Local Delta Pilot visits five schools

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- On Tuesday, February 24, Lisa Bolton arranged for local Delta Airlines Pilot Noah Smith to travel to Elk Valley, Jellico High, Jellico Elementary, White Oak Elementary and Wynn Elementary Schools.

Noah spoke to seventh and eighth graders about his career path to becoming a pilot. He was raised in Campbell County and attended Jacksboro Elementary, Jacksboro Middle and Campbell County High School before graduating from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He spoke of how he found a passion for aviation and that led him to Delta Airlines. Noah spoke of the education and certifications he has earned to become a commercial pilot, how much it costs, and how much you can earn for the investment in becoming a pilot. He talked about other possible careers in an airport, including welding, mechanical, ticketing, luggage handling, and more.

Lisa Bolton is with Noah Smith

Students at all the schools were excited and eager to ask questions, especially at Wynn! They asked the tough questions and ended with asking “Where does the toilet flush on a plane go?” (LOL, they are still kids!) He explained that there is a holding tank that gets emptied at each landing, satisfying their natural curiosity. It offered the students an insight into a career in aviation that could help them determine their own future plan. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-02/27/2026-6AM-PHOTO SUBMITTED)

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