AviNation Magazine Summer 2022 by AviNation

2022 SUMMER

AT TR ACT, EDUCATE & EMPOWER YOUTH IN AVIATION

INSIDE Aviation at the Highest Level LIFT Launches Free PPL Program for High School Students

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Pilots, A&P Mechanics, Teamwork and Trust.....................................................................4 New High School Soaring Team.............................................................................................6 My “Private” Journey............................................................................................................8-10 Aviation at the Highest Level...........................................................................................12-15 LIFT Launches Free PPL Summer Program for H.S. Students............................16-17 Does a career await you at Continental Aerospace Technologies?................. 18-20 Watching my son find a career path in life as an aircraft mechanic.............. 24-26 Mighty in STEM Sisters (MiSS)...................................................................................... 28-30 Spotlight: Lexie Hope and Emily Hope Wilson.............................................................. 32 Flying High at 23................................................................................................................ 34-35 The Desire to Fly....................................................................................................................... 36 Q&A with Senior Meteorologist Sam Sangster....................................................... 38-39 My Seaplane Experience........................................................................................................40 To Infinity, and Beyond!.......................................................................................................... 42 I Believed I Could Fly: Becoming a Pilot................................................................... 46-47 Trends in Ag Aviation....................................................................................................... 48-49 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Airport................................................50

2022 SUMMER

AT TR ACT, EDUCATE & EMPOWER YOUTH IN AVIATION

INSIDE Aviation at the Highest Level LIFT Launches Free PPL Program for High School Students

Brought to you by:

$5.00 | www.avinationusa.com

12-1 ello, Embry-Riddle] pg Level [Photo by Daryl LaB Aviation at the Highest

Aerospace Center for Excellence....................... 22-23 Aerospace Valley Air Show.........................................48 AG-NAV..............................................................................49 Aims Community College Aviation Programs.....55 Air Tractor, Inc..................................................................48 Air Zoo.................................................................................41 ALSIM..................................................................................43 Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR)........................54 Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc..........................41 ByDanJohnson.com.......................................................54 Citadel Completions......................................................33 Continental Aerospace Technologies.......................21 Culver Props......................................................................54 Duncan Aviation.............................................................. 27 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.................. 44 Endeavor Air.....................................................................47 Evektor Aircraft...............................................................56 Flight Attendant Prep Academy................................51 Flying Legend USA........................................................33 General Aviation News..................................................54 Iowa Lakes Community College.................................41 Jet Access............................................................................ 7 Just Aircraft........................................................................31 LIFT Academy.................................................................... 5 Lightspeed Aviation........................................................51 Lockwood Aviation.........................................................53 MATCO mfg.......................................................................43 Metro Aviation..................................................................29 Midwest LSA Expo..........................................................45 Mojave Air & Space Port...............................................43 National Flight Academy............................................... 2 Piedmont Airlines............................................................ 37 Rans Aircraft.....................................................................43 Schweiss Doors................................................................54 Sebring Flight Academy..............................................54 Sensenich Propeller........................................................45 STEM Pilot............................................................................ 3 TakeFlight Interactive......................................................11 Triple Tree Aerodrome...................................................31 Zenith Aircraft Company.............................................52

By Tom Flavin

About AviNation AviNation exists to attract, educate and empower youth in aviation. AviNation magazine strives to give readers insight into the future of aviation by focusing on aviation students, programs, events and innovative approaches to the promotion and continued growth of the aviation industry. Staff & Contributors Publisher: Jacob Peed Copy Editor: Vicky Rink Administrative Coordinator: Jessica Peed Design & Production: Barb Stuve, Lime Valley Mankato, MN Business Development: Thomas W. Flavin Phone: (310) 709-0844 E-mail: Tom-flavin@roadrunner.com Correspondence Editorial submissions and other correspondence E-mail: jppeed@gmail.com Phone: (515) 408-3763 www.avinationusa.com Advertising Phone: (515) 408-3763 E-mail: jppeed@gmail.com www.avinationusa.com Contributing Writers Ava Shelly Colonel Mark C. Vlahos, (USAF-Ret) David Toguchi Ed Knitter Glenn Fankhauser Jamie Beckett Jesse Nau Jon O’Neill Lexie Hope and Emily Hope Wilson Nick Poucher Paige Bova Rose Rivera Ryan Gay Sam Sangster St. Louis Downtown Airport Tom Flavin Thank you to our Cornerstone Supporters

Pilots, A&P Mechanics, Teamwork and Trust While every day each of us relies on trust and teamwork to accomplish daily activities and larger goals, how often do any of us stop to ask where that confidence in trust and teamwork is coming from? Who do we, or who can we, rely on and trust? Trust is defined as the assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something. Teamwork is defined as the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient. Teamwork is increasingly becoming the most important skill in everything. AviNation American Dream Tour started this May in Peoria, Illinois at the Elite Youth Outreach program with large portions of trust and teamwork. The focus of the curriculum was not aviation/aerospace. We reached over one hundred underprivileged youth about careers in aviation/aerospace along with a hands-on drone introduction. This initial group moved from only three (3) reluctant youth seeing themselves in a career in aviation at the start of our presentation to almost fifty (50). Our team trusts that follow-up presentations will increase these numbers, still. In June, the AviNation American Dream Tour proceeded to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In this community, we presented to four (4) separate youth organizations. At Baton Rouge Community College – Aviation Campus an attendee signed up for the Fall semester! AviNation American Dream Tour will be in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in July. AviNation Magazine (this issue) will have bonus distribution at AirVenture. And with teamwork and trust, the tour will proceed to several other communities through the early Fall and throughout 2022. In all our outreach, initially, we are met by some skepticism about our intent, what the costs or fees will be and who benefits. More frequently it is said, so what is your ASK? Our ASK: AviNation American Dream Tour seeks supporters, sponsors, like-minded motivational speakers, and most importantly all individuals and communities who value teamwork and trust! Do you know of a community that can benefit from the American Dream Tour? If so, we would like to hear from you. Let’s build teamwork and trust together!

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m a e T g n i r a o S l o o h c S h g i NEW H

By Nick Poucher

Last month the Lakeland Aero Club created a new high school competition soaring team with eight inaugural members. Over the past year LAC has helped seven students solo a glider through our PIC@14 program, currently of the team’s eight members, six have a private pilot glider certificate and will begin working to meet the requirements needed to enter soaring competitions while the remaining members continue to stay current and prepare for a check ride once turning 16. Soaring team member Steven Tellman recently attended the Mid-Georgia Soaring Association camp where he achieved his SSA Gold and Diamond badges before entering the Cordele Region Five contest. Tellman who is 16 years old finished the competition in 11th place with over 500 miles flown and more than 17 hours of flight time during the competition. Soaring is one of the truest forms of flight and enabling 16-year-old pilots to compete and safely

expand their limits with no engine before being eligible to be a licensed powered aircraft pilot will not only make them more precise pilots, but more importantly it will create safer pilots with more years of PIC experience. The team is excited to qualify more competition pilots next school year as well as help to solo more 14 and 15 year old students that can help grow the team and create more safe, effective pilots from a young age.

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MY “PRIVATE”

Think back to the first flight you were ever on. For some of us, that is a long time ago. For others it may be a shorter time span. I was on several Young Eagle flights before I ever took my first flight lesson, but I still remember the overwhelming feeling of being in a small plane as you start learning to fly. I probably taxied that 152 like a taildragger for the first few months until I could figure out that the feet do the steering. Keep my hands in my lap! And radio calls…oh my! They sounded like a bunch of mumbo jumbo. I couldn’t figure out heads or tails of what they were saying, no pun intended. When I did learn to hear the call sign, it was still a challenge to know what to repeat and to know what the calls to other planes were about. And that’s on top of getting over talking on a recorded radio! But out of all the new things to learn, I think stalls came close to being the hardest to first get used to. They scared me very badly the first time my instructor ever demonstrated them. Power on stalls especially. It is so easy to get a big wing drop in those little trainer planes, and then you need to recover fast, or you are headed toward a spin nose down to the earth.

Yes, there are a lot of things to learn when flying an aircraft. But aren’t we glad we put the time into it? First off, it is so much fun to be able to take a hunk of metal and maneuver it through the skies like a graceful bird. A couple times during my training the tower told me that the landings looked nice after a day of practicing take offs and landings. It felt good to know I was beginning to handle the airplane well. Secondly, aircraft are very useful in our lives. Think about how much we depend on aviation now: transportation, deliveries, vacation, military agenda, search and rescue, and more. Another thing, we get to be involved with such a great community of aviation enthusiasts. Learning to fly an airplane takes time. When we train to learn something, there are two main sides that I can think of: the exciting aspect and the painful aspect. The exciting aspect is when we are making progress. All of us want to see results. It is awesome when the training starts to pay off. The “painful” stage is, well, the other part. It can be painful for a lot of reasons; maybe it is difficult because of finances or resources or time or skill or other background things going on. There is a lot that can make training for something challenging, but we need both sides of training to accomplish the goal.

