Writing this book took five years and five months. While writing a book sounds like remarkable work, the process would have never materialized without the amazing support and love I’ve received from friends and family along my journey. It was the great mentors and organizations that believed in my dream and helped bring my script to life. I in fact stopped writing at one point and didn’t finish until I earned my pilot’s license; only then was I able to tell my story. It’s for this reason that I’d like to thank everyone who added value to my journey in big ways or small.

Mom and Dad: Thank you for all the sacrifices you made raising me. I would have been a terrible dentist. Mouths just don’t offer the same views as airplanes.

Doreen Cappelaere: Thank you for believing in my dream and establishing Wings for Val, a wonderful organization that supports women in aviation. You have been a blessing all these years.

My brother, Atheel: Thank you for being a best friend and always supportive of my wild dreams.

My two great mentors, Lin Caywood and Mary Wunder: Thank you for sharing your great aviation knowledge and guiding me through a daunting process.

My best friend, Elizabeth Shomaker: Thank you for being my biggest fan. Your genuine love made the obstacles a lot more tolerable.

My loving dog, Major: You are my world. Thank you for always bringing me a stuffed animal after each long day as I lay on our rug, reminding me that everything will be okay.

My wonderful structural editor, Kerri Marikakis: Thank you for putting your heart and effort into my story. You helped me transform years of journaling into a complete, clean story.

My great publishing team at Fig Factor, Jacqueline Ruiz, Gaby Hernández Franch, and Shannon Mages: Thank you for being responsive, communicative, and giving my story personal attention.