By Joel Kersting, EAA 882109
On August 21, 2024, Emily Ericson and Nathan Ewens both passed their private pilot checkrides, becoming certified private pilots. Emily, EAA 1571675, is a senior at Grand Rapids High School in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Nathan is a freshman in the aviation program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Both worked with certified flight instructor Jack Giddings at Airways Aviation.
Emily said a highlight of her training was flying solo for the first time with the sunset in the background and her family there to watch. She also said participating in the local EAA events and just being around others with similar interests has been fun and helpful. After high school, Emily is planning on furthering her aviation education at Mankato State University.
Nathan said he really enjoyed his first solo cross country and talking with Jack about their futures in the aviation world. He said one of the hardest parts for him was understanding what he had to do to become a pilot. He felt being part of EAA Chapter 412 helped him figure that out.
Jack said both Emily and Nathan were great students who truly had a passion for aviation. They always came prepared for their lessons and held themselves to high standards, which made his job easy.
Emily and Nathan both received scholarships and encouragement through local EAA Chapter 412. EAA Chapter 412 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, has been promoting aviation in the local area for many years by giving Young Eagles rides to kids ages 8 to 17, giving Eagle Flights to adults interested in learning to fly, conducting fly-in breakfasts, encouraging homebuilding, and awarding scholarships to anyone interested in pursuing any aviation-related field. For information about EAA Chapter 412, go to Chapters.EAA.org/EAA412.
EAA Chapter 412 wants to congratulate Emily and Nathan on the hard work and dedication they put into receiving their certificates, and we wish them many years of happy and safe flying.