JOURNEY

By Rose Rivera

Aviation teaches us so many practical skills along the way. Which one of us trained with an instructor and only, solely, entirely, learned to fly the plane? We learn to read charts, to do practical math, to solve problems/dilemmas, to maintain situational awareness, and (my special weak point) to remember where North, South, East, and West are. I struggled with it so much that after one flight, my instructor sat me down and went over the points of the compass. In my head I was thinking, “Yeah, I know that North is opposite of South. I just can’t seem to remember it in the air!” In my training there came a day when my instructor thought I was ready to solo. I don’t think any of us will forget the day that we solo. It kind of stands out to us as monumental along the way. On August 19, 2021, I did a couple laps with my instructor first to make sure that my landings were still up to par and suitable. Then he told me to do a full stop. I knew what was coming next…excited, yes but somewhat apprehensive. As my instructor suggested, I told tower that I was a student pilot solo when calling, and that I was ready for takeoff. He was super helpful and accommodating throughout my first short flight alone. In that half hour, I walked through a door. I could do this. I could fly. Anything is possible. I will not forget the feeling of satisfaction knowing that I was flying the aircraft. Most importantly, by the time I was done with the solo, the aircraft was reusable. By the time mid-January rolled around I was ready for another step in the training – solo cross country. There was more pre-planning involved with the cross country than with the solo. I made sure to really study the weather, print out my taxiway diagrams, and charge my navigation device. My instructor made sure to cover any last-minute questions, and I was set to go. After an extra careful pre-flight and run up, I was on my way. Again, I had the same fleeting notion, “What if I can’t do it?” However, I just stuck with the training I had been doing (the exciting and painful parts) and followed through. The weather ended up being beautiful. Overall, it was a really smooth flight with no major issues or problems. I met with the DPE (designated pilot examiner) 195 days from first soloing the aircraft. Checkride day! My anticipation of it made it very nerve wracking. Yet, during the actual test, I settled in quickly and was able to rely on my good training to take me through. Everything went really smoothly with only a couple of minor rough spots. The takeoffs and landings were a great way to end the checkride. I hit my points right on for the spot landings and the soft field landing was excellent in

technique. The DPE was quite pleased and said that I came well prepared. Whew!! Less than a week before the checkride, I discovered that my landings had deteriorated significantly and needed some serious practice. So, for every day until the checkride, I went out and practiced touch and go’s. Training pays off! One of those days was a 1.5 hour flight but the tower was so busy, I ended up including some extra practice that day; I did three 360s, one go around, and at least one extended downwind, all on a solo flight. Talk about traffic! Going back to the training though, there were a lot of people who made all this possible for me. It started with local EAA chapters. I worked with a couple of different ones, including one in Orlando, one in Umatilla, and another one in Leesburg. All of the chapters encouraged me and helped me get closer to flying, but the Leesburg chapter sent out lists of scholarships for the youth to look at. One of these was the Jones Brother’s scholarship. I applied. Not too long after, I was awarded this scholarship from them to begin working on a private pilot license and another scholarship to pursue my seaplane rating. A big thanks to the Jones Brother’s for their part in all of this! After finishing the Jones Brother’s funds, the EAA Chapter 534 donated Ray Aviation scholarship funds. Another very important person throughout my training was my instructor.

He set up a foundation for my flying that I will always have with me. I really enjoyed working with him. As you can tell, this was definitely not a one man (or woman) journey. It took a whole team of people to help me get here. Not only did I not have to do it on my own, but I would go so far as to say I could not have done it on my own. Out of all the things that my local EAA chapter 534 has done for me, one of the best things they did for me was networking. I met so many different mentors who were able to help me. I met so many different people who gave me good advice. I met so many different friends who were also interested in aviation. I am extremely grateful for the support from everyone. However, the list of people who helped me would not be complete without including my family. They were patient when I studied. They came out to watch when I reached a milestone. They were there when I needed encouragement. I don’t know what I would do without them. So, what do you do with aviation? Or maybe the better question is what do you want to do with aviation? Because no matter where we are or no matter how far we come, we can always go a step further and learn a little more. For me, aviation is a tool. I want to use it to transport supplies and people. My entire life I have dreamed of being a missionary in Africa, and I am still trying to fit the pieces together in how to do that. But I realize that aviation can do a lot and be a significant help in reducing the workload of other missionaries and broadening the horizons of people in remote areas. A walk (hike, rather) that would take hours, maybe days on foot can now be done in mere minutes with a plane. It took me a long time to fully grasp the power and potential aviation has. It is truly remarkable. I began desiring to include aviation into my missionary dreams…and so the race began. Sometimes small things are big steps. For example, when I was learning to fly, I had a really difficult time figuring

out what a left traffic pattern was, and what a right traffic pattern was. It just didn’t click. Now it is a piece of cake. A small step, but it is a very important part of flying. It is a reality that one person is unable to solve all the world’s problems, but it is just as much a reality that one person is able to solve a problem no one else can. There are times when I do not feel ready or capable to complete this task. Others have stepped in and encouraged me along the way. I take hope in knowing that this is my Heavenly Father’s plan for me. He never makes mistakes, so I know this is the right path. It is much more than simply choosing a career. It is about fulfilling a purpose. Few people ever receive such a clear indication of the direction of their life. I have. With that comes a large responsibility. All along the way, God has been there, my first flight, my first solo, my cross country, and my checkride. He has never left me, and I know He never will. There is a peace that comes with doing your part and leaving the details and results to Him. A God that loves you that much is worth living and dying for. Everything in this world is so temporary; let’s live for what will last, the eternal. His will is the ultimate goal for my life. I hope that God gets all the glory from what I do. I have learned (am learning) that following Him certainly does not mean everything goes right. In fact, it usually means a lot goes wrong. But He somehow works the bad to make it into something good. It may not be good at the time. It may not be pleasant. It may not feel like there is a purpose in it, but God knows. And He always fulfills His promises. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

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AVIATION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Where can you go with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University? Do you have your heart set on reaching an airline flight deck? Or is being an air traffic controller your dream career? Perhaps you can’t get enough of tinkering with airplane parts, or maybe you just want to work at an airline or airport to enjoy the fast pace and many perks of being part of the global aviation industry. Whatever career goal you’ve set for yourself, Embry-Riddle can help you reach it. Here, you’ll be taught by experienced professionals and use the latest cutting-edge tools, including virtual and extended reality learning enhancements, to elevate your training and practical skills. You’ll be instantly plugged into programs that can lead you directly into the aerospace industry and graduate with everything you need to launch your career with no delays. To see where you could go, take a look at where some of our students are now. Can you picture yourself at Embry-Riddle?

Helicopter Pilot Helps Pioneer Hi-Tech Flight Safety Research

ELIZABETH MITCHELL Elizabeth Mitchell (’22) began her journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University focused on becoming an engineer. But a little more than two years ago, Mitchell decided that she wanted to learn to fly helicopters and ultimately switched her goal to earning the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with a Helicopter Pilot Specialty offered at the Prescott Campus.

[Photo by Connor McShane, Embry-Riddle]

The switch also gave Mitchell the opportunity to become deeply involved in helicopter safety research, especially in the vital area of inadvertent flights from visual to instrument conditions – one of the causes cited by the National Transportation Safety Board in the crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant. It’s the type of unique, hands-on opportunity that Embry-Riddle often provides its undergraduates, and Mitchell has made the most of it.

“She has become the face of the program,” said Associate Professor Dawn Groh, the department chair of Aeronautical Science at the Prescott Campus. “Elizabeth routinely takes part in high-level meetings with professional pilots and safety experts, and everyone thinks she is a graduate student.” The research project employs a virtual reality simulator to put pilots into scenarios where they suddenly lose visual contact with the ground or the horizon and will result in recommendations for the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team. “It’s been awesome,” said Mitchell. “It’s been cool to be involved in all the pieces, from creating the scenarios and running people through them to learning about the administrative aspects of it, such as how to get funding. It’s really an incredible experience.”

Read more about Elizabeth Mitchell’s Embry-Riddle Experience

Boeing Scholar Finds Her Spot in the Sky

SHADDI ABDALA When she set her sights on EmbryRiddle, Abdala was determined and committed herself to applying to every scholarship she could. She was selected as a Boeing Scholar and enrolled in her first semester in 2019.

[Photo by Daryl LaBello, Embry-Riddle]

As an aspiring female aviator, Shaddi Abdala (’21) turned to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to get her aviation career off the ground. Born in Bogota, Colombia, Abdala majored in Aeronautical Science and was the first in her family to pursue an education in aviation and the first to attend college in the U.S., thanks to the Boeing Scholars Program.

“Being a Boeing Scholar gave me the opportunity to attend Embry-Riddle without the financial burden on my family,” she said. Since beginning her Embry-Riddle journey, Abdala has earned her commercial pilot certification and multi-engine add-on. “Some of the most memorable moments I have had at Embry-Riddle have been passing my check rides and receiving my flight certificates – the relief and joy of knowing that all the hours

spent studying and training had finally paid off,” she said. When she wasn't in the sky, Abdala was heavily involved in the campus community. She was a member of the Student Government Association and Latino Pilot Association and was also affiliated with the Women’s Ambassador Program, the Empowering Latina Leader Aviators Subcommittee (ELLAS) and Women in Aviation. “My goal is to always inspire and share my knowledge with those around me to grow the aviation community,” she said.

Read more about Shaddi Abdala’s Embry-Riddle Experience

Technology Helps ATC Student Explore the “Other Side of the Radio”

CONNOR COOK

[Photo by Connor McShane, Embry-Riddle]

Connor Cook’s (’22) true aviation passion is controlling aircraft, not flying them. And Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management is how Cook is turning that passion into a profession. “I am in the hiring process with the [Federal Aviation Administration],” Cook said.

The leading-edge technology used in Embry-Riddle’s labs enables students such as Cook to get a real-life look at how the ATC system works and the key role that controllers play in keeping it functioning efficiently and safely.

Besides just being cool, the state-of-the-art labs and simulators are the best way to prepare future air traffic controllers for the realities they will face, whether they work in a tower, a TRACON or an Air Route Traffic Control Center.

“[The ATC simulation software] gives us the 360° view of any airport that we can bring up,” he said. “At first, it was kind of shocking really, because I had never been in the tower before and seen something like that. We could go to LaGuardia. We could go to LAX. We could go to Chicago. So just a lot of switching back and forth and seeing how it looked from the towers was cool.”

“It went beyond what I expected,” Cook said. “But it also helps tremendously because you’re prepared and know what to expect. And you’re learning a lot about how to manage. I think it definitely puts you a step ahead of everyone else.”

Read more about Connor Cook’s Embry-Riddle Experience

AVIATION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL A New Horizon in Flight Training

MARTIN KURKCHUBASCHE After graduating with his B.S. in Aeronautical Science and the full suite of pilot ratings, Kurkchubasche is today the Aviation Safety Program Manager at the Prescott, Ariz., campus and is also pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration in Aviation.

[Photo courtesy of Martin Kurkchubasche]

For Martin Kurkchubasche (’20, ’23), flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has gone way beyond the flight deck.

Along the way, he’s also gotten involved in cutting-edge research work that explores how effective virtual reality can be in all types of primary aviation training. In late 2019, Kurkchubasche began working with Embry-Riddle instructor Dr. Michelle Hight, who is now Senior Manager of Human Factors & Cross-Fleet Training at Hawaiian Airlines. The initial study into using VR to augment fight training had just started when the pandemic hit and shut it down. Using an IGNITE grant from Embry-Riddle’s Office of Undergraduate Research, the team began to develop what ended up

being an experimental course for the College of Aviation. Kurkchubasche joined Dr. Hight among the authors of the study, which was published in January. Now, building on the kind of undergraduate research opportunities only Embry-Riddle can offer, Kurkchubasche is exploring further research into VR as a flight training device in addition to his work as a safety professional. “We’re starting small with one computer and one station, and then we’re going to see what it can do,” Kurkchubasche said. “As this technology starts to improve and get more accurate and more realistic, I sure would hope that we would have the ability to start using it more.”

