Kaiya Armstrong is legally blind and can only see a few inches in front of her face, but she didn’t let that keep her from reaching for the clouds.
Armstrong safely landed a Cessna plane after flying from New Mexico to Maryland this week. Thanks to her co-pilot and flight instructor, Armstrong was able to use audio cues along her route while remaining fully in control.
Armstrong, 22, was only 14 years old when she lost her vision. She told the Washington Post that she struggled a lot during her initial years, but found hope again after she became involved with the Foundation for Blind Children. The foundation has helped her find a new normal, so when she was given the opportunity to learn how to fly, she took the chance and stepped out on a leap of faith.
Though she had never even been on a plane before deciding to learn how to fly one, Armstrong knew this opportunity would impact not only her life but other children who feel like their sight might hold them back from living a full life. So, after months of training and preparation, Armstrong took to the sky and proved that there’s nothing that can hold her back.
Armstrong wants blind people like herself to know they don’t have to accept limits placed on them by other people, or even themselves.
You can see more of her incredible journey below:
