Milestones

December 16, 2024December 16, 2024

Ray Scholar Lola Waldrep Solos

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

By Gary Brossett, EAA Lifetime 375866, EAA Chapter 677 President Lola Waldrep, EAA 1399617, soloed a Cessna 172N on November 24, 2024, at Lanett Regional Airport in Alabama. When she ... Read more

July 18, 2023

Checkride Milestone — Andrew Schermerhorn

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Andrew Schermerhorn, EAA 1467594, former membership intern with EAA, as he recently earned his private pilot certificate!

July 7, 2022

Checkride Milestone — Ainsley Busenbark

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Ainsley Busenbark, EAA 1293707, completed her private pilot checkride in June of this year.

July 7, 2022July 7, 2022

Checkride Milestone — John Barber

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

17-year-old Ray scholar John Barber completed his checkride on June 22, officially becoming the first 2022 scholar to complete training and earn their certificate.

May 25, 2022May 25, 2022

Checkride Milestone — Beck Youngberg

Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

On April 16, 2021, EAA Chapter 501’s first Ray Aviation Scholarship was awarded to Beck Youngberg, EAA 1389108. On May 3, 2022, he successfully completed his practical examination for a ... Read more

March 15, 2022

Milestone — Becoming a Young Eagles Pilot

Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Joshua Owsley, EAA 1283936, a Ray scholar from EAA Chapter 677 who passed his checkride on October 2, passed another exciting milestone — flying his first Young Eagles!

February 15, 2022February 28, 2022

Checking Off Multiple Milestones

Member Stories, Milestones

I’ve wanted to fly for as long as I can remember. When I was little, for about three years in a row I asked Santa for a flying car for ... Read more

January 18, 2022

Solo Milestones — Ray Scholars From EAA Chapter 1093

Chapters, Milestones

December 14, 2021, was a big day for Tobias Pobanz, EAA 1406421, and Jason Labby, EAA 1438368, of EAA Chapter 1093 in Midland, Michigan.

January 13, 2022

Checkride Milestone — Christopher Gauger

Milestones

On December 17, 2021, I officially became a pilot. Fittingly, it was the 118th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first successful flight of a powered airplane. I have a personal ... Read more

January 4, 2022January 4, 2022

Bits and Pieces: Milestone — EAA Chapter 63’s Ray Scholar Is a Pilot!

Milestones

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 63’s first Ray scholar, Megan Lokstet, on earning her pilot license!

December 15, 2021

Solo Milestone — Ainsley Busenbark

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 677’s Ray scholar, Ainsley Busenbark, who soloed on Monday, December 13!

November 11, 2021November 11, 2021

Solo Milestone — Jake Marchese

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Jake landed an airplane for the first time at age 13 on July 1, 2019. Last week he turned 16 and on October 30 the weather allowed him to experience ... Read more

September 28, 2021

Checkride Milestones — Nick Baker

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

18-year-old Nick Baker became a commercial pilot one day, and a CFI the next.

September 22, 2021

Solo Milestone — Finley Taylor

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations goes out to Finley, who soloed not one, but four airplanes on September 6!

September 8, 2021September 8, 2021

Solo Milestone: Megan Lokstet

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

On August 2, 2021, EAA Chapter 63’s Ray Scholar, Megan Lokstet, achieved every pilot’s coveted milestone, her first solo.

August 26, 2021

Solo Milestone — Alden Frautschy

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to EAA staff member Alden Frautschy, who soloed on Monday, August 23!

August 25, 2021

Solo Milestone — Gus Steffen

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Gustave “Gus” Steffen, EAA 1262111, on his first solo flight!

July 8, 2021July 8, 2021

Solo Milestone — Allison Matthews

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Allison Matthews, EAA 1404432, soloed for the first time on June 18 in a Cessna 150L at the Hendricks County Airport in Danville, Indiana.

July 1, 2021July 1, 2021

Solo Milestone — Ray Scholar Cheyenne Fuoco

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

On June 12, 2021, Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Cheyenne Fuoco soloed at the Hartford-Brainard Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, in a Cessna 172R.

June 24, 2021

Solo Milestone — Chris Gauger

Learning to Fly, Milestones

On June 22, EAA employee Chris Gauger, EAA 1281606, soloed in a Cessna 172 at Wittman Regional Airport.