Read more about Martin Kurkchubasche’s Embry-Riddle Experience

From VR to VFR: The Technology Edge at Embry-Riddle

NEVADA RANDALL What makes flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University so unique and effective? For Nevada Randall (’25), it is leading-edge technology that is making the difference in the journey toward a seat on the flight deck. Randall, a freshman in the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science program, credits

Embry-Riddle’s unique PILOT, or Pre-flight Immersion Laboratory for Operations Training program, with helping him nail down his private pilot’s license in his first semester. “The technology provided by Embry–Riddle is incredible,” said Randall, a native of Golden, Colo. “I feel like the technology is exactly where it needs to be to make virtual

reality and simulator training as effective as real aircraft time.” That’s among the goals of PILOT, which first rolled out in the Fall 2021 term. Incoming flight students spend their first four weeks learning preflight, checklist and flight procedures in VR environments, then continue to work with their flight instructors to complete oral

and simulator activities. Making the transition from VR to real flying was “seamless,” said Randall, who believes that the Embry-Riddle advantage extends beyond technology. “The vast knowledge that Embry-Riddle has accumulated

through its rich history of flight training is evident in everything you do, from the way the instructors behave and teach, to the way that the curriculum is shaped, to the safety structure that has been built around pilots,” said Randall, who earned his instrument rating during

the Spring 2022 term. “It is one of the safest and most knowledgeable flight schools, in my opinion.”

Read more about Nevada Randall’s Embry-Riddle Experience

Aspiring Aviator Sets Her Sights on the Flight Deck

EMMA KIRSCHENHEITER which led to joining the aerospace and flight club at her high school and, ultimately, to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s renowned leader in aviation and aerospace education. Although Kirschenheiter can’t say why the flying bug bit her, she is thrilled that Embry-Riddle is now helping her turn her new passion into a lifelong profession. The successful start to her flight training has Kirschenheiter currently charting her career course and counting on Embry-Riddle’s vast connections to the aviation industry to help her get there.

[Photo courtesy of Joey Harrison, Embry-Riddle]

Emma Kirschenheiter’s (’25) passion for flying came out of the blue. It started with an introductory flight at an FBO in her native Long Island,

“My ultimate goal is to fly for a major airline, and Delta Air Lines would be an ideal option,” she said. “I aspire to get into the Delta Propel program and one day become a captain. Embry-Riddle is one of Delta’s partner institutions and will set me up for success in my future endeavors.”

Kirschenheiter credits Embry-Riddle’s unique PILOT, or Pre-flight Immersion Laboratory for Operations Training program for the vital preparation it has provided. The program, launched in 2021, lets incoming flight students spend their first four weeks learning preflight, checklists and flight procedures in VR environments. “Although the PILOT program is rigorous and time consuming, with dedication, hard work and perseverance, it is all possible,” she said. “My experience in the PILOT program has been an amazing beginning to my journey in the aviation industry.”

Read more about Emma Kirschenheiter’s Embry-Riddle Experience

embryriddle.edu 15

LIFT LAUNCHES SUMMER YOUTH EXPERIENCE, A FREE PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS By: Paige Bova

Summer has started, and for a group of 15 high school students at Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana, it means the official takeoff of their aviation aspirations. The inaugural class of the LIFT Summer Youth Experience began what could be described as a life-changing introduction to aviation — at no cost to them. The Summer Youth Experience, which is fully sponsored by Republic Airways, is removing the cost barrier for the program’s participants as they work toward earning a private pilot license this summer.

Republic and LIFT partnered with Indianapolis-area schools to find the next generation of aviators. “When introducing this first-of-its-kind aviation program to students and their parents, the students were immediately excited. The parents matched their student’s excitement levels once they realized that the program was at no cost to them, that Republic was sponsoring the flight training,” said Darrell Morton, Republic’s Senior Manager of Education Programs and Diversity Partnerships.

“I “I HAVE HAVE THE THE CHANCE CHANCE TO TO ACCOMPLISH ACCOMPLISH WHAT WHAT MOST MOST PEOPLE PEOPLE DREAM DREAM ABOUT ABOUT DOING.” DOING.” -- JOSH JOSH CHAPMAN, CHAPMAN, LIFT LIFT STUDENT STUDENT

LIFT ENROLLMENT IS ONGOING. APPLY TODAY AT FLYWITHLIFT.COM

Brandon Frizzo and James Hashley, two of the LIFT Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs) working with the students each day, were both eager to be part of the ground training for this group. If there had been something like this program offered when James was in high school, he said, “I would have tried to get my private pilot license completed before graduating high school to bring down the cost of my future flight training. I think it would also have inspired me to study even harder in high school, knowing I would have a chance to become a pilot.” Brandon added, “I would have certainly entered aviation sooner. Something like this would have made me realize the pathway to where I wanted to be was more quickly and easily attainable than I thought.” The 16- to 18-year-old students are onsite at the LIFT Academy hangar 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week, to train toward earning their private pilot license. Throughout their time in the Summer Youth Experience, students are learning the skills and gaining the experience they need to become successful airline pilots. “Each day, students engage with CFIs while participating in ground school classes together. They also learn about careers in aviation, how aircraft fly, how to navigate the national airspace system, meteorology, aircraft systems and much more. After their ground lessons, instructor and student spend their afternoons engaged in flying lessons and learning maneuvers required for a private pilot license.” James said of the structure of the summer program. Two of the students were thrilled when they heard about the program. Ayah Muhammad and Josh Chapman have both dreamed of becoming airline pilots. “I’ve always wanted to become a pilot, from the moment I stepped on a plane,” Ayah said. “The environment of the cockpit, the view and scenery from the plane, the traveling and the people, I know that will all make me fall in love with the career more every day.” The two are also looking forward to some of the other opportunities the program will offer them, including meeting other students around the Indianapolis area with the same passion they have for aviation and becoming airline pilots.

“I have the chance to accomplish what most people dream about doing. This opportunity also means a lot to me; I will be receiving the same training that enrolled LIFT students receive, just at a younger age, propelling me further in my aviation dreams sooner,” Josh said. While Ayah and Josh still have a lot of work before they can reach their dreams, they are animated when talking about their futures. Ayah can’t wait to become an airline pilot: “In five years I want to be the one in the pilot uniform having kids look up to me.” Josh is eager to see where he will be in five years. “I’ll be reflecting on how far I’ve come, where I started my aviation journey in the LIFT Summer Youth Experience and the distance I still have to cover,” he shared. Darrell, along with Kevin Webster, LIFT’s Associate Director of Business Operations, manage the program and are excited to bring this opportunity to students in the Indianapolis area. “Historically, aviation and especially piloting a plane, is a career pathway to which the African American and Latino/a population have not had much exposure at a young age. We hope students, especially our students from historically marginalized populations, leave this program understanding what’s available to them, and they share their experiences with friends and their communities,” Darrell said. Darrell went on to share, “We believe this program is important for these students. It’s important because most have never been on an airplane or had any idea how to get into the aviation industry. This program provides a defined pathway to Republic Airways if students aspire to pursue a career as an airline pilot. The LIFT Summer Youth Experience is essential to us because we can take aviation directly to historically marginalized communities, which will positively impact diversity in the industry’s future.” The 2022 class of the LIFT Summer Youth Experience is already full, but mark your calendars because Republic Airways and LIFT Academy are planning to offer this program again next summer at no cost to its accepted students.

Getting an early start toward their dreams was important to Ayah and Josh, anything to help them get another step closer to being airline pilots.

@flywithlift

Ayah Muhammad, LIFT Student

Does a career await you at

Continental Aerospace Technologies? By Jamie Beckett

Nestled into the green and genteel flatlands of the Alabama Gulf Coast exists one of the most storied and compelling aerospace employers in aviation history. Established in Muskegon, Michigan more than 115 years ago, Continental Aerospace Technologies is no newcomer to the game. Originally known as Continental Motors, this powerhouse of a powerplant manufacturer has been providing the horses to get general aviation airborne while pushing the boundaries of piston powered technology since Orville and Wilbur were shopping their early models of heavier than air aircraft to the world. Historically, Continental has been the engine of choice for an unimaginably large number of pilots and aircraft manufacturers. From the venerable Piper Cub of the 1930s, to the stunningly successful Cessna 150 in the 1950s and 60s, pilots have been flying behind Continental powerplants the world over, as student pilots then for thousands of hours afterward when flying for personal pleasure and business transportation. Today, the Continental CD-300 is powering one of the most exciting new aircraft on the market, the totally new Diamond DA50 RG. Sipping Jet-A fuel at a leisurely pace this piston powerplant that AOPA’s Tom Horne describes as, “a massive engine,” provides the oomph required to get high and fast and go far in an absolutely gorgeous five seat aircraft. Not to be outdone, Cirrus Aircraft recently announced it’s all new 2022 G6 SR series airplane is being powered by another of Continental’s forward-looking products. The Continental 550 series engines, producing more than 300 horsepower, are turning

propellers that pull these sleek machines through the air lickety-split. A leading engine manufacturer is about far more than just steel, aluminum, ball bearings, and fuel burn calculations. People are what make the engines work as much as they are the variable that makes the company thrive. The culture and day-to-day operations at Continental Aerospace Technologies prove that point well. Led by Karen Hong, the first female President and CEO in Continental’s history, the drive to hire quality employees is augmented by a commitment to offer real value to those employees. Think of it as an enticement to stay with the company long-term while growing their potential and enriching their lives. Often in ways a prospective employee might not think likely, or even possible.

Karen

Four years into her tenure, Hong explains her desire to become a part of the proud history of the company she now leads, “I was inspired to apply because of Continental’s strong foundation, longevity in the marketplace, and the company’s vision to continuously innovate to be the first choice in general aviation power.” A sentiment that seems to be shared by others who have committed to a career with Continental.

