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‼️ “SHE WAS BORN TO FLY!” — FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR DEFENDS 20-YEAR-OLD CO-PILOT KILLED IN FLORIDA PLANE CRASH A longtime flight instructor and mentor of 20-year-old Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, who tragically lost her life in Sunday’s plane crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, has released an emotional statement describing her as the most naturally gifted pilot he had ever taught in his 40-year career. Chris Kirk, who was one of Nathalia’s first flight instructors, spoke out following the devastating November 1, 2026, crash that killed all nine people aboard a Learjet 60. His statement comes as Nathalia has faced criticism on social media, with some questioning whether someone so young had the experience necessary to serve as a co-pilot aboard a private jet. However, according to Kirk, Nathalia’s abilities were nothing short of extraordinary. “She was without a doubt the most naturally gifted pilot I have ever taught, and I have been teaching for 40 years!!” Kirk wrote. “That young lady was born to fly! There was not a check ride that the examiner was not blown away!” Kirk explained that Nathalia’s aviation skills were so advanced that even experienced examiners were astonished by her abilities. “When she did her Lear type rating, she had less than 1100 hours and she absolutely aced the PIC type rating and the examiner thought she had about 5000 hours!” A PIC (Pilot in Command) type rating demonstrates that a pilot has successfully completed specialized training and testing to operate a particular type of aircraft. According to Kirk, Nathalia performed so exceptionally well that her examiner believed she had accumulated thousands more flight hours than she actually had. Kirk also recalled giving Nathalia opportunities to fly several different types of aircraft, including tailwheel airplanes and a Cessna Caravan. He shared a humorous memory from her training, explaining that while teaching her the spins required for her Certified Flight Instructor endorsement, they performed so many spins that he actually began feeling nauseated. But perhaps the most meaningful part of Kirk’s tribute was his description of Nathalia’s genuine love for aviation. He expressed disappointment that some aspiring pilots appear more interested in the financial rewards of becoming airline pilots than in flying itself. Nathalia, he explained, was completely different. “Nathalia was PASSIONATE about flying!!! She was a 💯% natural born pilot!!!” Kirk concluded his tribute with a heartbreaking message: “I pray that she continues to fly amongst the clouds in heaven. May she rest in peace and God watch over her.” #news #airplane #crash #florida #bahamas #Learjet60 #viral