An Aviation Journey

“Welcome to the website, this is your captain speaking…”

AV8Nate is a private pilot, aircraft owner, and lifelong aviation enthusiast who didn’t take the traditional path to the flight deck. After a childhood spent around airplanes—thanks to a father who worked as a mechanic for Eastern Airlines—he finally began flight training at 39 and earned his private pilot certificate in 2021.

Today, Nate flies a vintage 1964 Mooney M20E and documents the real-world experience of learning, owning, and flying general aviation aircraft. His content focuses on thoughtful flight planning, risk management, and the quieter moments that make aviation more than just a hobby.

Flying the Commonwealth is his ongoing mission to visit every public-use airport in Virginia—one flight, one lesson, and one story at a time.