JEFF

adrian Hong is not a pilot herself, although she has taken the opportunity to fly right seat on many business trips using Continental’s corporate aircraft. An experience she has enjoyed enough that she plans to pursue earning her private pilot certificate in the future. Adrian Adams signed on as a production team member at Continental 11 years ago. Working as a machine operator and helper, he found an entry level position that provided for training on the job which allowed him to expand his professional horizons while doing work he found to be both satisfying and rewarding. Initially attracted to the company by its reputation for offering competitive pay and benefits, as well as its strength and longevity in the industry, Adrian’s career path may have become more than he dreamed possible during those early days as a trainee. Today, more than a decade after coming on board, Adrian is a Process Leader/Team Leader, who manages a daily meeting of roughly 20 team members who are responsible for machining parts and pieces that are critical components employed in the build of Continental piston engines. His primary responsibility is to support his team members, verifying that their processes are capable of meeting Continental’s safety and production standards. As a product leader, Adrian leads conflict resolution when faced with adversity. Being able to pursue leadership training through opportunities provided by his employer have been a big part of what made his rise through the ranks possible.

Adrian is a prime example of how Continental is committed to serving its employees, as much as those employees are committed to serving the company and its customers. When asked if he believes the work he does provides him with an opportunity to move up in the organization, Adrian answers simply enough, “Yes, it has.” Because in his experience that is exactly what has happened. He got his start in the industry through Continental as an entry level worker and has earned the respect of his fellow peers and supervisor. When it was time to nominate a new Process Leader, Adrian’s colleagues gave all their support to solidify him for the position. He’s been promoted with an increase in compensation as his skills have improved and his potential expanded. He enjoys taking on a leadership role. One that allows him to support his team as they work together to accomplish their goals. And through that work he sets a practical example for the team members he leads that persistence, education, and experience can all lead to a more rewarding career at one of the leading engine manufacturers in the industry. That’s something to be proud of, for sure. During those 11 years when Adrian was working his way up the ladder at Continental, Jeff Hunt was learning, growing, and moving up, too. Originally hired on as a Systems Engineer, Jeff recently upgraded to the position of Sustaining Engineering and Research and Development Director. But his path at Continental began many years before he ever filled out an application. Even if he wasn’t yet aware of it.

As a nine-year old boy Jeff had the chance to fly with a family friend who had access to a Piper Cub. A truly classic airplane that was famously powered by the equally classic Continental 65 horsepower, horizontally opposed, air-cooled, normally aspirated piston engine that taught thousands of pilots to fly. Like so many young men and women who taste flight at an early age, or even dream of flight without actually experiencing it, Jeff knew from an early age that aviation in some form or fashion would be a part of his life. Getting the education that would open the door to a career at Continental Aerospace Technologies made a bigger difference than he’d ever dreamed, however. Not only did Jeff find a challenging career that gave him satisfaction and pleasure, he also discovered that Continental sponsors a flight training program for employees. That unexpected benefit made all the difference for Jeff, who used that program to train for and earn his private pilot certificate. He completed his training and passed his check-ride in 2015. When asked what the appeal of an engineering position is for him, Jeff says, “It’s all about problem solving and completing projects.” Success in those two realms provides a real sense of accomplishment, as Jeff sees it. Which also lends the job a sense of permanence and practicality. “With the way the world is changing, it’s tough to say what the challenges of tomorrow will be, but there will always be challenges to solve.” Spoken like a true engineer who has devoted his working life to creating better products for a company that has more than a Century of being at the leading edge of the market. Of course, all work and no play runs the risk of leaving the impression that Jeff, and Adrian, and maybe even

Karen lean a bit to the dull side. Nothing could be further from the truth. These folks work in the field of general aviation after all. And they’re based adjacent to the Mobile Downtown Airport on the western shore of Mobile Bay. With such easy access to the airport, it is no mystery why Continental employees might avail themselves of the flying club located right in their back yard. The club provides great networking opportunities, lowers the cost of accessing aircraft considerably, and just might lead its members to a few undeniably positive life altering experiences. That was certainly the case for Jeff. After earning his pilot certificate, one of Jeff’s first great adventures was to fly his girlfriend 80 or so miles to the East, to Destin, Florida. Their chariot was a Diamond DA20 C1, powered by a Continental engine, of course. While on that trip Jeff proposed. She said yes. Today they have two beautiful daughters, a great marriage, and a tremendous career to brag about at Continental Aerospace Technologies. Not to mention the privilege of being able to fly all over the Gulf Coast and beyond in a general aviation aircraft pretty much whenever their hearts get the urge to go. We started out talking about Karen Hong, the CEO of Continental Aerospace Technologies. We will end with Karen Hong talking about you, the reader. Karen says, “If you can dream of the bigger picture and enjoy working in manufacturing and aviation, you should consider pursuing this line of fulfilling work.” In a time of need, when pilots, mechanics, and engineers are in short supply, Hong’s advice resonates. There is a bright future in the aerospace field for those who seek adventure, creative challenges, and amazing opportunities. This is the time. Make something happen.

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Watching My Son Find a Career Path in Life as an

aircraft mechanic 24

By Colonel Mark C. Vlahos, (USAF-Ret) Do you like working with your hands? Like the thrill of jet noise? Like the thought of working outside and not sitting behind a desk all day? How about starting wages of $25-$29 an hour without attending a traditional 4-year college? And finally, want to be part of a something bigger than yourself and have others trust you with their life? Sounds pretty exciting to me, but those are just a few of the tangibles that come with working as an aircraft mechanic. Better yet, these type jobs are in demand all over the world right now and demand is expected to grow. According to Boeings Technician Outlook 2018-2037 report, the global demand for aerospace technicians could reach as much as 754,000 over the next 20 years. In the United States, there are currently 132,000 aircraft mechanics. The aircraft mechanic job market is expected to grow by 5% between 2016 and 2026. Like any “Baby Boomer” and the son of a World War II Veteran, I grew up thinking the best path to launch my children into life was for them to attend a traditional four-year university. This thought process was based on my father, who attended college after World War II and my own success having a 29-year flying career in the USAF. I was commissioned through Air Force ROTC at a traditional four-year university. However, neither one of my children desired to follow me into a life of military service; probably because I forced them to move and leave friends every 2-3 years. However, after watching both of my children grow up, and listening to a lot of their friends’ stories, my views on attending a four-year university have changed. The traditional college route is not for everybody and so many kids are now graduating college with very large amounts of debt and are no closer to a good paying job than before they even started college. There are many reasons for this, technology has erased jobs and simply many kids earn a degree in a field that has no job market. In my day, high schools in Virginia offered vocational technical training; everything from auto mechanics, welding, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning to home economics and hairstyling. Personally, I did not partake in any of these courses and geared my course load towards attending

college - I did take a typing class. Today, it’s very rare to see these types of courses offered in public high schools anymore. Now for my son Ben’s story. After struggling and biting off more than he could chew attending a traditional four-year university, Ben dropped out after two years. For the next three years I watched him bounce from one minimum wage job to another, in the un-skilled labor force. To be specific, he worked entry-level Walmart, Target and landscaping jobs. On more than one occasion, my message to Ben was “you can go back and finish college anytime and get somebody else to pay for it … but you need to move out of the unskilled labor force. Learn a skill and get started out on a career that not only can support you, but also a family as well.” It took a while to convince my son that there were many career paths to consider, electrician, plumbing, air-conditioning and heating … all good paying jobs. Finally, one day I showed him an advertisement for Hallmark University in San Antonio which showcased their Applied Science in Airframe & Powerplant program. The school is actually located on the San Antonio International Airport property. The very next day, on his own initiative Ben drove to the school, applied for, interviewed, and was accepted into their 2-year program. From the onset, I noticed a new spark of excitement and commitment in my son. He looked forward to going to school every day and talked about how much he loved it. He entered the program in 2017 and graduated in the spring of 2019. After graduation, Ben immediately was offered and started a job with ST Engineering located on the San Antonio International Airport. This company does heavy back shop maintenance and inspections for commercial aircraft;

Ben was supporting the United Airlines contract the company had. While this was a good starter job, Ben knew it was not a long-term solution and he continued to look for other opportunities. However, this job provided valuable experience and funded Ben’s hobby of participating in the Society for Creative Anachronism or SCA. Ben keeps his hair long as part of his SCA impression and yes, it needs to be tied up to work around aircraft as some of you might be thinking. I then assisted Ben with developing a Resume and applying for Government jobs (these jobs are available on USAJobs.gov). Nearly all of the aircraft maintenance jobs in the U.S. Air Force’s Air Education & Training Command are civilian government jobs - not military. Ben’s timing was very good, as a large number of the folks working these type jobs were nearing retirement and the USAF must bring in younger, skilled folks to replace them. Ben was then selected to start as an Assistant T-38 Crew Chief, Wage Grade 8 (WG-8) employee for the 12th Flying Training Wing at Joint Base San Antonio - Randolph (previously known to most as Randolph Air Force Base) with a starting salary of about $25/an hour. He started this job in the summer of 2019. In his job as an Assistant AT-38 Crew Chief, Ben is responsible for all aspects of sortie generation and recovery in the 435th Fighter Training Squadron. This includes preflight inspection checks, launch, and recovery to include refueling and post flight inspection checks. He maintains aircraft forms and now, after two and a half years, has his name as the Crew Chief painted on three jets. The fighter pilots gave him the name of “Goldilocks” for his long hair. The mission of his squadron is to train over 130 U.S. Air Force and international pilots and weapon systems operators annually in the introduction to fighter fundamentals. This important mission directly supports fighter pilot production for the U.S. Air Force. Ben works on the flight line, around jet noise every day and loves it. More importantly, Ben is trusted and accepted by the instructor and student pilots to maintain their jets. There is a great working relationship between the

operators and maintainers in his squadron. As a parent, I very much enjoy listening to Ben tell my brother, sisters, and family friends how much he loves his work. All parents want to see their children find a path and succeed in life. I’m so proud of my son for his accomplishments the last 5 years. Ben’s path after completing aircraft mechanic school is just one available; commercial airlines, contract and cargo companies, and private companies with corporate jets all require skilled aircraft mechanics. Not all jobs are on the flightline, mechanics are needed in back shops and hangers for major phase inspections, paint, sheet metal, electrical and avionics work. Good paying jobs are available right now and will continue to be. I highly recommend anybody, male or female to consider a career path as an aircraft mechanic. While the pilots may get all the publicity and glory, they all know without the thousands of maintenance professionals backing them up, they would never even take off from the ground.

