By Shelby Smith
For Cade Plunk, the sky has never been the limit—it’s only been the beginning.
A 2021 graduate of Tishomingo County High School, Cade has charted an extraordinary path as a first-generation college student at the University of Memphis. With his sights quite literally set above the clouds, he earned his private pilot certificate before most students had even chosen a college major. Now, as he nears graduation with a degree in commercial aviation, Cade is not only pursuing his passion but creating space for others to take flight.
Growing up in a family rooted in construction, Cade never envisioned a future in aviation. “Aviation isn’t something you see every day around here, so it always felt out of reach,” he said. But his interests in mechanics, structure, and problem-solving—along with a first flight with local pilot Regie Furtick in a Cessna 177—sparked a drive that hasn’t let up since. With encouragement from his father, Cade found a flight school in Muscle Shoals and began training under instructor Jason Evans, who helped shape him into the pilot he is today. “We still stay in touch,” Cade added.
Juggling high school responsibilities and powerlifting—where he placed second in the state—Cade still managed to prioritize flying. “Time management and working as much as possible were key. Basically all my money went to flying lessons,” he said. At 18, shortly after graduating, he had his private pilot certificate in hand.
The transition to college brought its own set of challenges. As a first-generation college student, Cade often felt like he was navigating a maze without a map. “It was tough not having someone at home who could walk me through financial aid, registration, or what to expect in college,” he said. He found guidance in programs like TRIO, support from aviation faculty, and financial relief through the Tri-State Scholarship. Spending his first year at Northeast Mississippi Community College also helped ease the academic and financial burdens.
But Cade didn’t just find his footing—he became a trailblazer. Seeing a lack of community for aviation students at the University of Memphis, he co-founded the Memphis Student Aviation Association (MSAA). “I thought it would stop with a few pilots getting together for studying, but it has grown into something huge,” he said. The group now connects students from all backgrounds, including first-gen students, veterans, and ROTC cadets. Under Cade’s leadership, MSAA has hosted guest speakers, facilitated trips to national conferences, and built partnerships with aviation organizations across the country.
Cade also played a pivotal role in launching the Mu Chi Alpha chapter of Alpha Eta Rho, a professional aviation fraternity at UofM. “We wanted to create a space where anyone could feel like they belong in this industry,” he said.
Why does he work so hard to expand access to aviation? “Because I know what it’s like to feel like this world isn’t built for you,” he said. “Aviation is still seen by many as something only a few can access. But that’s changing, and I want to be part of that change.”
That mission has also taken Cade around the world. Through the Gilman Scholarship, a competitive program through the U.S. Department of State, he studied abroad in Costa Rica, San Marino, Italy, Austria, and Germany. While abroad, he explored international flight routes and built global connections. “What stood out to me most was how much I appreciated the people everywhere I went. It was the random conversations with strangers on the other side of the world that were the most memorable.”
His internship with the University Aviation Association (UAA) in St. Petersburg opened even more doors. At one conference, a pilot recognized him from his days working at Boutique Air in Muscle Shoals. “That experience reminded me why it’s so important to treat everyone with kindness and respect—you never know where someone might end up,” he said. That pilot, Dristin, now flies as a captain for American Airlines.
For Cade, the most rewarding part of college hasn’t been grades or awards—it’s helping others. “Seeing a student who didn’t think they had a shot get their first internship, or watching a student solo for the first time—it reminds me why I started this journey.”
Looking ahead, Cade plans to build a flight training program that specifically supports students in rural areas. He currently teaches at both the Savannah-Hardin County Airport and Corinth Airport, allowing locals to train close to home. He is also helping to establish an EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) chapter in Savannah to unite aviation enthusiasts in the region.
“Aviation changed my life, and I want others from places like Tishomingo County to have that same chance,” he said.
His advice to young people with big dreams in small towns?
“Start small but dream big. Don’t wait for the perfect time—just take the next step, even if it’s a Google search, a phone call, or asking someone for help. Be willing to work hard, stay curious, and never let ‘where you’re from’ define ‘where you’re going.’”
Not bad for a kid from Mississippi, right?