By Abigail Kaplan
Dash Speidel, 17, earned his private pilot certificate just six weeks ago and experienced the thrill of flying into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh from his family’s home in Carmel, California, by himself this week. Dash’s father, Jake Speidel, exposed Dash and his two siblings, Boden (12) and Riley (21), to flying from birth.
Dash flew solo in a Tomahawk while brother Boden, dad Jake, and close friend Kim flew in formation in the family’s Cherokee 6.
Jake said they practiced flying in formation, as well as landing side by side, to prepare for the journey to Oshkosh. Since he has a diverse flying background and is currently an airline pilot, he has enjoyed all kinds of flying with his kids since they were babies.
“It was fabulous and great to watch these guys do their thing. What this family has is rare,” Kim said.
Through exposure from a young age and support from their family, all three children are actively pursuing their dreams in aviation. They even had the opportunity to help their grandfather build an RV-14. Jake said, “I am lucky all three kids fly and enjoy it.”
“Camping along the way to EAA AirVenture and staying in the [North 40] was one of the best parts,” Dash said.
Thankfully, there were no technical issues during their cross-country flight. Dash planned the trip, and Jake oversaw him taking the lead. They decided to fly a more northern route, flying through Oregon, Montana, and South Dakota. Jake said there was a lot of smoke heading toward Oregon, and then it was smooth sailing. After about 20 hours and three nights they safely arrived.
Dash graduated high school three years early and is currently attending community college, preparing to pursue a degree in engineering. He is currently working on his instrument rating in an RV-12. His goal is to become an airline pilot and/or pursue a career in engineering. A few goals he has are earning his commercial certificate, getting some tailwheel time, and flying biplanes and aerobatics.
Dash said he always knew he wanted to be a pilot and attested some of that to Riley, who earned her glider certificate at a young age. The siblings enjoy spending time together and flying RC airplanes in their free time.
Dash has earned many of his hours via cross-country flying. There are frequent crosswinds at his home airport in Carmel, and Jake appreciates how well that has prepared him for flying in various weather conditions. Dash soloed in the family’s Tomahawk on his 16th birthday. Right after the checkride, his brother, Boden, had the honor of being his first passenger.
Boden said he started learning to fly from watching his brother and dad. “Getting introduced was my favorite part. Aerobatics makes me really happy,” he said.
Dash is growing his career in aviation and sharing with those he loves.