CareerExplorer

Colonel Mark “Plug” Vlahos retired from the United States Air Force in 2011. During his 29-year career, he served in a wide-range of operational flying and staff assignments including command of a C-130 squadron in combat and Vice Wing Commander of the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base. He now spends his time as a World War II Airborne Troop Carrier and Glider Operations Historian, Author and Keynote Speaker. Visit his website at markcvlahos.com

DUNCAN AVIATION INTERNSHIP LEADS TO CAREER “We have a huge role in this company, performing necessary maintenance on aircraft.” Hunter Borah, Airframe Technician II

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HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM

Imagine being able to say that you and your rocketry team, while still in middle or high school, got to build a rocket on Edwards Air Force Base with world-class 12"w xmentors. 16.9"h You got to test launch it, and2" From then you Bottom also were able to run after it in a field on base, as the parachute deployed and it returned to earth. The run appeared to be about 100 yards or more. An endless, positive, memory. C UGP Blue 2384 C history-making UGP Athletic Gold 1235 C

For about 37 years, I have driven by Edwards Air Force Base, but I never stepped foot on the base. While I wanted to, there was never a reason or an invitation. When Dr. Amira Flores, Director of STARBASE Edwards invited AviNation to attend her STEM program rocket test launch, I was honored to accept. Her program involves an ALL-GIRLS, four rocketry teams known as the Mighty in STEM Sisters (MiSS), and a STARBASE Edwards 2.0 team.

Utilizing the nonprofit, Ms. Flores was able to apply for various grants including The Women’s and Girls’ Fund. As a recipient of the generous award, Ms. Flores founded an afterschool program dedicated to supporting girls from Eastern Kern County called Mighty in STEM Sisters (MiSS), which serves as a secondary program under STARBASE Edwards. The mission of the program is to inspire and enhance STEM engagement among girls from traditionally underserved populations including military-connected students. Through an inclusive STEM program (Rocketry and Aerospace Education), STEM outreach partnerships, and mentors from all segments of society will empower students to be innovative, competitive, and accelerate change. The driving data for this program is that women remain truly underrepresented in computer science and engineering. In 2018, only 7% of Kern’s women report being engineers compared to 16% statewide. Fewer than one in four (24%) California workers in the computer sciences is a woman. Roughly one in six engineers is a woman. Piloting MiSS from Mojave and Southern Kern districts,

of Top Collar the program began with a group of girls who began

their STEM journey in July 2021 by attending the program at Edwards Air Force Base, CA twice a week. Throughout the year, students were immersed in STEM careers, DoD and military mentors, aerospace activities, and developing leadership skills. In December 2021, MiSS developed enough skills to register for The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC), the world’s largest rocket competition. Four MiSS teams were formed and matched with DoD mentors to assist them along in their journey. Triforce, Hotshots, Ultraviolet, and STAR X were created and each student had a specific role and responsibility to fulfill. These roles included a technology lead, project lead, marketing lead, and presentation/engineering lead. Students were preassessed on Rocketry and STEM attitude to measure their knowledge and skills. Students were immersed in STEM and Aerospace principles and utilized a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program called Onshape, to design a

STARBASE Edwards is a DoD STEM program that enhances and improves the knowledge and skills of underserved students in kindergarten through 12th grade through 25 hours of inquirybased curriculum. Since its inception in March 2019, the program grew and surpassed its strategic and business plan within the first year. Due to the local demand for providing STEM outreach initiatives, Amira Flores, STARBASE Edwards director, founded STARBASE Edwards, Inc., a 501c3 in November 2019.

nose cone for the rockets. Students then printed their designs on a 3D printer then decided it was better to utilize a Glowforge laser to print fins. Within two months, students were ready to launch. They assembled their rockets while STARBASE teachers and mentors looked at the thrust-to-weight ratios, checked the motors being used against the approved list, and ran a quick sim to find things such as rod exit speed and who’s getting closest to 800 feet and so on. Students launched two flights on two separate occasions in hopes to qualify for TARC. Three out of the four teams who were successful in launching their rockets brought their egg capsule and were uncracked. As a team, we listened to the altimeter chirping out the altitude it measured on the flight. A couple of the teams received good altitudes; enough to get a good score, but for one reason or another the scores were disappointing — problems such as chutes that didn’t open or that were too large, wind factors, or failure to light all the motors, or in one case a separation.

THE LAUNCH In March her team of seventeen young women tested their newly built rockets in flight on Edwards Air Force Base. It was spectacular. The Rocket Test started at approximately 1540 Hours and was completed by approximately 1700 Hours. The weather was clear, with scattered clouds, and slight wind. Each team showed enthusiasm and demonstrated an ability to work together. At one point while one group was being interviewed, they each confidently answered questions simultaneously in unison, and looked at each other, not canceling each other out while making their point. Teamwork, communication, and mutual respect were being learned here hands-on. Dr. Amira Flores reaches these young leaders by showing respect, challenging them, sharing exciting information, sharing exciting resources, and working with a great staff team of mentors. Everyone involved on her Mentor leadership team, as Dr. Flores, is super impressive, experienced, has a sense of humor present, and is humble. Dr. Amira Flores is a great leader and motivator for this program. What stands out to me, is the ability to have access to such a great team of mentor leaders is priceless. There were Air Force Firefighters present for safety precautions too. There was a Public Affairs Officer promoting the Rocketry Launch project live on Facebook. Imagine being able to tell your friends today and thirty-seven years from now that you belonged to an ALL-GIRLS rocketry club on Edwards Air Force Base, in 2022.

NOW HIRING PILOTS TECHNICIANS SUPPORT STAFF Metro Aviation is committed to safety, quality, and customer service. As the largest family-owned traditional operator, we provide open communication and a quality working environment that is focused on safe operation and not ﬂight volume.

SIEANNA WOOLSCHLAGER 9th grade, TARC team name: Hot Shots

What was your favorite part of your TARC journey? My favorite part was physically building the rocket itself. We had already digitally built it, so we knew what to do and building it wasn’t stressful.

What have you learned about yourself since joining MiSS? I have learned to not be so shy. Whenever I’m confused about something I’m not scared to ask ADDISON B COY Front 12"w x9th 16.9"h 2" From Bottom of Top at Collar grade, TARC team name: Triforce all, and I’ve always been afraid t Colors to ask What would your advice be to

olors

P Azure 293 C

first-time TARC participants? Don’t procrastinate

UGP Blue 2384 C

UGP Athletic Gold

1235 C

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of today? Becoming Sergeant in Cadet Corps

SAVANNAH BAILEY

9th grade, TARC team name: Hotshots

What would your advice be to first-time TARC participants? Do your best and never give up.

9th grade, TARC team name: Ultra violet

What is your favorite subject? Ag biology

What was your favorite part of your TARC journey? Getting to build the rockets.

JOHANNA MARQUEZ

What have you learned about yourself since joining MiSS? That I won’t give up no matter what happens

What was your favorite part of your TARC journey? Getting to meet new people

LANEY FOX

7th grade, TARC team name: Star-X

Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? I see myself in college for art or science (not sure what type of science yet) What personal accomplishment are you most proud of today? I got a 100% on a math test.

VALERIA ACOSTA

7th grade, TARC team name: Star-X

What was your favorite part of your TARC journey? Meeting my team and mentors What would your advice be to first-time TARC participants? To work together on almost everything and try to get along, and just have fun!

JACQUELINE VARGAS

9th grade, TARC team name: Ultraviolet

What would your advice be to first-time TARC participants? Be patient and keep trying

ADDISON SCHMIDT

9th grade, TARC team name: Triforce

What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it? My biggest obstacle in track is not understanding what to do. I overcame it by asking what to do.

CHARLESE HILL

7th grade, TARC team name: Star-X

What was your favorite part of your TARC journey? TARC was such an amazing and interactive experience where I gained so much more knowledge about rocketry and teamwork. I had little prior knowledge to rocketry before this experience with TARC, and I learned so many new things and found so many new challenges. What would your advice be to first-time TARC participants? Never lose your motivation and keep going. What have you learned about yourself since joining MiSS? I’ve learned how to work harder and help my teammates and use my time wisely

ANNAHY TORRES

9th grade, TARC team name: Hot shots

What would your advice be to first-time TARC participants? Aim for your rocket to be as light as possible What do you like most about the STARBASE STEM (MiSS) program? The people

LEILANI GOMEZ

9th grade, TARC team name: Triforce

What would your advice be to first-time TARC participants? Don’t do everything on your own. What personal accomplishment are you most proud of today? Getting the rocket to work and for it to fly and survive both times

CAROLINA RIVAS

What is your favorite subject? Drama

8th grade, TARC team name: Ultra Violet

If you could have dinner with anyone in history living now or in the past, who would you choose and why? Gordon Ramsey so he can cook me a very nice dinner

Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? As an air traffic controller. TARC helped me realize how amazing it would be to be an air traffic controller. What personal accomplishment are you most proud of today? I overcame my fears of speaking to others when I needed someone to talk to.

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SPOTLIGHT: Lexie Hope and Emily Hope Wilson Lexie Hope and Emily Hope Wilson are twin sisters, now 26 years old, born and raised in the great city of Austin, Texas. After their college graduation and both working in the corporate business environment for two years, they decided to switch careers. Growing up, Lexie and Emily spent most of their childhood around aviation. Their great grandfather was a pilot in the US Signal Corps in the early 1900’s. Their grandfather flew 32 B17 missions with the 100th Bomb Group during WW2. He went on to be a career airline pilot. Lexie and Emily’s father was an international airline pilot with FedEx. He also served as a volunteer pilot for the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital and continues to fly in the general aviation sector today. Their mother spent eight years as an international flight attendant. Aviation seems to be in their DNA. They are now the fourth generation of aviators in their family. Lexie and Emily are the first female twins to receive their Private Pilots License on the same day. In just under eight months, after obtaining their PPL, they became Single and Multi-engine, Instrument Flight Instructors. This was accomplished through the ATP Flight School’s Airline Career Pilot Program in Mesa, Arizona. Both, now, enjoy the distinct pleasure of teaching, mentoring and sending other pilots off to their successful check rides. Women aviators make up only 7% of licensed pilots. With only slightly over 3% being Airline Transport Pilots. With that knowledge, Lexie and Emily encourage and support females in helping grow these numbers. When not instructing, they enjoy flying their American Champion Citabria, just for fun! With the twins’ rapid entry into aviation and with their successful personal flight plans, Lexie and Emily are now flying in the corporate jet aviation sector. They are both First Officers in the Hawker 800XP. Their current employer, Fly A2V, a Part 91 and 135 operator, is based out of Austin Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) operating domestic and international routes. With their dedication to a career in aviation, they both agree, flying the Hawker 800XP has been an exciting and wonderful experience. The Wilson twins have a great story to share. They both love encouraging and mentoring anyone who wishes to pursue a career in aviation.

