On Saturday, September 11, 2021, 18-year-old Nick Baker, EAA 780118, of Noble, Illinois, passed the practical test for his commercial glider certificate. The following day, he successfully completed his initial CFI practical test, becoming a CFI-G. Both checkrides were conducted by DPE Burt Compton, EAA 203788, from Marfa, Texas, while visiting the Wabash Valley Soaring Association located at the Lawrenceville-Vincennes International Airport in Lawrenceville, Illinois. The glider CFI rating was made possible through a CFI-G scholarship from the Soaring Society of America.
Nick is a member of EAA Chapter 1304, a member of the Soaring Society of America, and a member of the Wabash Valley Soaring Association. Nick is attending the University of Illinois working on a degree in aerospace engineering.
Nick also holds a private pilot certificate for airplane single engine land. He often flies the family 1941 Taylorcraft and the WVSA’s Piper Pawnee, towing gliders at the club. He flew the Taylorcraft solo to AirVenture this past summer.
Congratulations, Nick!
Have you reached a milestone recently? Passed a checkride, given your first or hundredth Young Eagles flight, flown your homebuilt for the first time? Tell us about it at EAA.org/Submissions.