Illy M. Atkinson III, known as Trace, a Texas A&M University Class of 2028 student from Bandera, holds his FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate after earning the certification at age 19. Atkinson, an Agricultural Leadership and Development student, passed his commercial checkride Sept. 29, after training at Veracity Aviation in Seguin.

The certification qualifies him to fly helicopters professionally.

Atkinson is the son of Christopher Atkinson, Texas A&M Class of 1996 and owner of Bandera-based Swindero Helicopters, and Stephanie Atkinson, Texas A&M Class of 1997.