By Sharon Puschmann
“Every time I see a plane flying overhead, I tell myself, ‘I will be up there one day. I will be able to do that.’”
Once upon a time (as all good stories begin) there was a young man who dreamed of becoming a pilot. Matthew Wolf loved aviation since he was in elementary school — attending air shows in Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida. At a young age, he joined the WACO cadets program in Troy, Ohio, helping restore a Piper Tri-Pacer and taking on a leadership role mentoring younger cadets. He eagerly studied aviation ground school, theory of flight, aviation history, and aviation restoration. He also took a few Young Eagles rides.
In Matthew’s own words, “Ever since I was 6, I wanted to be a pilot. I believe that flying is the greatest joy that anyone can feel, and that being a pilot is the best job in the world.”
He was 16 years old in 2021 when he caught the eyes of EAA Chapter 382’s scholarship committee. They quickly recognized someone who epitomized the Ray Scholarship ideal. In his application, he said he planned to go forward and earn ratings to become an airline pilot. He also looked forward to “take a kid flying for the first time and putting a smile on their face, just like me the first time I got my Young Eagles flight.” The committee unanimously selected him and watched as he studied, flew, and achieved every goal.
After obtaining his private pilot certificate in August 2022 (at age 17), Matthew continued his flight training at the Sinclair Community College Aviation Technology Program — working toward his bachelor’s degree in aviation technology. He received his instrument rating and began working on his commercial certificate, which he earned on October 5, 2025.
His next goal is to become a CFI at the same flight school where he learned to fly. In addition to his goal of becoming an airline pilot, he wants to do as much as he can to give back to the aviation community for everything they’ve done for him along his aviation journey. Along the way, he actively supports Chapter 382 during Young Eagles events — putting smiles on the faces of those just like him. Chapter 382 is proud to be a part of his journey.
And as all good stories go (the happily ever after part), I expect to get on a commercial flight one day and hear, “I am Matthew Wolf, and I will be your pilot today….” I will make my way to the cockpit and give the pilot a high five (and a hug).
