You’ve probably seen the thumbnail by now. A young guy with a California surfer haircut standing in front of a sleek, multi-million dollar private jet. Maybe you saw him landing a Cirrus Vision Jet on a remote strip or heard about his latest gold medal in competitive waterskiing.
It’s easy to look at a 21-year-old flying a personal jet and assume it's just a case of a silver spoon and a lucky zip code. Honestly? That’s part of the story, but it’s nowhere near the whole thing. Blaze Grubbs has become a fascinant figure in both the aviation and sports worlds because he’s operating at a professional level in two completely different high-stakes environments before most people his age have finished a college degree.
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So, Who is Blaze Grubbs Anyway?
Basically, Blaze is a professional waterskier and a commercial pilot who has built a massive following by documenting the "jet life" on his YouTube channel, West Coast Flyer.
Born in 2003 and raised in Rio Linda, California, he grew up in a place that sounds like a playground for the adventurous. His family home sits right on a private lake—well, three lakes, actually—where he started skiing at the age of four. By 14, he wasn't just hobbyist-level; he was competing professionally.
But the water wasn't enough. Aviation runs in his blood, too. His great-grandfather was a pilot and a mechanic, which sparked a passion that eventually led Blaze to get his pilot’s license during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the rest of us were perfecting sourdough starters, Blaze was logging hours in the sky.
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The Stats You Actually Care About
To understand the "hype," you have to look at what he’s actually achieved. We aren't just talking about a kid with a hobby.
- Waterskiing: He is a 10-time National Champion. He’s swept titles in slalom, trick, and jump. In 2024, representing Arizona State University (ASU), he took home his first collegiate title.
- Aviation: He is a multi-engine commercial pilot with a type rating for the Cirrus Vision Jet (SF50). He’s also flown the Pilatus PC-12, Diamond DA42, and Cessna Citation CJ1.
- Social Media: His channel, West Coast Flyer, has nearly 90,000 subscribers who watch him do everything from transatlantic crossings to puppy rescues.
The "Rich Kid" Narrative vs. The Reality
Let’s be real: flying a Cirrus Vision Jet at 21 isn't something you do on a part-time barista salary. Blaze is open about the fact that his family owns the aircraft, and his mother was adamant that if he was going to fly, he was going to fly the safest thing available—hence the Cirrus with its famous parachute system (CAPS).
However, the aviation community on forums like BeechTalk and Reddit has a surprising amount of respect for him. Why? Because you can’t buy a Type Rating.
To fly a Vision Jet, you have to go through rigorous training that many veteran pilots find daunting. You have to master complex avionics, handle high-altitude "flight levels," and satisfy insurance companies that are notoriously terrified of young pilots in fast jets. Blaze didn't just hop in; he worked his way up through the SR22T and the Diamond DA42, building the "retractable gear" time and turbine experience required to be the primary pilot for his family's missions.
More Than Just Fancy Vacations
One of the most humanizing aspects of Blaze’s profile is what he does with that flight time. It’s not all trips to Sweden (though he did fly the Vision Jet across the Atlantic, which is a massive feat for any pilot).
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Last July, he used the jet to save a cleft-palate puppy that needed a life-saving procedure in Sacramento. Most of these dogs are put down because the surgery is too expensive or the transport is too difficult. Blaze and his dad flew the puppy to its destination, literally using aviation to bridge the gap between life and death for a terminal animal. It’s hard to stay cynical about "wealth" when you see it being used for something that pure.
Why Blaze Grubbs is Important for the Future of Flight
General Aviation (GA) is currently struggling. The average pilot is getting older, and the cost of entry is skyrocketing. Blaze represents a shift. He’s showing a younger generation that flying isn't just for retired airline captains or corporate executives.
By blending high-production vlogs with genuine technical skill, he's making the cockpit look accessible—or at least aspirational—to Gen Z. He’s currently studying Aeronautical Management Technology at ASU, balancing a heavy academic load with a professional sports career and a growing business as a contract pilot.
What’s Next for the West Coast Flyer?
Blaze recently graduated (or is about to, depending on the semester) and has already started picking up work as a corporate pilot, including a stint with Dutch Bros Coffee. He’s not just flying his family around anymore; he’s entering the professional workforce.
He’s also continuing to push the boundaries of waterskiing. It’s rare to find an athlete who can maintain a 4.2 GPA, win world-class skiing titles, and master the radio calls of a jet pilot all before their 22nd birthday.
Next Steps to Follow Blaze Grubbs' Path:
If you're inspired by Blaze's journey and want to get into aviation or competitive sports yourself, start with these concrete steps:
- Visit a Flight School: Look for a "Discovery Flight" at your local municipal airport. It usually costs around $100-$200 and lets you actually take the controls with an instructor.
- Check Out the NCWSA: If you're a student, the National Collegiate Water Ski Association is the best way to get into competitive skiing without needing to own a private lake.
- Follow the Content: Watch Blaze's "West Coast Flyer" channel specifically for his videos on insurance and ratings. He gives a very realistic look at the "boring" side of aviation—the paperwork and training—that most influencers skip over.
- Prioritize Safety: If you do start flying, look into Cirrus training partners. Even if you don't fly a jet, the safety-first mindset Blaze advocates (driven by his family's insistence on the parachute system) is the gold standard for modern pilots.