CLEVELAND -- An Akron man made history when he became the first deaf pilot to get an instrument rating on his pilot's license.

NewsChannel5's Jonathan Costen reported that the accomplishment was made because the determined man never gave up on his dream.

Stephen Hopson knows how to fly a plane, but because he can't hear, he could never obtain an instrument rating on his license.

So, he went to the American Winds Flight Academy for a little help.

"When I heard this I thought, 'Gee, how do we accomplish this? This doesn't seem possible,'" said Mike Kolomichuk, of American Winds. "He was so sincere, it was like a child at Christmas asking for that special gift. How do we say no?"

But the problem is that a pilot has to be able to hear and constantly talk using a radio to air traffic control.

So, Hopson was given the test, but a co-pilot used a white board, shorthand and some sign language, so Hopson could receive his instructions.

The exam was about an hour long and Hopson passed with flying colors.

"I'm the first deaf person in the world to do this. There's no deaf person that has an instrument rating," said an excited Hopson.

He said, "It's a dream come true. I wanted to get this instrument rating for a long time."

He said if you want something badly, work hard and never give up on your dream.

Hopson's next goal is to earn a multi-engine and jet type ratings.