By Sue Hutson, EAA 1263274
We met Jacob Gates, EAA 1302863, about four years ago when he wandered in to see what the Youth Aviation Program at Candler Field Museum at Peach State Aerodrome in Williamson, Georgia, was all about. Jacob had been told about the program by his uncle, Rob Lindley, EAA 464871, a retired Navy pilot and now a commercial airline pilot.
Jacob was a high school junior with no idea what he wanted to do after high school. It did not take long for the YAP program and its mentors to ignite an interest in aviation that refused to go out! Jacob worked hard and accumulated enough hours working in the museum shop to start flying and then soloed in the program’s J-3 Cub. Very few pilots these days have the opportunity to accomplish their first solo in a Cub.
Jacob went on to fly and solo the program’s Aeronca Champ, which he helped restore. In the summer of 2016 Jacob was chosen to fly in the Champ to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and what an adventure it was.
In 2017 the Candler Field Museum offered Jacob a job as a mechanic’s helper in the Doug Davis Hangar, home of the Youth Aviation Program. Jacob graduated from high school, started attending a local college, continued flying, and earned his private pilot certificate in February of 2017 while flying with YAP instructor Dale Carley, EAA 1183396.
That’s where a “fun and affordable vintage airplane” came into the picture. At that time Jacob only had dreamed of owning his own airplane. His mentor A.C. Hutson, EAA 185948, and others began to talk about the possibility that, with some sweat equity, Jacob could actually own his own airplane — a fun and affordable vintage airplane. But which one? The hunt was on and A.C.’s brother-in-law suggested an airplane project he had seen in an online ad — a Cessna 120 project. It was affordable and geographically acceptable, just up the road in Kentucky. Road trip!
A.C. and Jacob drove up and took a look and, with the help of a loan from his grandfather, a deal was made. In August of 2017 Jacob along with his friend and fellow YAP student Parker Thaxton, and Jacob’s dad, Scott, made the trip to Kentucky to bring the 120 to its new home. Hangar space in which to work was provided by the Hutsons and later another YAP family, the Reynolds.
Some work had been done on the project before Jacob acquired it. The project was complete — a low-time Continental C85, wings already covered and sprayed silver — but the gear box’ was a great opportunity to learn some new skills, like drilling out rivets, shopping for parts, and repairing and replacing the entire gear box. In addition to replacing the gear box, the airplane was rewired and generally inspected and repaired as necessary. Jacob had help from several folks but especially mechanic Dave Holec. Another piece of the puzzle was getting some flying time in a 120. Another YAP mentor arranged for Jacob to get several hours with a friend in his 120.
Just nine months later, Jacob’s dream took flight on a lovely evening as friends and family, some a little nervous, looked on. Although Jacob is flying now, his project continues. He has painted the airplane, replaced some tailwheel parts and continues to make improvements as he enjoys flying it.
Jacob is well aware of the many friends, family, and mentors who have come alongside to help him realize his dream, and he plans to show his appreciation by doing the same for others. He also would like to encourage the students with whom he works to look for opportunities to follow their dreams.
The story does not end there, though. In July 2018, Jacob became a licensed A&P mechanic and is now the part-time mechanic working for the Candler Field Museum Youth Aviation Program. He is also a mentor to the students. In the meantime, he has passed his instrument written and is beginning flight instruction for his instrument rating. He also enjoys flying the 120 whenever possible — and having a lot of fun too!