June 9, 2021June 11, 2021

EAA Chapter 677 Ray Scholar Pays It Forward

Chapters, Milestones, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Lily Busenbark, EAA 1293705, has dreamed of flying Young Eagles before she even had her pilot certificate in hand. Lily’s first exposure to aviation was in August 2018 when she ... Read more

June 3, 2021

Solo Milestone — Joshua Owsley

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Joshua Owsley on his first solo flight!

May 18, 2021

Milestone — EAA Chapter 677 Vice President John “Jack” Claude Bartholet Celebrates 50 Years of Flying

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Jack Claude Bartholet, EAA 1021797, is a flying octogenarian, having recently turned 80. On May 12, 2021, he celebrated 50 years of soaring through the sky.

April 29, 2021

Private Pilot Milestone – Marc Bretz

Milestones

Ever since I was a little kid, I always remembered my mom or dad taking me to the airport to watch airplanes, air shows, etc.

April 23, 2021April 23, 2021

Solo Milestone – Patricia Kackert

Celebrating Women, Milestones

EAA Chapter 1 celebrated a huge milestone on November 21, 2020, when its Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient, 18-year-old Patricia Kackert, EAA 1380209, made her first solo flight.

April 22, 2021

Solo Milestone — Denver Scott

Milestones

Congratulations to Denver Scott, EAA 1108047, on completing his first solo flight!

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Private Pilot and Tailwheel Milestone — Jackson Bellard

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I would not have been able to receive my private or tailwheel endorsement without the guidance and help of EAA and the Tinker Murdoch Scholarship, and I am extraordinarily thankful ... Read more

March 11, 2021

CFI Milestone — Chelsea Montgomery

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones

As a 2020 recipient of the Elgin Wells, Jr. Starjammer CFI Scholarship, this past year I was able to complete my CFI rating. Achieving my CFI rating was one of ... Read more

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

Checkride Milestone: Joshua Caldwell

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I remember being excited, nervous, and anxious the first time I got in the left seat at the controls. I knew right after takeoff that this was something I wanted. ... Read more

February 18, 2021

Commercial Certificate Milestone — Kristina Ledwith

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones

I recently earned my Commercial ASEL certificate in my father’s 1948 Luscombe 8E in January 2021 with the help of EAA and the United Airlines Flight Operations Pilot Scholarship.

February 11, 2021

Checkride Milestone — Jessica Barnier

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I have always been interested in becoming a private pilot, but something seemed to always get in the way. With the pandemic, I could not think of a more perfect ... Read more

February 11, 2021

Checkride Milestone — Jennifer Iiams

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I am excited to say I officially became a pilot on December 22, 2020, and I cannot express how happy I am. Receiving the scholarship took the worry out of ... Read more

February 4, 2021February 4, 2021

Commercial Certificate Milestone — Michelle Trobaugh

Learning to Fly, Milestones

When I first learned that I was chosen for one of the scholarships I had difficulty believing it. With the help of the scholarship, I was able to finance and ... Read more

January 21, 2021

Private Pilot Milestone — Niall Devlin

Milestones

Niall Devlin, recipient of the Richard R. Harper Memorial Scholarship, earns his wings.

January 13, 2021

1,000 Certificates Later

Homebuilding, Milestones

On Friday, December 11, 2020, I issued an Airworthiness Certificate to Gregory Rodriguez for his amateur-built American Legend AL18.

December 10, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Faith Rhoads

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

All of my hard work had paid off and my dream of being a pilot came true. When I returned to my home airport, my instructor and parents were waiting ... Read more

December 10, 2020December 11, 2020

Solo Milestone — Hannah Treehan

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Rocklin, California, resident Hannah Treehan, EAA 1371080, celebrated a momentous milestone for a 16-year-old when she soloed on Tuesday, November 24, just two days before Thanksgiving.

December 3, 2020

Solo Milestone — Jennifer Miller

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Perhaps Jennifer was always meant to become a pilot. She had the interest, she just needed someone to help ignite that spark.

December 3, 2020

Instrument Milestone — Serena Kamps

Milestones

It’s been slightly more than seven years since I obtained my private pilot’s license. I always knew I wanted to continue my training beyond that and the instrument rating was ... Read more

November 24, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Christina Basken

Learning to Fly, Milestones

EAA staffer Christina Basken earned her sport pilot certificate on Saturday, November 21.

November 19, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Clinton Summers

Learning to Fly, Milestones

After retiring from 24 proud years serving this country as a Marine, it was time to go back and finish what I’d started in high school.

