WORTH THE READ: PEYTON WOLTER GUEST EDITORIAL
Our many RAF supporters have such vast and varied experience, and we’re capturing some of their words of wisdom to share with you. This month’s guest editorial is by Peyton Wolter, a pilot and volunteer for the RAF’s Social Media Team.
As I delve deeper into the world of aviation, I realize just how unique my introduction to flight has been. Unlike many, I didn’t grow up with my eyes fixed on the sky or obsessing over airplanes. It wasn’t until my early 20’s that I even discovered the world of general aviation. However, my childhood was spent immersed in the outdoors with a love for adventure and exploration, which laid the perfect foundation for what would come later – my introduction to the RAF.
My path to aviation was anything but straightforward. It was long, bumpy, and filled with unexpected turns, but nonetheless it’s brought me here today. Life is full of choices and moments that alter our course, shaping us in ways we can never anticipate. For me, that defining moment came in the remote wilderness of Canada, where a boating accident left me with a traumatic T10 spinal cord injury. In a single, life-shattering instant, everything changed.
I was suddenly at the edge of a life I could no longer recognize, grieving the future I had always imagined. But in the midst of that devastation, I made a choice – to pick up the cards that life had dealt me and play them with everything I had. My recovery led me down unexpected roads, introducing me to people and experiences I never would have otherwise crossed paths with. One of those first encounters was with a pilot who owned an airplane back in my hometown, a meeting that would become a pivotal turning point.
What began as an escape – flying to feel free from the weight of the world on the ground – quickly transformed into something much more profound. Becoming PIC didn’t just give me command of a machine that defied gravity – it reignited a belief in myself to take back control of my own life. The privilege of flight helped me find the courage I once knew that had been hiding out beneath the surface. Although, none of it was easy. I quickly concluded that there was no fixed path for individuals like me, I’d have to carve out my own.
As time turned aviation into a passion, along came the RAF, seamlessly weaving together the different chapters of my life. The organization felt like a rare haven – one where goodness, camaraderie, and purpose still thrived in this world. I immediately felt a deep sense of connection and community within the world of aviation.
With that sense of connection came a deep desire to give back. Aviation had been an unexpected gift in my life, and I’m determined to pay it forward. I’ve started by volunteering my time and marketing skills but aspire to do more. As someone once told me, “One day I would tell my story – how I overcame everything I went through – and it would serve as someone else’s survival guide.” So, that’s exactly what I’ve set out to do.
It has become my personal mission to advocate for those who dream of flying but are uncertain about the unique path it will take to get there. Whether by sharing my own struggles and triumphs or by being a voice for the Able Flight scholarship that gave me the chance to earn my pilot’s license, I am dedicated to making aviation accessible for all. With MOSAIC on the verge of transforming the one-size-fits-all approach to conventional FAA certifications, the opportunities for sport pilots are expanding like never before. I want to show others how they too can build an adapted airplane to fit their needs and achieve what once seemed impossible.
People often say, “The sky is the limit,” but I believe the sky should have no limits. The freedom to soar into remote backcountry places—the heart of the RAF’s mission—should be within reach for anyone bold enough to dream it. It’s the boundless sense of possibility that I hope to share with others, inspiring them to chase their own skies, no matter the adversity.
Peyton, a Wisconsin native, grew up with a passion for adventure and fully embraces an active, outdoor lifestyle. With a degree in Marketing, she has established herself in the digital space within the outdoor industry.
In 2020, she became an Able Flight scholarship recipient, earning her sport pilot license—an achievement that fueled her passion for aviation and led her to build her own experimental airplane. Outside of work, Peyton enjoys traveling to new destinations and cherishing time with her family and beloved dogs.
Submitted October 20, 2024.
Wow Peyton…powerful message for anyone and everyone. You are an inspiration and we are grateful to be part of your tribe!
I agree with, Bill. Peyton, we appreciate your reflections and the commitment you have made to encouraging others.
Thank you for sharing your story with us!
Peyton, we are all so proud of you, not only for your raw determination to overcome barriers that would stop others in their tracks, but also for your excellent communications abilities. Your writing is impressive and your people skills, which I have personally witnessed at Wisconsin Aviation are exceptional. My hope is that your passion for aviation is not only satisfied in your personal life, but will extend into your professional career as well. We need extraordinary aviators and communicators like you in our industry, and those of us in your extended RAF family are ready to support and assist, as you progress in your career.
I have read every one of these guest editorials, and more from others for other organizations. This writing by Peyton stands out.The RAF is fortunate to have Peyton on our team. We need more Peytons in the world.
Can’t wait to see you again! Bravo! Thank you for sharing with us. xo
Wow, Peyton. What a wonderful experience. Brought tears to my eyes. Wishing you nothing but success as you continue forward with your adventures.
Wow. What a honor to be a part Peyton’s RAF family. True inspiration for us.
A well written story Peyton! And a story I gained much from. I hope you can visit Idaho someday; Idaho would love to meet you!
Peyton, I am so glad you discovered the RAF family and that it added value to your extraordinary life, and that you have included it with all your other life enhancing experiences to inspire us and others to be all we are able to be, regardless of the vicissitudes of the lives we are given. Thank you!
I am honored to be able to share your story with my FaceBook family. Happy Sky Trails!
A beautiful, inspiring story, Peyton. Aviation is blessed with many remarkable folks, and like John said, your story really stands out. Thank you for adding your courage, energy and determination to this world to motivate others to turn obstacles into achievements!
Peyton, you have a wonderful life ahead of you! There’s nothing you can’t accomplish with your grit and determination! Fly high in all your endeavors!
Peyton is one of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. I’m glad that she has chosen to volunteer with the RAF; we are fortunate to have her!
Peyton, Your journey is inspirational, it helps us all recognize regardless of what cross we all carry, it can be minimized if we set new expectations of ourself. So proud of your story, thanks for sharing, can’t wait to hear the next chapter! Dave
Welcome to the tribe, Peyton. Where ever you go, we’ll be glad you came. You’re the kind of people that make the RAF the wonderful extended family that it is.
Thank you for introducing yourself and sharing your story! It’s clear that you excel at everything you do, and we are lucky to have you sharing your passion and dedication with the RAF family. Hope to meet you one of these days!
Wow! What an incredible story and so beautifully written Peyton. You are such an inspiration to us all. I feel so fortunate to have you as a part of our Backcountry Etiquette Team as well. We are truly lucky to have someone of your caliber on the team and look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the years to come.