ALERT Editor's note: The Tampa Tribune says that sonic booms reported this week along the Florida coast and as far inland as Gainesville are from an Air Force training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico. – Tom

Melanie's aviation journey began at a young age, earning her first pilot certifications while still a teenager, before she ever held a driver’s license! As lead journalist at AIRLIVE.net, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the voice and editorial direction of the website. Her experience spans flight operations, air traffic coordination and emergency incident analysis.