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Renderings courtesy of Massari Design

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By St. Louis Downtown Airport

FLYING HIGH AT 23 Father’s inspiration leads to exhilarating career

Tyler Johnson knew early in life that he wanted to become a pilot like his father, who was a Navy pilot and then a pilot for Southwest Airlines. Johnson’s first experience in the cockpit of a plane was inside a C-130 with his father when he was only 6 years old. His father’s aviation career fueled his love for flying, and so did family vacations to Pensacola where he and his family saw the Blue Angels perform as part of airshows at their home base. “That was one of the most thrilling, exhilarating, I mean just amazing moments for me, which was my initial spark and a catalyst for my interest in aviation, and my career,” Johnson said. His actual career journey began at St. Dominic High School in O’Fallon Missouri, where he focused his studies on the foundational subjects of math, science and engineering to guide him on his path in aviation. At 15 years old, he piloted an airplane for the first time after receiving a discovery flight — an introductory flying session in which someone who is interested in becoming a pilot is paired with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and allowed to pilot an aircraft under their supervision. When asked what ultimately drew him to Saint Louis University’s Oliver L. Park Department of Aviation, Johnson reflected on how it actually started with his family’s support of the university’s sports teams. He recalled how his dad, his brother and he used to go to SLU soccer games on a regular basis, and that morphed into following the basketball team, too.

“By my senior year of high school, I found out they had an aviation program. That’s what I wanted to pursue pretty much for my whole life, and with SLU being close to home, a light bulb went off and I realized this is the university where I want to begin my career,” said Johnson. Once he was accepted to Saint Louis University, Johnson began working through a course load that was tailored to his aviation degree, beginning with the most foundational principles of flight, such as aerodynamics, forces of flight, aviation physics and aviation weather. He revealed that one of his favorite classes was Safety Management Systems taught by Dr. Terrence Kelly, which ultimately led Johnson to become the chair of the Aviation Safety Committee at Parks College. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in aviation, the SLU program also enabled Johnson to work to secure his private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor certifications with instrument and multi-engine ratings. He spent about 75% of the time in the classroom and the other 25% in the cockpit during the course of earning his four-year degree. Johnson’s goal is to follow in his father’s footsteps by working in commercial aviation as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, but he recognizes that achieving that goal will be a journey. Currently, at just 23 years of age, he is a flight instructor at Saint Louis University and an ambassador for Republic Airways. His teaching role with SLU will be key to his attaining the 1,000 hours of flight experience required to work as a commercial pilot.

“Teaching, ultimately, has allowed me to continue building experience. I think the best way to master something is to teach it effectively,” Johnson said. “I wanted to work at SLU not only because of my familiarity with the program, but because I believe SLU has the best aircraft, maintenance personnel, training environment, and training structure in the Part 141 realm of aviation. I am on a first name basis with all of my professors, instructors, and the individuals that work within our airport.” Outside of work, Johnson also is the junior varsity basketball coach at St. Dominic High School. He said his teaching philosophy for both aviation students and basketball players is based on building self-confidence in his students. “I believe that for students to have confidence in themselves, you not only have to tell them you believe in them, but actually show them you believe in them,” he said. When asked about obstacles in life that he had to overcome, Johnson shared that his father passed away due to multiple myeloma during his sophomore year of high school. “I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had to spend time with family and the people around me. My family and faith are at the core of who I am. The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was losing family members, but I’ve seen good things come from loss, like bringing our family together and closer,” said Johnson. “I think being able to experience loss has allowed me to have a more mature perspective on life and affected how I’ve handled things like making decisions on who to spend time with on Friday and Saturday nights. I’m very family oriented, and that has really allowed me to shift my perspective and have the success that I have at 23 years old. I enjoy life so much.”

“During a recent Monday I had off work, I took him through the hangar and introduced him to everybody. We were able to fly one of our airplanes and the weather was absolutely beautiful,” said Johnson, who took him on a flight that went by the Gateway Arch, along the Mississippi River, and around Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. “I let him have the flight controls, which allowed him to kind of see what it would be like in his training if he pursued a career in aviation. When we landed, he was grinning ear to ear with excitement.” For those drawn to aviation, Johnson suggested going to airports, airshows, and involving themselves within the aviation community because it is such a tight, supportive and loving community, and those opportunities are a great way to learn about the careers available. He also stressed the need to be prepared to work hard.

“It does not take a brain surgeon to be a pilot, but it takes somebody with a great work ethic and the determination not to give up.”

Having had his passion for aviation ignited at an early age, Johnson likes to spend his days off taking interested high-school students and youth for their first flights at St. Louis Downtown Airport. One of his biggest joys in life is to give back to the next generation of aviators and allow them to see the beauty and freedom that comes with flying. He said one of his most recent adventures involved the son of the pastor at his church who expressed an interest in aviation.

The Desire to Fly

By Jesse Nau

Like a lot of kids, at an early age, I had an interest in flying. My earliest memory of wanting to fly goes back to grade school. I thought it would be cool to have the power to fly. Now that I am older, the desire to fly is still there. Especially when I hear stories of how my grandfather had an airplane many years ago, when my dad was little. He would take off from the family farm and his mom would wave a dish towel back and forth at him, as he flew by. I would have loved to have been able to fly with him. Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago, before I was introduced to the aviation program at our local high school and the path that it would lead me on. I was disappointed to learn that we don’t have any pictures of him and his airplane, a 1946 Ercoupe 415-C. But we do still have some of his logbooks and items from when he learned to fly, himself. They were gifted to me after he passed away and my family learned of my desire to follow in his footsteps. It is very interesting looking back at what he had to learn from, compared to what we have available now.

whole family. While talking with the directors, I found out that I would be part of an elite group of kids, since there are not too many of these high school programs in the country. I didn’t really know what to expect and figured it would be mostly bookwork learning. But when they explained that we would actually be building an airplane in class, I was all in! So to be able to see how an airplane is built, much less be a part of it, was very interesting to me.

The first time I was introduced to the aviation program was during freshman orientation at Westosha Central High School. I was very interested in the program and asked for more information. However, already having commitments to several other sports that were taking up a good chunk of my time, I was not able to make the aviation program fit into my schedule. I was pretty disappointed, but I was raised to give 100% when you make a commitment to an activity. And I was just not able to do that, by adding aviation to my schedule, at the time.

Right now, the students in our program are building our third plane. All of us learn how to build and work on an airplane, from the ground up. I am currently in the group that is in charge of building the wings and can see all of our hard work transforming parts into what will eventually be an entire airplane. The plane is on schedule to be completed this Spring.

Fast forward to the end of freshman year. While shooting for the Central Falcons trap team, I had a conversation with the parent of one of my teammates. He was telling us stories of being in the Army and then joining the Air Force and how when he retired from the military, he became a commercial pilot. He mentioned there was going to be a need for new pilots, when the current ones retire, because there aren’t enough young pilots coming up behind them. He said if I really had the desire to fly, I should seriously consider becoming a pilot and look into the program again. It was at that time that I decided to back away from all sports, except trap shooting, and make the commitment to the aviation program. The start of my sophomore year, I filled out the required application and my parents and I had a meeting with the program directors. They filled us in on all of the requirements needed to be a part of the program. Both the student and parents are expected to participate in the program. So there has to be a commitment from the

I come from a family where we work on our own cars, motorcycles and farm equipment. We were raised to understand the ins and outs of how machinery and vehicles work, before you operate them. Having a hand in building an airplane, gives you the inside knowledge of knowing how a machine will react in certain situations. It gives you that much more ability and understanding on how to control and manage the machine, in just about any situation. That is knowledge that most people will never have.

Then there is the opportunity that I have, to acquire a pilot’s license through this program. A few of us have just finished up the ground school classroom part of the program. That is teaching us the fundamentals of flying and getting us prepared to take our tests. It is very exciting to know that I will have my private pilot’s license requirements completed by the time I turn 17. I am very fortunate to be in a position where I am able to be a part of a program, with such dedicated teachers and flight instructors. If it weren’t for them, this program would not exist and my future in aviation might never have happened. Then there are the parents, who volunteer their time as well, to help us all get a little closer to achieving our dreams. This is an exceptional program and I wish more kids had the same opportunity that I do.

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Q&A

with Senior Meteorologist

Samuel Sangster

Please Provide your name and age. Sam Sangster, 25 years old.

familiar with hurricanes, seabreezes, and summertime thunderstorms!

What school did you graduate from and with what degree? I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from the University of South Alabama in May 2019. In August 2021 I received my Master of Science degree in Meteorology from Florida State University.

What advice would you give a young person thinking about becoming a Meteorologist? My best advice would be to reach out to someone in the field! Whether it’s a TV meteorologist, someone in the public (government) sector such as the National Weather Service, or someone like me in the private sector, we are all happy to mentor young and interested students! Also, I would encourage you to take as many math and science classes as you can!