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Tim O’Hara-Haworth

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

On July 30, 2020, Tim became a private pilot at the age of 17 years and 20 days.

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Jessica Postle

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Jessica Postle on passing her private pilot checkride on October 9!

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Mike Sylvestre

Learning to Fly, Milestones

The day I started training, my checkride was already scheduled — and it was just two weeks later.

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Lily Busenbark

Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Lily Busenbark, EAA 1293705, on passing her private pilot checkride on October 20!

October 7, 2020October 7, 2020

A&P Milestone — Tyler Ballentine

Milestones

Congratulations to Tyler Ballentine on earning his A&P certificate!

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Logan Henning

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA Chapter 631 is very pleased to announce that Logan Henning, 17, of Minong, Wisconsin, has earned his private pilot certificate!

August 27, 2020August 27, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Alexander Patrushin

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 105 Ray Scholar recipient Alexander Patrushin, EAA 1262553, on passing his private pilot checkride!

August 5, 2020August 5, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Jake Owsley

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Jake Owsley, EAA 1283935 and EAA Chapter 677’s Ray Scholar recipient, for passing his private pilot checkride on July 10!

July 29, 2020July 29, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Kaylin Hart

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Kaylin Hart, EAA Chapter 932’s Ed Moricoli Memorial Flight Training Scholarship recipient, on passing her checkride.

July 16, 2020July 16, 2020

Solo Milestone — Three Generations Rich With Aviation Enthusiasm

Learning to Fly, Milestones

On July 2, 21-year-old Mac Copeland took another step toward joining the ranks of two generations of pilots before him by successfully soloing in a Cessna 172.

June 11, 2020June 11, 2020

Solo and Written Milestone: Hobie Lippold

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Hobie Lippold, EAA 1257149, on recently passing his written exam.

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020

Give Flight Milestone

Chapters, Milestones

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 27 on the completion of their RV-12 build project (part of EAA’s Give Flight program) and first flight.

May 27, 2020May 27, 2020

Solo Milestone — Piper Hechtl

Learning to Fly, Milestones

Congratulations to Piper Hechtl on her first solo! Piper, EAA 1166354, soloed a Cessna 152 on May 5 at Tracy Municipal Airport in Tracy, California. Piper began her flight training ... Read more

May 20, 2020May 20, 2020

Milestone: Noah Forcier

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Noah Forcier, EAA 1309864, for earning his private pilot certificate!

May 12, 2020May 15, 2020

From Young Eagle to Aeromedical Evacuation Officer

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations, William C. Buck III, EAA Lifetime 884321, on his recent graduation from the United States Army Flight School.

May 7, 2020May 7, 2020

Solo Milestone — Tyler Pierson

Milestones

Congratulations to EAA Vintage Chapter 25 Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Tyler Pierson on his first, second, third, and fourth solo! Tyler soloed four times, at four different airports, in the ... Read more

March 25, 2020April 2, 2020

Milestone — Sándor Pethes Private Pilot Checkride

Milestones

Sometimes, letting someone fly will change their life.

January 22, 2020January 22, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Tabitha Yeomans

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 976 Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Tabitha Yeomans, EAA 1204058, who passed her private pilot checkride on January 12!

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

Reinforced Dreams

Learning to Fly, Milestones

I passed my private pilot checkride, ultimately earning my certificate in less than seven months and contributing to the overall success of the Ray Aviation Foundation.

January 8, 2020January 8, 2020

Checkride Milestone — Mateo Colmenero

Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Mateo Colmenero, Ray Aviation scholar and EAA 1200734, successfully passed his checkride on Sunday, just five short months after soloing.

December 17, 2019December 17, 2019

Milestone — Ray Scholar Solos

Chapters, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Lily Busenbark, EAA 1293705, achieved a Ray scholar milestone on November 22, 2019, when she soloed in a PA-28-140 Cherokee at the Columbus Airport (KCSG) in Georgia.

September 5, 2019September 5, 2019

Doug Conciatu — 2,400th Young Eagle Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Doug Conciatu, EAA Lifetime 53419, of Macomb, Michigan, for flying his 2,400th Young Eagle!

August 8, 2019August 8, 2019

First Chapter 534 Ray Scholar Solos

Chapters, Milestones

After five active years with EAA Chapter 534’s weekly youth program following his Young Eagles flight, Mateo Colmenero, age 18, was awarded the chapter’s first $10,000 Ray Aviation Scholarship in ... Read more

August 7, 2019August 21, 2019

Finding Myself Through Learning to Fly

Celebrating Women, Flying Tips, Learning to Fly, Milestones

If you had told me 365 days ago that I would be a pilot by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019, I’d have thought you were crazy.

