By Kathy Lubitz, President, UPAC
Michal first started coming to EAA Chapter 115 meetings with his dad, Piotr, while he was in high school. At the time, the chapter was rebuilding Jodel D-11 to use as a flying club aircraft.
This particular aircraft was a barn find. The original builder had passed away, and the family was looking for someone who might want to rebuild it and get it flying again. The airplane was brought to the field and the project was evaluated. It was determined that, yes indeed, it could be rebuilt to flying condition.
A group of members started working on the project. All the aspects of homebuilding would be involved: fabric covering, wood working, cleaning and fabricating metal parts, electrical work, engine rebuilding, and even working with plexiglass.
During the rebuild, the C-FVOF Flying Club was established as a separate entity from the chapter, though it was mainly chapter members who were involved. It was a great learning experience, and Piotr and Michal were regulars.
The rebuild started in the fall and took almost a year to complete. During the cold months of winter, the work slowed.
Located at Lubitz Field near Plattsville, Ontario, Chapter 115 has a breakfast every Saturday morning starting at 8 a.m. In summer we’re outside by the runway; in winter, breakfast is in the wood-heated clubhouse in the end of the barn. Interested members would have breakfast and then go to work in a small partly heated section of an otherwise unheated hangar. When they got too cold, they’d come back inside to warm up.
The club was impressed with Michal’s dedication to the flying club project and his willingness to jump in to help wherever he could. At the breakfasts, he’d often run the toaster when the cook needed help. We even called him “Toast Boy;” it’s now the entry-level job for chapter newcomers.
When the chapter found out that Canadian EAA chapters could apply for Ray Aviation Scholarships, we applied and were accepted. Michal was our obvious candidate. Michal was 17 when he started flight training with the Tillsonburg Flying School at the Tillsonburg, Ontario airport. He was in high school at the time.
It took him just over a year to finish. Winter gets in the way up here in Canada in addition to the usual scheduling issues, weather considerations, and the availability of airplanes.
I have to say that right after his first solo, Michal had a new confidence; you could see it in his demeanor. Flying by yourself in an airplane is one activity where there is no safety net. The student pilot is responsible; no one can do it for him or her. There might be help on the radio, but, in the end, it is up to the student pilot to get back safely. Talk about growing up!
Michal finished his private pilot license in 13 months, just as he started university. He is now in his fifth year of the mechatronics engineering program at the University of Waterloo. This program involves mechanical design, control systems, programming, and sensor technology; skills needed to create machines that can think, sense, and move on their own. He finishes the five-year degree in April 2026. He already has a couple of job offers.
During Michal’s flight training, the flying club obtained a Zenair 601. This all-metal airplane also needed some work, and Michal and his dad were there to help the other flying club members. This added more skills, especially metal working.
At 22 years of age, Michal is now involved with the business end of the flying club; he serves as its treasurer. He has about 100 hours on the 601 and around 200 hours total time. He also has time flying a powered paraglider, also called a paramotor, which is an ultralight in Canada. Michal is considering getting his commercial pilot license.
The Ray Aviation Scholarship award and his private pilot license, along with his university degree, has given Michal choices. His future looks bright!