Where do you work? I am currently a Senior Meteorologist at Delta Air Lines, Inc. What are your day-to-day duties as a Meteorologist for an Airline? Our day-to-day duties involve monitoring and forecasting turbulence, mountain waves, thunderstorms, volcanic ash, space weather, ozone, and weather for airports that Delta operates in. During significant weather events, such as major winter storms (IROPs), we do supplemental forecasting for airports we fly to that may be impacted. How old were you when you first took notice of the weather? Oh man…this goes back to when I was real young around 2-3 years old. I grew up in Florida and I can vividly remember standing outside during thunderstorms watching the rain fall and the gusty winds blowing through the trees. How old were you when you had an Aha moment and thought about becoming a Meteorologist? This was probably more into my early teenage years and thru high school when I realized I was fascinated by all things weather and liked math and science subjects. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist when I got older. What City were you born in, raised in and what types of weather did you experience growing up? I am originally from Daytona Beach, FL. While winter weather is very infrequent down there, I was very

How did you choose the College that you graduated from and what advice would you give a young person in making their choice? For my undergraduate degree, I more or less chose based on location. I wanted to be somewhere close to the beach again but also “close” to home in case of any emergencies. The University of South Alabama seemed to be the perfect fit since it is located in Mobile, AL and it has a Meteorology program. They also have opportunities for students to work on research and even to work for the school’s mesonet. For graduate school, I wanted to be somewhere with a reputation for research on hurricanes. FSU is well-known for this and is still close to the beach, being in Tallahassee, FL. Who stands out as a person(s) who encouraged you to seek a degree or to become a Meteorologist? Professors? Oh wow…that’s tough to pick one individual who has helped along the way since there have been so many. I’d most importantly like to thank my family for always pushing me and for encouraging me to study Meteorology. All of my meteorology professors from the University of South Alabama played a vital role in all of the things I accomplished while I was there and preparing me for graduate school. I would also like to acknowledge my advisor, Dr. Robert Hart, from FSU for his guidance and encouragement that helped me to get where I am today.

Are you a specialist of any specific type of weather? While there is still much for me to learn about them, I’d say my specialty area is hurricanes. This is what I spent most of my graduate school career studying. What types of technology do you rely on for your day-to-day analysis? We have a variety of in-house and public tools and websites that we utilize, some of which are tailored to our customer needs. Most of our sources are web-based, however, there are some tools that are publicly available to download onto a computer. Bufkit is a great tool that we use for forecasting, especially on the surface desk. Are there any instincts or gut feelings that you rely on to predict weather? I’d say one of the ways we use instincts or gut feelings is through pattern recognition. For example, Los Angeles, CA often gets fog called “June Gloom” in the summer and is impactful to our operations. However, it is common to get the fog with a certain “pattern” of the atmosphere in place that is identifiable using some weather charts! Knowing and “experiencing” patterns helps to anticipate what kind of weather an airport can expect and comes with forecasting experience. Do you use a weather balloon? If so, how often? While we do use weather balloon data, we don’t launch them sadly. That would be cool though! What made you interested in working with an airline as a Meteorologist? This goes back to 2017, when a former meteorologist from Delta came by my undergrad to speak about her position. I found it very interesting and began to consider aviation meteorology as a career. After graduation, I landed an internship at Delta and just over two years later I am now a full-time meteorologist there! Are there any subjects that you rely on specifically for your work with an airline? I wouldn’t say there are specific meteorological topics that we use for our job. With the amount of area we cover, we forecast and deal with many types of weather phenomena that occur.

What are you looking for most in weather related to flying? This can be things such as upper and lower-level wind speed and direction, temperature and dewpoint, cloud layers, types of precipitation if it is forecasted to fall, volcanic ash, and even space weather and ozone. If it’s surface desk forecasting specifically, knowing the location of the airport is also important for forecasting weather-related hazards or phenomena that could be unique to the location. Knowing major areas of terrain is important for forecasting mountain waves too! Are there specific geographical regions that you are particularly focused on for changes in weather? Nope! We forecast for pretty much the entire world 24/7, which I think is really cool! We have our forecast areas split up by desk and furthermore by en-route forecasting and surface (or airport) forecasting. Meteorologists in the department typically work the same desk (or region) for their shifts. Not including weather, what is your go to topic of discussion or interest? I enjoy spending my free time outside gardening and leisure hiking. I also like to spend time relaxing by the beach or watching some of my favorite shows! Of course, working for Delta I am always looking for advice on new places to travel as well. Do you have a pilot’s license, or have you thought about getting one? Unfortunately, no. That would be cool to consider getting in the future though. What interesting fact do you want to share? Hmm…that’s a tough one. From sixth grade through senior year of college, I was a member of the school’s concert band in which I played oboe. While I was in high school, I auditioned for the annual “all state” band where you get the chance to play with top musicians in the state. In my senior year of high school, I was top oboist in the state of Georgia! What a great experience!

By Ava Shelly

My Seaplane Experience Last year, my family and I were heading to Lakeland, Florida for Sun ‘n Fun when we passed by Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base on the highway. My dad and I looked over at each other and knew that we were going to stop. We got off the exit and headed over to Jack Brown’s and asked if they had any availability to go up for a flight. Within a few minutes they were ready for me. I walked around the back and saw a Piper J-3 Cub on floats! I was so excited and was full of adrenaline. After watching another plane land on the lake, my brother Van said, “I want to do that too!”. We laughed and signed him up for the next open slot. While getting into the Cub, I remember thinking “Okay, what am I getting myself into and why do I like it so much already!” What really was going through my mind was how are we supposed to land on floats! I asked my instructor and he told me exactly how and just by hearing that explanation I was smiling from ear to ear! He told me to always hold the stick back and to remember C.A.R.; Carbon (off), Area (clear) and Rutters (up). We were getting ready for take-off after I went through the C.A.R. checklist, and we went full throttle at 30kts and already began to ascend. My heart was beating so fast, I couldn’t contain my excitement. With back pressure on the stick, we lowered the nose just a little to the point we were gliding on the lake. When we were in the air, my instructor took down the windows and doors and it was like I was flying in a little electric car! I was so amazed how something like this can turn into a beautiful way of flying! The highest altitude we flew that trip was 500 feet. When we reached 500 feet, we brought the power back between 20kts to 25kts. While cruising around the sky at a low altitude, I was able to land in the LEGOLAND Lake. I was so happy I couldn’t hold it in even if I wanted to. After a few splash-n-dashes’ (which they call touch and go’s) we

went back to home base. We landed for the last time that day. I couldn’t express how I felt to my parents, so I just smiled and gave my parents a big hug. Five minutes later, Van comes in for his landing in the same aircraft I was in, the Piper J-3 Cub. After he came out of the plane, he had the exact same reaction as I did! We got our logbooks signed and got shirts on the way out. That was definitely one of the best flying experiences of my life! A year later, we scheduled a trip back to Jack Brown’s knowing what we were getting into this time! Luckily, I remembered the C.A.R. acronym so my instructor wouldn’t have to worry about reminding me. We pushed back off the shoreline and went through our preflight checklist, carefully going down the list to make sure the plane was in safe condition to fly. As we slid across the top of the lake, it felt as if we were water skiing. I remember how it felt the first time and there I was, smiling from ear to ear again. My instructor and I went to many different lakes this time. Sadly, no LEGOLAND, but he did make it up for it by showing me how he was able to splash-n-dash in such a small lake. I did most of the flying this time without the assistance of my instructor. I was able to record seven landings from this one flight. My brother Van took another lesson, but this time went up in the Cessna 172 with my mom as a passenger. She said she really enjoyed the flight and how enjoyable landing on the water was. After I landed, my brother and mom were right behind us. Van and I got our logbook signed and then I remember my mom saying, “I never want to fly another way!”, we all began to laugh because we couldn’t agree more! Maybe next time my mom and dad will fly! My goal now is to go every year while heading up to Sun ‘n Fun. In two years, I’ll be sixteen and plan to get my seaplane rating from the awesome team up there. Thank you Jack Brown’s for having my family fly with you and your wonderful instructor pilots. We’ll see you next year!

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To Infinity, and Beyond! By Ryan Gay

It all began in Greenland. Greenland ARKANSAS, that is! I along with my brother, take after our dad in a love of aerodynamics. We loved building legos and figuring out how to ramp off the dirt pile, making paper airplanes, assembling engines, and all the many other things that go hand in hand with the fascination for flight and the engineering details involved in it. Apparently that gene runs strong in our family, as we are descendants of the original Wright brothers! It even influenced my choice of my favorite childhood character, Buzz Lightyear. When I was five years old my family went to the Kennedy Space Center. It was my very first airplane ride, and I totally loved the feeling in my belly when we lifted off! That trip was also the first time I got to see rocket ships and jets. I was already hooked before I even hit 1st grade. In the summer of my 2nd grade year there was a special event in our area: one of the last remaining B29’s in flight service, “FiFi”, was in town at our local air museum. This brought my previous exposure to flight a lot closer to real life compared to our trip to the Space Center. I got to explore the plane and meet a group of veteran pilots. When school resumed that fall we had an assignment to create something artistic depicting a memory or activity we loved about our summer. I painted a water color of “Fifi” and titled it “I went in a WWII plane this summer!”. This was the beginning of my belief that aerospace and the scientific mysteries surrounding flight could be a big part of my future. A few years later the Springdale Municipal Airport had a junior pilot day. Lots of local pilots brought their

aircraft and let kids fly with them and even co-pilot. It was absolutely amazing. I was blessed to get to return to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center in 2019 and to also get to be a junior co-pilot at Springdale Municipal airport again. This time we flew directly over my family’s 99 year old farm. It was so cool to see the layout of the land and the structures from up above. Last year I got to see “Doc”, the only other B29 that flies at the same air museum I had attended as a small boy. It was so interesting to tour the same type of plane I had seen ten years earlier as a little boy, now that I had so much more knowledge and understanding of what I was really seeing! What a unique combination of opportunities for all three events—a trifecta with a repeat performance! When it came time to choose electives I found out my school, HarBer High School, was starting an aviation program. I immediately knew I had to be in that class! It is absolutely the highlight of most of my days as a teenage student. I am learning all the beginning information of flight training. I have already taken a campus tour at the University of Oklahoma, which has an aviation undergraduate program of study for future career pilots. I’m very lucky to get to attend a high school with an aviation program. It is such an interesting, exciting, and “uplifting” experience!

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I BELIEVED I

By Army 1st Lt. J. David Toguchi I thought about becoming a pilot when I was ten years old. I lived on Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii and I used to watch helicopters takeoff every day. Watching them takeoff was so amazing to me and it inspired me to become an Army pilot. Overall, my greatest hurdle about reaching this goal was my self-perception. Often times we allow grades and numbers to determine our value and self-worth. An “+A grade” meant you were smart and had value, while a “C grade” meant you had little potential for prominence. One of my greatest struggles was overcoming this staged self-perception.