August 7, 2019August 21, 2019

Metamorphosis: Transforming From Student to Pilot

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Why We Fly

Following my colleague’s flight training journey help me relive my own learning to fly memories.

July 27, 2019July 27, 2019

Flying Musicians Hit Decade Milestone

AirVenture, Milestones

By Barbara A. Schmitz Flying Musicians is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2019, all while singing the praises of pilots who perform. John Zapp, president and CEO, said the idea ... Read more

June 12, 2019August 21, 2019

Solo Milestone — Mallory Rhodes

Celebrating Women, Chapters, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Chapter 302’s Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient Mallory Rhodes who soloed on June 6 in Conroe, Texas.

June 6, 2019August 21, 2019

Numerous Ray Scholars Celebrate First Solo

Celebrating Women, Chapters, Milestones

With flying season finally in full swing for most of the country, the Ray Aviation Scholarship program is celebrating a number of first solos this week!

June 5, 2019June 5, 2019

Solo Milestone — Lorance Morrison

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations Lorance Morrison, EAA 1288214, who soloed on February 5, 2019, in his family’s Cessna 172 XP in Michigan.

May 29, 2019May 29, 2019

Solo Milestone — Brendan Grahn

Milestones

Congratulations to 24-year-old Brendan Grahn, EAA 1302295, for soloing in a 1969 Piper Cherokee!

May 22, 2019August 21, 2019

Rachel Broom — Graduation Milestone

Celebrating Women, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

It all started with a Young Eagles flight.

May 14, 2019

Graham Robertson — Solo Milestone

Milestones

Congratulations to Graham Robertson who soloed in his uncle’s Cessna 172 on Tuesday, April 23.

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019

Ryan Elliott — Solo Milestone

Milestones

Congratulations to Ryan Elliott on his first solo in a powered aircraft!

April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

Ben Templeton — Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

The only thing better than soloing an airplane on your 16th birthday is soloing two airplanes.

April 18, 2019April 18, 2019

Watching Stratolaunch Make History

Milestones

It’s dawn in the desert. In the gray early morning light Stratolaunch, the largest airplane ever built, hulks silently at the opposite end of the 12,503-by 200-foot runway.

April 17, 2019August 21, 2019

Dorinda Morpeth — 300th Young Eagle Milestone

Celebrating Women, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Dorinda Morpeth, who flew her 300th Young Eagle on March 30!

April 3, 2019April 3, 2019

Corey Fryman — Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Corey Fryman for becoming the first participant in EAA’s Ray Scholars program to solo on Wednesday, March 27.

March 21, 2019March 21, 2019

Ryan Sundsmo — Solo Milestone

Milestones

Ryan Sundsmo has large dreams, soloing is just the beginning.

February 28, 2019March 4, 2019

Caden Urschel – Solo Milestone

Milestones

Congratulations to 16-year-old Caden Urschel who successfully completed his first solo flight!

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019

Logan Yoon — Solo Milestone

Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Logan Yoon on his first solo flight in a Cessna 172.

January 16, 2019August 21, 2019

Malia Gohier — Solo and Written Exam Milestone

Celebrating Women, Learning to Fly, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Malia Gohier, who overcame many obstacles and successfully passed her FAA written exam and had her first solo flight!

January 10, 2019January 10, 2019

Gabe White — Solo Milestone

Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to 16-year-old Gabe White on his first solo flight in a Piper Cherokee last month.

August 30, 2018August 21, 2019

Allie Draper – Private Pilot Milestone

Celebrating Women, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Allie Draper passed her private pilot checkride after taking a Young Eagles flight a few years earlier.

July 19, 2018

Jodie Gawthrop — Private Pilot Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Jodie Gawthrop, EAA’s 2 millionth Young Eagle, recently passed her private pilot checkride.

July 12, 2018

Michelle Abruzzese — First Flight Lesson Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Michelle recently took her first flight lesson after being inspired by a Young Eagles flight.

June 20, 2018

Seth Breyfogle — Private Pilot and Tailwheel Endorsement Milestone

Milestones

Seth passed his private pilot checkride and received his tailwheel endorsement this year.

