By Patty Fulop, EAA 1049894, Geauga County Airport Community Outreach Coordinator
Two local youths fly their first solo flights!
The Geauga County Airport in Middlefield, Ohio, has remarkable groups that are part of the airport community. EAA Chapter 5 is a longtime tenant at the airport that gives back in a big way!
EAA Chapter 5 (EAA5.org) has earned the highest level of recognition for its outstanding commitment to aviation and community engagement. It is a 501(c)(3) educational charity funded through tax-deductible donations. The Chapter 5 president, Tim Connor, spoke of the organization’s involvement. “Part of our mission to support and promote general aviation in Geauga County includes encouraging and supporting young men and women to pursue their pilot’s license as either a vocation or avocation. These first solo flights are an early and important step on these young men’s path to a professional pilot’s career. We look forward to supporting them as they continue on their career path.”
Recently, two local youths nurtured and supported by Chapter 5 were able to take their first solo flights. Luke Shipman accomplished this feat on October 29, 2025. Luke was a recipient of the Ray Aviation Scholarship. Isaac Burden took his first solo flight on October 17, 2025. Isaac received a partial scholarship through EAA Chapter 5. Both young men flew through the Young Eagles program and previously attended a Chapter 5 summer youth aviation camp held at Geauga County Airport.
Luke is a 17-year-old student at Maplewood High School and resides in Greene Township, Ohio, with his family. He enjoys fishing, hunting, playing baseball, and bowling. Luke received college class credits from Kent State University and is currently applying to aviation-related colleges such as Bowling Green, Kent State, and Liberty University to get his professional pilot degree. In a recent statement, Luke said, “My plan is to fly for an airline starting with regional flights and eventually moving up to international flights.” He is also considering flying privately.
His interest in aviation comes from his grandfather, Don Cunningham, an aircraft maintenance technician and owner of Cunningham Air Services. Don is a pilot and is certified by the FAA to perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance on aircraft. Growing up, Luke spent weekends at Geauga County Airport assisting his grandpa, and as time went on, he began to love aviation more and more. About three years ago, Luke knew he wanted to pursue getting his pilot certificate. Luke’s parents, Chris and Melanie Shipman, were not surprised that he was able to solo before his 18th birthday. “He has been laser focused on his goal of becoming a pilot,” they said. “Luke is a leader in character and a son with a kind heart and genuine spirit. We’re very proud of him and know he is destined to do great things. We can’t wait to see where his flying career takes him,” they added.
Don has been a staple at Geauga County Airport since July 1982 and a distinguished member of Chapter 5 for more than 25 years. He enlisted Luke to cook and help out with pancake breakfasts in elementary school. “Geauga County Airport has been part of my life since I can remember,” Luke said. “The community at the airport has been nothing short of amazing…there is a lot of experience that the people at the airport are happy to pass down,” he continued.
Isaac Burden is a 19-year-old 2024 graduate from Agape Christian Academy in Troy, Ohio. He resides in Hiram, Ohio, and is currently studying engineering and competing in men’s cross country and track and field at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Isaac’s personal interests include aviation missions and Air Force avionics training. This spirited young man became interested in aviation at age 9 when he took his first Young Eagles flight. Since then he has aspired to become a pilot. “My plan is to be an aviation missions pilot wherever the Lord calls me,” he said.
When asked about her son’s passion for aviation, Jennifer Burden replied, “Fostering Isaac’s boyhood dream of flying has been a real adventure…it has been a real blessing to have so many wonderful people invest in our son and help him toward realizing this goal.” Young Mr. Burden received one of the first matching scholarships given by Chapter 5 to obtain his pilot certificate. He feels blessed for this opportunity, stating that “EAA Chapter 5 has assisted me by providing me with a $6,000 scholarship as well as continual support and advice during my training. I am grateful to those who are willing to provide tips and guidance on how to be the best pilot out there,” he said. “The atmosphere encourages continual learning and the stories I hear have helped guide me.”
EAA Chapter 5 members, along with flight instructor Ric Blamer, remain involved in both students’ training and are very encouraging through the whole process. Logging a few more hours flying, both young men will earn their pilot certificates. Ric commented about both, saying, “It is a privilege to watch these kids transform into successful pilots.”
Geauga County Airport has provided these enthusiastic aviators with an outstanding facility where they conduct training. The recently opened parallel taxiway allows for safer and smoother flow of traffic and enhances safety for all pilots.