By Tyler Sibley, EAA Lifetime 739864
EAA Chapter 1567 in Hood River, Oregon, is known for being a recreational paradise, thanks mostly to the unforgiving winds that flow down the Columbia River Gorge from the Willamette Valley to the high desert of Eastern Washington and Oregon. This wind draws in windsport enthusiasts from all over the world for its excellent windsurfing and kiteboarding opportunities. Situated on the banks of the Columbia River and at the base of Mount Hood, Hood River is also home to Hood River Soaring (HRS). Just south of town lies Ken Jernstedt Airfield, named after one of the original Flying Tigers who grew up in Hood River. The surrounding peaks and valleys, combined with the strong gorge winds, create epic ridge and mountain wave soaring conditions. Founded in 2016, Hood River Soaring’s mission is to promote the art and science of soaring by making aviation and aviation education accessible to all, including special outreach to youths. They support this mission through a combination of donations, grants, membership fees, and revenue from scenic glider rides and related activities. HRS has a booming youth aviation program with many youths actively taking glider lessons.
One such youth member is Jonathan Hart, EAA 1456375. Jonathan got involved with HRS when he was 13, and soloed when he was 14. While waiting for his 16th birthday, he amassed more than 125 hours of flight time. Most of this was solo time in his single seat Libelle glider exploring the Hood River Valley. He used that time to learn the area while under the guidance of club CFI-Gs and mentor pilots. Jonathan quickly became an experienced ridge and mountain wave pilot, with some flights lasting more than 5.5 hours and ascending well above the summit of Mount Hood! He also became very competent in the unusually windy conditions at Ken Jernstedt Airfield, where winds are often blowing more than 20 knots all summer long.
After passing his private pilot glider checkride on his 16th birthday, the first ride he gave was to his dad, Brian Hart, EAA 1457879. Brian is the HRS Youth Program chairman and has continued to grow the club even after his own son had completed the program. He is a passionate volunteer and member of EAA Chapters 1567 and 782 in Vancouver, Washington. After passionately supporting his son’s flying endeavors for the past two years, Brian is now taking lessons and recently soloed in the ASK-21 at HRS! The Hart family is incredibly generous with a passion for volunteering. At any Chapter 1567 or HRS event, you can find great food and snacks provided by the Hart family.
On June 10, EAA Chapter 1567 planned to host a small Young Eagles rally limited to 16 kids. 1567 is not a very active chapter but does try to host 1-2 Young Eagles rallies each year. Jonathan’s plan was to do four Young Eagles flights in the HRS ASK-21 glider while being towed by HRS and EAA Chapter 1567 President Ty Sibley, EAA Lifetime 739864. At just 16, Jonathan is a year younger than even the youngest powered airplane Young Eagles pilot. The remaining 12 Young Eagles were to be flown by other chapter members in powered airplanes. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and weather, none of the three powered pilots could make it to Hood River for the event. After careful consideration, it was decided to move ahead with the Young Eagles glider rides. Chapter 1567 members Russ Paddock, EAA 1381101, and Mark Johnson, EAA 1050676, kept the day organized and let parents know that even though all the powered airplanes couldn’t make it, Jonathan Hart could still do Young Eagles rides in the glider. So, with Jonathan flying the glider and Ty towing in the Pawnee, they continued throughout the day working around other scheduled events at HRS. By late afternoon, 11 kids had gotten glider rides. Although the flights only lasted about 20 minutes, conditions would have allowed for much longer flights, even with just a 3,000-foot tow. The remaining Young Eagles were able to go flying with Mark Johnson in his Cessna 140 the following day.
The day was an incredible success thanks to the volunteering spirit of all involved. Jonathan has now accrued more than 400 hours of total time, with more than 300 in gliders. He is currently studying for his private pilot airplane and instrument checkride, which he plans to take (both) on his 17th birthday. He already has 13 Young Eagles to his credit and currently serves as the vice president of Hood River Soaring.