use that same concept to navigate in the journey of life.”

GETTING STARTED
Get Professional Training. Find a quality instructor to teach the basics. BE A PILOT is an educational campaign funded by the general aviation industry that offers consumers an introductory flying lesson at more than 2,000 flight schools nationwide for $49. Register at www.beapilot.com or call 888-BE-A-PILOT. Generally, flight lessons can range from $75 to $100 per session.
Research. Landings.com is a comprehensive aviation Website offering FAA databases and reports as well as news and information on air shows, flight schools, flying clubs, and aviation museums.


×