May 23, 2018June 20, 2018

Hans Noack – Private Pilot Checkride Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Hans Noack, EAA 848994, on passing his private pilot checkride!

May 22, 2018June 20, 2018

Tyler Barry — Instrument Rating Checkride Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Tyler, who was featured as one of EAA’s 25 for 25 Young Eagles in 2017, recently passed his instrument rating checkride.

May 10, 2018May 10, 2018

Ed Becerra – Private Pilot Milestone

Milestones, Why We Fly

An EAA member fulfills his longstanding dream of becoming a pilot to honor his late father and late wife.

May 9, 2018

H. Paul Shuch – Designated Pilot Examiner Milestone

Milestones

Paul needed a local designated pilot examiner for his flight students, so he decided to become one.

May 3, 2018May 9, 2018

Rex Underwood – Private Pilot Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Rex thought he wanted to be a pilot, and his Young Eagles drove him to make that dream happen.

April 18, 2018April 23, 2018

Amelia – First Flight Milestone

Milestones

A proud dad shares his 4-month-old daughter’s first flight.

April 12, 2018

Sarah Springborn – Solo Milestone

Eagle Flights, Milestones

Sarah Springborn recently soloed after deciding to pursue flight training thanks to an Eagle Flight.

April 11, 2018

Seth Holloway – Private Checkride and Naval Academy Milestones

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Seth Holloway recently passed his private checkride and accepting an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

April 5, 2018

Braden Hobbs – Private Pilot Checkride Milestone

Chapters, Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to 17-year-old Braden Hobbs, one of the HAWK kids profiled in the April issue of Sport Aviation, on passing his private pilot checkride!

March 15, 2018

Gordon Davis – Airworthiness Certificate Milestone

Homebuilding, Milestones

Gordon’s RV-7A received its airworthiness certificate on March 14.

February 15, 2018

Ben Van Handel – Private Pilot Checkride Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Ben gave a special Young Eagles flight after passing his checkride.

January 18, 2018

Sporty’s CEO Flies 200th Young Eagle

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Michael Wolf, EAA Lifetime 460022, flew 27 Young Eagles in 2017 to meet a big milestone.

January 4, 2018

Students of the Wing

Milestones, Ultralights, Why We Fly

Follow EAA Staff Writer Megan Esau’s journey to soloing a powered paraglider.

November 30, 2017November 30, 2017

EAA Member Flies 1,000 Young Eagles in Minnesota

Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

This Young Eagles pilot will find a way to give a flight to any kid who asks.

November 22, 2017November 22, 2017

EAA Member Tim Cone Wins 2017 Air Race 1 World Cup

Member Stories, Milestones

Tim Cone, EAA 374465, won the Gold Final of the Air Race 1 World Cup 2017 on Sunday.

November 7, 2017

Chapter 344 Founder Earns Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Chapters, Member Stories, Milestones

Clayton Wilhelm’s involvement in aviation goes far beyond 50 years of safe flying.

October 23, 2017October 26, 2017

Madeline Patterson – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Sixteen-year-old Madeline aims high for a future in aviation.

October 19, 2017

Rachel Senft – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Soloing an aircraft is just one of 17-year-old Rachel’s many accomplishments.

October 5, 2017October 5, 2017

Eliot Felske – Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

An EAA volunteer makes his 16th birthday solo in the family Clipper.

September 27, 2017October 5, 2017

Olivia Cardwell – A Day of Milestones

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Olivia Cardwell, EAA 1259093, who received her private pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument ratings on her 17th birthday.

September 19, 2017October 5, 2017

Ben Van Handel – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Ben Van Handel, EAA 1145612, who soloed in a Cessna 172 on Saturday, September 9 after spending the summer interning with EAA’s Young Eagles program.

September 11, 2017September 13, 2017

Ryan Malcomb – Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Ryan is the fourth in his family to do a 16th birthday solo.

September 6, 2017September 13, 2017

Peter Rodopoulos – Private Pilot Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Peter Rodopoulos, EAA 1194583, who recently passed his private pilot checkride in a Cessna 152 on his 17th birthday. This is just one box checked on a long ... Read more

August 23, 2017September 13, 2017

Austin Krause – Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Sixteen-year-old Austin Krause, EAA 1218049, soloed in an RV-12 on August 15.

