Woman Says She Wants to Touch Heaven; Won’t Let Disabilities Stop Her

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A 20–year–old Fargo woman isn’t letting her disability stop her from spreading her wings.

Taylor Mickelson has been deaf her entire life, but says that’s not stopping her from getting her pilot’s license.

There are only a few words said while practicing in the cockpit.

Flight instructor Vic Gelking doesn’t tell Taylor how to fly, he shows her.

Living with a hearing impairment, it makes it impossible for Taylor to hear anything.

Her mother is along for the ride by signing everything Vic says.

Flight instructor Vic Gelking said,”She has a lot of ability, she really does. And she tries harder than most people.”

The idea of flying for Taylor started from watching the Blue Angels. And when she’s in the air, she says it’s unlike any other.

Taylor Mickelson said,”It’s really special. There are just really no words for me, it’s like I feel free and I want to touch heaven, it’s really cool.”

Unfavorable weather stopped Taylor from flying today, but she can’t wait to get back out into the skies.

“It’s a very special experience that people are letting me try, for deaf people. There’s not that many deaf people that can do it so we’ll pave the road for some other deaf people,” said Taylor.

And Vic says so far she has no fear of flying, she seems to thrive on the thrill, making her his favorite student.

“With her deficiency, she is willing to try something most people would never do that, and never try. But she’s a brave young lady. And I think she’ll do real well in life because of it,” said Gelking.

A brave young lady who knows the sky’s the limit.

Taylor is currently attending Gallaudet University and is studying aeronautical engineering.