7 minute read
PASSING THE TORCH: Kevin Lacey is Crafting the Next Generation of Aviators
By Natalie “Cinderella” Hughes and Savanna “Thunder” Hunter, members of the Tango Thirty-One Aero Clube
Three days a week, the yard across from Kinner Drive at Aero Country Airport is lined with an array of vehicles. These cars show up at the hangar from all across North Texas in return for some wrench turning and good ol’ Texas flying.
After almost seven years in operation, the Tango Thirty-One Aero Clube has created quite the history for itself. It’s apparent during after-hour hangar talks where stories, updates, and laughs are shared, and old friends come by to catch up. Starting with nothing but aviators and a dream, this club has formed a community that extends to anyone walking into the hangar with an interest in furthering their flying careers or giving back to the next generation. From successful aircraft restorations to club members shaking the DPE’s hand with a beaming smile, it is amazing what can be accomplished when kids are given the opportunity to get their hands dirty working towards something they are passionate about—an opportunity hard to find in our otherwise screen-oriented world.
About the Aero Clube
The Tango Thirty-One Aero Clube is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization helping teens get their foot in the door of the aviation industry through real-world experience and mentorship from well-versed pilots and mechanics. The goal is to get kids inside the fence of their local airport (T31), giving them a chance to experience what the environment has to offer.
No doubt, the club members are inspired by its founders. Kevin Lacey, Lt. Col. Greg “Spanky” Barber, and retired Delta Airlines Captain Ron Ronald saw the importance of giving kids real-world experience and letting them be around airplanes.
Club members meet three days a week, sitting around the table, anticipating what Kevin will have them working on for the day or what aircraft part he is about to pull out of its packaging. Every meeting presents an opportunity to expand the skills and knowledge of its members. With the supervision of industry professionals, metalworking, compression checks, avionics wiring, and airframe painting are just some of the things club members get to learn. The Aero Clube provides exposure to how a maintenance shop operates and how to work their way around an aircraft.
What’s an aviation club without aircraft? As of now, the club has two flying Cessna 150s—N63337 is the blue and white beauty born in 1975, and N8635U (affectionately called 35Ugly) is a 1976. These two planes are the club’s primary flight trainers: hauled in on a trailer, fixed up by the club kids, and kept in good shape by the current members through regular maintenance.
In the Works
In 2021, members of the club traveled to Natchitoches, Louisiana, where they undertook the task of rescuing a Cessna 172M from the depths of a swamp. After watching the kids help retrieve it, Kevin named the plane “The Swamp Hawk.” The 172 is a ground-up restoration, with dual touch screen Dynon avionics, meaning it can be used as the Clube’s instrument and commercial trainer.
Taking it up a notch, the Clube officially became complex in November of 2023 when they adopted a Piper Arrow through a generous donation from Mr. Garry Ackerman. As of right now, alongside the 172, the Arrow is the club’s main labor of love. Like all the aircraft the club has acquired so far, it’s quite the fixer-upper.
With the addition of the Arrow, members will be able to understand what it’s like to operate landing gear and constant speed propeller systems—serving as an instrumental tool in their careers.
Since the Clube started from scratch, these projects have been, and continue to be, made possible by the support of much-appreciated donations and sponsorships.
Accomplishments to Date
This past year felt like members were constantly wheeling the 150s into the hangar for some form of maintenance. When 2023 came to a close, Kevin took the books and punched the numbers on how many hours were put on the flight training birds for the year. The club members couldn’t believe that they flew a total of 531 hours in the 150s and are excited for what lies in store for them the next year.
With several Clube members earning their pilot’s certificates in the airplanes that they restore and maintain, there are also several members in the workforce, and earning advanced flight ratings.
Alex “Blue” Coats, an original member, started his career earning both his Private Pilot’s Certificate and A&P through the club. He went on to earn his instrument rating, and he is currently a 1st shift lead mechanic at Cirrus Aircraft in McKinney, TX.
Kevin “Hammer” Butler also started his aviation career as an original member of the Aero Clube, earning his Private Pilot’s Certificate, A&P, and IA. He is now a shift lead at Bombardier INC. Both Blue and Hammer are still heavily involved; they attend club events as well as teach the newer generation of members how to carry out projects.
Sahara, “Ponytail” Billman walked into the hangar about the same time as Blue and Hammer. She served many years in the club, earning her private pilot’s certificate in the process. Kevin likes to joke about how she needed an extra seat cushion to see over the instrument panel, but more importantly, she is a great representation of what this club can do for hardworking teenagers with a dream. She went on to graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with honors in three years, earning her instrument, commercial, and multi-engine ratings. After coming home to complete her CFI and CFII check rides, she is now ready to start giving back to the aviation community through her new job instructing at “Teens in Flight.”
Daniel, “Professor” Kaphinghst, another original member, earned his pilot certificate like the rest, in an airplane he helped restore. He has now gone on to earn his instrument rating, commercial rating, and is continuing his flight training at ATP, all the while coming back to Aero Country to help out at the club.
The Aero Clube has given countless teens the opportunity to pursue aviation, and all of the latest accomplishments are posted on the Tango Thirty-One Aero Clube Facebook page as well as their Instagram.
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