Team LAC Captures Gold

By Nick Poucher

At the beginning of December, I had the privilege of representing the Lakeland Aero Club by flying in the National STOL competition at Sun ‘n Fun. We had the opportunity to use the new Patriot Recruit Cub that our members built during Sun ‘n Fun 2021.

With the help of many of our high school members we were able to post a combined take off and landing score of 330 feet and win the new light sport class. While many times during and after the event people were giving me the credit for winning, it was important for me to ensure that everyone knew it was a team win, a win for the Lakeland Aero Club.

What I noticed was common in most of aviation is that the pilots are almost always the ones that get the credit and are most glamorized. But it is important to understand that everyone on the team has a role to play that is equally important, especially in our world of aviation.

The reality is that without a team of people helping me practice and get feedback weeks ahead of time I would not have been prepared to compete at a high level. Without a team of mechanics helping prepare the airplane to push itself to its performance limits I never could have flown. Without a team of people supporting me and the aircraft during the competition I may have had to scratch myself from the event. While the headline might read something along the lines of an individual winning the event, the real story is about everyone understanding their role and performing at 100%.

In aviation it is crucial that everyone not only understands their role, but understands how important it is to completing the mission. That includes everyone from pilots, mechanics, ATC, and even someone who offers water to someone when they need it, it all matters.