STEM Flights announced in April their proud support of a new pilot mentor, Nathan Welch, EAA 1044612, who will be joining them at their headquarters in Virginia. STEM Flights is a nonprofit organization that offers no-cost STEM and flight experiences to youth.
Nathan’s introduction to aviation was through EAA’s Young Eagles program. As a fifth-grader, Nathan participated in the D.A.R.E. program at school, a drug awareness program in coordination with the local sheriff’s station and school system that teaches youth about the dangers of drug use. As a reward to students who participated in the program, Nathan’s local EAA chapter teamed up to provide the students with a Young Eagles flight.
“I was overjoyed with the experience,” Nathan said. “From there on, I started flying with my neighbor, who’s also a Young Eagles pilot, and flew a whole bunch with him. From there I just kept going and going.”
While attending the University of Virginia, Nathan studied biology with intentions of going on to medical school. However, Nathan’s love for aviation grew stronger and led him to change career paths.
“I started flying at the flight school where I went to school at, and I was like, ‘I really want to do this instead.’” Nathan said. “So that’s where it all started at and then just kept growing and growing until I finally started teaching people.”
After earning his private pilot certificate, Nathan went on to obtain his instrument rating and then commercial, all while working towards a degree in biology, which he eventually earned.
Nathan landed a few jobs within the aviation industry. He worked as a certified flight instructor in his hometown of Winchester, Virginia, and was later hired by a charter company on the East Coast to fly private clients around the nation.
Nathan kept thinking about his first flight through EAA, and realized that what he really wanted to be doing was mentoring youth.
“I just remember the feeling I had when I went for my first flight, and I think it’s cool to be able to make that impact on younger students and in children, because I never forgot leaving the ground for the first time, I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Nathan said.
When Nathan was reading through General Aviation News, he saw an article about STEM Flights, and their goal to inspire kids to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math careers using a small airplane as a flying laboratory. Nathan knew he had to reach out and apply; and it was a good thing he did, as Nathan proved to be a perfect fit at the company.
“He’s an ideal volunteer pilot that connects easily with the kids and helps us turn their interest into a passion,” said STEM Flights director of development Carley Walker. “Nathan knows the impact a single positive experience can make on a life choice.”
Nathan said it’s really cool to see the smile on kids’ faces when he’s flying them.
“When you actually let them take control of the airplane and they feel how it feels to actually fly the aircraft; just the smiles on their faces is amazing,” Nathan said. “I’m just excited to be a part of making an impact on the younger children in the aviation industry. It’s a great program that the STEM offers the children. I think it’s a great second step to the Young Eagles flight.”
Congratulations, Nathan! We are excited for you to embark on this new chapter of your life.