If Kelsey Latsch, 17, asks you to lunch, don’t be surprised if she means a small jaunt to Bremerton in a Piper Warrior plane.

After a year of flight training, the Tahoma High School senior earned her wings on Sept. 11. She spent approximately five and a half hours testing, which included time spent in the air demonstrating her knowledge and skills to Shawn Pratt, the assistant director of education at Northwest Aviation College in Auburn.

“I couldn’t believe at first that I got it. I was so excited,” Kelsey said. “My instructor, Candace Lynn, was always there for me and encouraging me to do my best.”

Kelsey’s mother, Brenda Latsch, watched while Pratt awarded her daughter a pilot’s license certificate after successfully completing the intensive test. “We are all so very proud of Kelsey,” her mother said. “Between balancing her school work, 10 hours a week dancing at British Dancing Academy, and being a normal teenager, she found the time and worked hard toward this moment.”

Kelsey has also been an inspiration to her 11-year-old cousin, Kristina Long of Puyallup, who has voiced her desire to follow in Kelsey’s shoes and become a pilot.

This fall, Kelsey will continue her flight instruction with instrument training, followed by multi-engine training. She intends to pursue an aviation career. “I eventually hope to become a commercial cargo pilot.” Kelsey said.

Diane Mayse is Kelsey Latsch’s aunt.