From the fascination with flying to her first steps as a beginner and on to her successful solo flight—we spoke with avionics influencer FlyingJul. In this interview, the young pilot shares insights into how she got into flying, what fascinates her about it, and why she has a special place in her heart for ultralight aircraft.
How did you first get into flying—and when did you realize that ultralight aircraft held a special fascination for you?
My passion for flying actually began with a sightseeing flight. I took that flight at a larger airport back then. During the flight, I was even allowed to take the controls for a short while—and that’s exactly when I was hooked. That feeling of freedom and the view from above immediately captivated me.
Shortly after that, however, the pandemic hit, and I also moved. That changed my path in aviation a bit. I then joined a club at a smaller airfield and continued there. It was this club life in particular that inspired me. The camaraderie at the airfield is something very special—people help each other, share experiences, and spend a lot of time together there. I was also able to learn a lot from more experienced pilots there.
What I particularly love about it is this sense of community. We don’t just meet to fly, but also spend a lot of time together, talking about flying experiences or planning joint outings. This has allowed me to develop a whole new appreciation for flying.
Do you still remember your first flight in an ultralight aircraft? What stands out most in your memory from that experience?
My first flight in an ultralight aircraft was a special experience because it felt a little different from flying in larger planes. Everything seems a bit more compact, and you have an unobstructed view of the outside, which makes the landscape and surroundings seem even more vivid.
At the same time, I was surprised by how modern ultralight aircraft are equipped today. The cockpit often features digital displays and modern avionics, making flying very intuitive and enjoyable.
What do you find particularly appealing about flying ultralight aircraft—especially compared to larger aircraft?
What I love most about ultralight flying is the combination of freedom, flexibility, and the ability to take to the skies with relative ease.
Ultralight aircraft play a major role, especially in club life. They are often cheaper to operate, making flying more accessible to many people. Plus, they’re perfect when you’re flying solo or maybe with a partner—so you don’t always have to use a larger aircraft. It’s exactly this blend of practicality and flying experience that makes it so appealing to me.
You regularly share your flying experiences with your community. What motivates you to create content about flying, and what kind of feedback do you get?
I share my flights on social media because I want to show how fascinating flying can be and that it’s more accessible to many people than they might think. It’s also particularly important to me to inspire women, because they’re still in the minority in aviation.
I also try to show that ultralight flying is often much more accessible than most people believe. Many immediately assume that flying is prohibitively expensive or only possible for a select few. The ultralight pilot’s license, in particular, is significantly more affordable compared to other licenses. I’m still in training myself and fly on the side—which is why it’s important to me to show that with passion and dedication, this dream is definitely achievable.
I especially want to show women that flying doesn’t have to be an unattainable dream. You don’t have to come from a family of pilots—sometimes all it takes is a sightseeing flight to realize that this path is possible for you, too.
Many people have never flown in an ultralight before. In your experience, what surprises newcomers the most when they fly as passengers for the first time?
Most first-timers are surprised during their first flight at just how calm and relaxed flying actually feels. From the ground, a small plane often looks more spectacular—or maybe even a little wobbly. But once you’re in the air, you quickly realize how pleasant and stable the whole experience can be.
And of course, the view is always something truly special. Seeing the landscape from above often completely changes your perspective.
Was there a flight or an experience in the air that was particularly memorable or unforgettable for you?
My most memorable moment was definitely my first solo flight. It came completely out of the blue that day because I was actually on flight instructor duty at our airfield. I went to the airfield as usual and hadn’t expected at all that this day would turn out to be so special.
When my flight instructor told me I could fly solo today, I was naturally surprised at first—but at the same time incredibly happy. The moment you sit alone in the cockpit for the first time and take off is something very special.
When I landed, there were actually a few people from the airfield who had seen what happened and immediately congratulated me. Their support and the joy on the airfield really made this flight unforgettable for me.
You fly or work with Junkers Aircraft. In your opinion, what makes Junkers’ ultralight aircraft stand out?
What I find particularly fascinating about Junkers’ ultralight aircraft is the blend of history and modern aviation. The classic corrugated metal design is strongly reminiscent of the early days of aviation and makes the aircraft instantly recognizable. At the same time, they are state-of-the-art, thus combining tradition and innovation.
Junkers is known for its distinctive design language with historical roots. How do you experience the interplay between classic design and modern technology in the cockpit?
It’s especially in the cockpit that you realize just how much technology has advanced in recent years. Many ultralight aircraft today are equipped with modern avionics and digital systems that make flying very straightforward.
Thanks to my training as an aircraft electronics technician, I find this technical aspect particularly exciting. My work involves aircraft systems, and I find it fascinating to see just how much technology goes into avionics and electronic components.
Your content reaches a lot of people who may be exploring aviation for the first time. Do you think social media can help get more people excited about ultralight aviation?
I believe social media can play a major role in getting people excited about flying. Otherwise, many people would never come into contact with the subject at all. When they see what a flight is really like and how much fun it is, the whole experience becomes much more tangible—and maybe one or two of them will feel confident enough to take that first step themselves.
At the same time, you really notice how strong the community is in aviation. Pilots often support one another, share experiences, and are especially helpful to beginners. This sense of community is something I particularly appreciate about flying.
When you look to the future of ultralight aviation, what developments or trends do you find particularly exciting?
I find it particularly fascinating how ultralight aircraft have evolved technologically in recent years and are becoming increasingly modern. Many ultralights are already equipped with modern avionics, and significant progress has also been made in areas such as efficiency and range. This opens up more and more opportunities to fly longer distances and enjoy an even more diverse flying experience.