I had three main goals on my vision board that I wished to accomplish: graduate with a 3.6 GPA, become an Army aviator, and become debt free. I knew aviation would be a difficult branch to get into but I also knew I had the drive and determination to reach this goal. I knew all of my hard work paid off when I received a three-year Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) academic scholarship.

For most students in school growing up, if it took them an hour to read the assigned homework, it often required me two hours to read the same material. Due to my limited attention span, I realized that I needed to put in double the time and effort just to get through the same learning material. I learned early on if I was going to have any chance to reach my goals, I needed to work harder than those around me. I told myself it was better to give my best effort and fail than to never try at all. My hope was that when it was all said and done, whether I became a pilot or not, I could look myself in the mirror and say I gave my best.

During ROTC, everyone is rated based on a point system called the order of merit list (OML). Each cadet was ranked based on their OML which included grades, physical fitness, and extracurricular activities. In order to do well on the OML, I needed to strive in these areas. I pushed myself physically and mentally to get good grades and do well on my physical fitness tests. It was not an easy battle, but it was all worth it in the end. I graduated from East Carolina University in 2019 and was commissioned into the active duty Army in the Aviation branch. Reaching my ultimate goal of becoming a pilot was coming true!

For the aforementioned reasons, doing well in school was one of my most prevalent hurdles growing up and it was easy to think my grades would hinder me from reaching my dreams. I often found myself struggling to pay attention in class, which reflected in my grades. Although my grades were far from what was expected of me, I did not let that discourage me from striving for my dreams.

Shortly after my college graduation I was enrolled in flight school at Fort Rucker. One thing I learned at flight school was the amount of studying required to become a pilot. All the hard work I put in during college was only the beginning to my flying career in the Army. After a few weeks into flight school, I knew I wanted to be a Chinook pilot. While it was difficult learning the material at flight school, I enjoyed learning it because my life was beginning to play out the way I had dreamed for so long. Another eye-opening moment was seeing how many friendships I would develop along the way.

Although unconventional, I made a vision board listing my goals in order to stay focused on my dreams. Whenever I did not have the motivation for studying, I would look at my vision board to remind me of why I am in school and remember what it was like when I was ten years old watching the helicopters take off in

Hawaii. There would be late nights in the college library where I wanted to give up because I would have a hard time focusing on writing essays or studying for an exam; but when I would search helicopter videos from a cockpit point of view and imagine myself as the pilot, I remained motivated to keep writing or studying.

One friendship in particular grew into something very special. I met my wife Abigail, on the first day of flight

COULD FLY: BECOMING A PILOT

school. I did not think much of our initial interaction, except that she gave me the cold shoulder, which I now accredit to her introverted personality. The following morning my flight school class met for physical fitness training early in the morning. We were tasked with a three mile run, an event I took pride in, but was quickly put to shame after Abigail over took me on the run and finished first. She caught my eye ever since that day. Eventually, Abigail warmed up to me and we discovered just how much we had in common. We attended church weekly, studied together, had deep spiritual discussions, and fell in love. We got married May 28, 2021 on a humble farm surrounded by the stunning pine trees of North Carolina. It is such a joy to share the skies with my wonderful wife. Abigail is a Blackhawk pilot and I am a Chinook pilot. To this day, the experience and rush I receive every time I start the engines of the helicopter make me grateful for the extra hours I put in to get good grades and focus on the dreams I set for myself as a kid.

I feel both grateful and humble to be a pilot today. For one, I am extremely grateful to be in the fortunate position to touch the skies, but at the same time I am humbled by the constant requirement to learn and get better. I know that learning is never done, and I strive each day to be better than the last. I would tell young people to not give up on their dreams to become a pilot. So often as adults we give up on our childhood dreams because of self-doubt or lack of confidence in our abilities to do something great. Do not let self-doubt hold you back from reaching your dreams! Learn to put in the hard work and make your dreams a reality. Another important thing to remember is that you do not have to go through this journey alone. I had an amazing support system including family and friends, cheering me on to reach my goals and never give up. LT J. David Toguchi is currently serving as the 3rd Platoon Leader of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB) at Hunter Army Airfield, GA.

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G AVIATION

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If you’ve been following the trends in agricultural pilot careers for any length of time you realize that pilots in this sector are becoming a dying breed. Those who were once the rouge barnstormers revered for their piloting skills have become the victim of a changing political/consumer landscape that has seen them as the scapegoats for all of the pesticide ills plaguing the world. This is somewhat ironic since just like everything else, advances serve to make such applications more safe and precise than ever. Nevertheless, this career path should not be viewed as a dead end. To the contrary, I would venture to say that the two piloting paths you could gain experience the most quickly and become most adept as a pilot would be either an Alaskan bush pilot, or a crop duster. To be sure, increasing regulations (particularly in California) have made it difficult for ag pilots to find a way to continue to make a living. Yet, there are still avenues that will always be necessary for pilots to exploit, be it adverse conditions for ground rigs or easy application of fertilizers. Additionally, with the increased difficulty for growers to find labor, increased opportunities for automation have created a new avenue for ag pilots to diversify. Drones may have once been seen as a threat to an ag pilot’s career, but now, particularly in light of the reduced liability, they can be an opportunity to expand and augment your business capabilities. Indeed, what we are seeing is that a lot of companies are on the ground floor in terms of autonomous ground applications. In these situations, liability of the pest control operator as well as the growers themselves is reduced significantly as you are reducing the opportunities for human error.

One person can oversee many vehicles in the field that would otherwise have each needed an operator. In a similar fashion, drones can be seen to reduce liability as well, particularly from a pilot safety standpoint. Licensed pilots are required to operate drones that apply either pesticides or fertilizers. As such, from a business standpoint, becoming proficient in both traditional crop dusting as well as drone applications augments your business and allows you to offer more services to your clientele. In this aspect, doesn’t it make sense to embrace drones as part of your business instead of shunning them. Things change over time. The market changes, regulations change, etc. Those that are able to weather the storm and embrace changes are the ones that are first able to make use of new opportunities. I would say that now more than ever is a great time to explore becoming an agricultural pilot.

Photo by Monica Slikker

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED

ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT That’s the story behind the story about most aviation careers. The original intention and the road traveled end up being vastly different. I’m not even sure exactly what I expected for myself, but I never could have imagined the twists and turns and opportunities I have been afforded by my career path. I grew up with dirty hands and a wrench in at least one of them. My parents started taking flight lessons and that’s when I was introduced to the idea of becoming an aircraft mechanic. I’m not exactly sure where I figured I would end up, but it sounded like a good path. I spent a year choosing a good school and my last years in high school selecting courses that would help. Once I graduated high school off I went. Before I completed my training I was lucky enough to have a job waiting for me at a museum that featured flying aircraft from the World War II generation. I could share many stories of long hours working on projects that resulted in triumphant success. I could list dozens of famous types of aircraft I worked on, such as the P-40, MiG-17, P-47, Stearman, AT6, PBY, B-17, AN-2, Aeroncas, Pipers, C-45, C-46, C-47 BT-13, PT-19 and the L5, just to name a few. While those were all amazing machines and it was my pleasure to work on and to fly many of them, it was the people that I encountered along the way that I appreciate the most. The famous, the not so famous and all of the men and women from next door that respected our veterans and worked very hard to honor them. I hate to do a bunch of name-dropping, but this story wouldn’t be complete without a few. So I’m sitting down to breakfast in a Connecticut hotel at 6:01 a.m., the minute they opened. We were in a hurry because we had to prepare the B-17 for an early morning flight. Then, none other than Francis Gabby Gabreski (our highest European ace credited with the destruction of 34½ aircraft) walks in and asks us if he may join us for breakfast! Then, almost exactly 24 hours later and one seat down from where we sat the day before, we were eating breakfast again and in walks Bill Layher (Flight Leader, 2nd Squadron Flying Tigers) who asks the same question, if he might join us for breakfast. If you’re not into World War II history, it’s a lot like having Mick Jagger ask if he can join you for breakfast and the next day Paul McCartney asks you the same question.

By Ed Knitter

I have gotten to know Charles Sweeney, Robin Olds, several of the Tuskegee Airmen, Frank Borman and many others. I flew with Bob Morgan (Memphis Belle) and ate dinner with him so many times you would have thought I was related. We did however have the same blood type, B-17! Most of the World War II generation are gone. But in addition to those notable names and many others, are the World War II generation whose names you won’t find on a website dedicated to the famous. I’m talking about the men and the women who did the job, got it done, and came home to raise families. I spent three decades taking it for granted because it was such a daily part of my life to be in constant contact with members of the greatest generation and those who came on their heels. The stories they shared with me are enough to fill volumes, and I probably should. Some of you may be aware that Lindbergh toured the Pacific during the war. He was teaching units how to extend the range of their aircraft. For many years they were sworn to secrecy that he had engaged in aerial combat. If that had been known at home he would have been immediately removed from forward units and shipped home, as he was considered too precious a National Treasure to place at risk. It was my pleasure to hear of this first hand from a friend who was there flying P-47 Thunderbolts, Bill Chase. And of course you’ve heard of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, with which Dawn Seymour served. She amassed over 700 hours in B-17s, and I was there for some of the last hours she amassed. Such a magnificent woman, a pleasure to spend time with her. It’s no wonder Mort fell in love with her. For every name I could add to this list, there are 50 more names I could give you that you can’t look up on a wall of fame. The men and women that flew them, that worked on them and the ones who had much smaller parts in the military but came to the museum to work on those magnificent flying machines in tribute to the older generation that had gone before them. Fighter pilots with no mechanical skill whatsoever came to be a part of it and did some of the most menial jobs we had. They were next to school teachers of every kind, engineers of every kind, machinists, woodworkers, chemists and every trade profession and skill that you can name, even an insurance salesman.

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AviNation Magazine Summer 2022

Articles inside

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Airport

Trends in Ag Aviation

To Infinity, and Beyond

The Desire to Fly

My Seaplane Experience

I Believed I Could Fly: Becoming a Pilot

Flying High at 23

Spotlight: Lexie Hope and Emily Hope Wilson

LIFT Launches Free PPL Summer Program for H.S. Students

Watching My Son Find a Career Path in Life as an Aircraft Mechanic

Mighty in STEM Sisters (MiSS

Pilots, A&P Mechanics, Teamwork and Trust

My “Private” Journey

Does a career await you at Continental Aerospace Technologies?

Aviation at the Highest Level

New High School Soaring Team