Chasing the Dream of Flight | David Lanum, Delta Pilot

What does it take to turn a childhood dream into a cockpit at one of the world's biggest airlines? On this episode of the Goal Getters Podcast, Katrina Walker sits down with Delta pilot David Lanum — a kid who was pointing at planes at age 2, took his first Discovery Flight at 13, soloed at 16, and built a career flying for SkyWest and now Delta. David's story is a masterclass in finding your passion early and doing the work to chase it: mentorship, discipline, time management, beating perfectionism, and following your joy. If you're a student wondering how to turn what you love into a future, this one's for you. 🎯 🎓 Walker's Winners helps K–12 students become "goal getters" through reading, math literacy, mentorship, and character development. Subscribe and follow along! ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome to the Goal Getters Podcast 2:20 School Days, Friends & Learning Style 6:46 The Spark: Discovering a Love of Flight 11:57 The ACE Program & Julius Alexander's Legacy 16:25 Teen Years: Sports, Mentors & The First Solo 32:55 High School: Focus, Discipline & Motivation 46:13 Flight School & Conquering Perfectionism 58:23 Teaching the Next Generation 1:08:35 From SkyWest to Delta 1:18:00 Final Advice: Follow Your Joy ✈️ In this episode: Discovering a love of flight as a toddler The ACE Program and Julius Alexander's legacy of building 200+ pilots Meeting his mentor Brandon and taking the controls alone at 16 Staying focused and disciplined in high school Flight training at Middle Tennessee State and learning to trust the process Becoming a flight instructor and teaching the next generation Landing at SkyWest, then Delta — and what big carriers really look for Why following your joy means you'll never work a day in your life 👍 If this inspired you, like, comment, and subscribe for more Goal Getters conversations. 🔗 Subscribe:    / @walkerswinners   #GoalGetters #WalkersWinners #DavidLanum #PilotLife #DeltaAirlines #AviationCareers #BecomeAPilot #StudentSuccess #Mentorship #FollowYourPassion #STLouis #YouthEducation #DiscoveryFlight #ACEProgram