10-04-2025
Generation ROC: Dreams take flight for Victor teen after earning pilot's license
VICTOR, N.Y. (WROC) — Forget a steering wheel. Put Jace Carey in a cockpit. Before even learning how to drive at 15 years old, Jace's parents surprised the long-time aviation lover with a flight lesson for his birthday.
'I didn't even realize that it was an option for me until I had that first lesson,' Jace says.
Give this guy an idea and it takes off. Jace became determined to get his pilot's license by 17—the earliest possible in New York State. That means he had to cram at least 40 hours of flight time and the instructional lessons in between his classes at Victor Senior High School, sports, and homework.
'I wanted the adventure, I wanted the thrill, and not many people my age can fly a plane,' Jace explains to News 8's Mikhaela Singleton.
A remarkable feat that he accomplished in two short years, but Jace says he's always loved planes and flying so the hard work was worth the feeling above the clouds.
'It's really freeing just being in the air and lifting off the ground. It's like you're leaving everything else behind and you just get to escape,' he says.
He even found time to help the local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter restore a Baby Ace plane to show off at the largest air show in the nation, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
His dad Joe says the entire family has enjoyed watching all of Jace's dreams soar.
'It's really been impressive so for us—his mom and I—it's been a great opportunity to be on the sidelines and be big cheerleaders, but also to be there and support and catch him a little bit too,' Joe says.
'If you believe in yourself and believe that there's a way to get where you want to go, then you're going to be able to get there,' says Jace.
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