August 17, 2017September 13, 2017

Braden Holman – Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Braden Holman, EAA 1134015, who soloed in a Cessna 150 and RV-9A in addition to earning his driver’s license on his 16th birthday, August 2. Braden said he ... Read more

July 24, 2017

‘Pay-It-Forward’ Cub Made It to Oshkosh

AirVenture, Learning to Fly, Member Stories, Milestones

Dozens of Piper Cubs landed as a group at Wittman Regional Airport Sunday morning in celebration of the type’s 80th anniversary, including one flown by 14-year-old Kyle Carden with help ... Read more

July 11, 2017

Christina Larson – Commercial Glider Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Christina earned her commercial glider rating two years after her first glider flight.

July 3, 2017July 3, 2017

Jimmy O’Brien – Inspection Authorization Milestone

Milestones

Congratulations to Jimmy O’Brien, EAA 618685, who passed his IA (inspection authorization) exam in June with a near perfect score. His journey as an A&P began in 2010 when he ... Read more

June 28, 2017June 28, 2017

Caroline Dougherty – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Caroline soloed her father’s 1918 Curtiss Jenny and a Taylor E-2 Cub on her 16th birthday.

June 22, 2017June 22, 2017

Henry Scott – Powered Paraglider Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Twelve-year-old Henry Scott makes his first powered paraglider solo!

June 2, 2017June 22, 2017

Danielle Olson – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to 16-year-old Danielle Olson, EAA 784715, who soloed Memorial Day weekend after nearly lifelong preparation for the moment. Danielle’s aviation journey began with a flight at just 5 weeks ... Read more

May 22, 2017June 22, 2017

Brian Jones – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly

Brian Jones, EAA 1216827, soloed April 9 after being inspired to pursue his pilot certificate at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016.

May 10, 2017June 22, 2017

Jack Maechtle – Private Pilot Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to 18-year-old Jack Maechtle, EAA 1120742, who transitioned from sport pilot to private pilot on May 2.

May 9, 2017May 9, 2017

Gearing Up for my Glider Solo

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Ryan Elliott, son of EAA staffer Sean Elliott, EAA 520528, recounts accomplishing his first glider solo May 1.

May 1, 2017May 1, 2017

Chapter 690’s Youth Program Celebrates First Solo

Chapters, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

EAA Chapter 690 is celebrating the first solo of any participant in its youth aviation program.

April 25, 2017June 22, 2017

Madison Malcomb – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to Young Eagle Madison Malcomb, EAA 1207213, who soloed on her 16th birthday on April 19 in an experimental RV-12 after just 10 hours of instruction.

April 13, 2017April 13, 2017

Then and Now: Celebrating 30 Years as a Pilot

Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

Hal Bryan remembers his first passengers after flying Young Eagles on the 30th anniversary of his private checkride.

April 13, 2017June 22, 2017

Russell Swartzfager – Private Pilot Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Russell Swartzfager, EAA 1161378, who passed his private pilot checkride on February 28 out of the Crystal River Airport (KCGC) in Florida.

April 8, 2017June 22, 2017

Hal Bryan – First Pilots N Paws Flight Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly

Congratulations to EAA staffer Hal Bryan, EAA 638979, for completing his first Pilots N Paws rescue flight on November 12 with his wife, Muffy. Hal flew from Oshkosh to Jasper ... Read more

March 31, 2017June 22, 2017

Brad Hahn – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Chapter 444 President Brad Hahn, EAA 1098593, who successfully completed his first solo March 28 at the Waupaca County Airport. “Thanks to everyone that has helped me along this ... Read more

March 23, 2017June 22, 2017

Rich Largent – 1,300th Young Eagle Flight Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations and thank you to Chapter 939 President Rich Largent, EAA 512497, who recently flew his 1,300th Young Eagle, 20 years after he began flying for the program in 1997. ... Read more

March 16, 2017June 22, 2017

Edward L. Hasch Jr. – Master Mechanic Award Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Edward L. Hasch Jr., EAA 237979, who was presented with the FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award on March 8 at the Nashville FSDO. Ed spent 46 years ... Read more

March 10, 2017

2 Millionth Young Eagle Solos

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Many congratulations to EAA’s 2 millionth Young Eagle, Jodie Gawthrop, EAA 1108302, who completed her first solo on March 9, less than a year after her flight with former Young ... Read more

March 9, 2017March 9, 2017

Searey Solo Around the World

Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly

Michael Smith, EAA 1001669, of Williamstown in Victoria, Australia, recently finished a flight that most of us could only dream about: a trip around the world in his Searey named ... Read more

March 1, 2017March 27, 2017

Young Eagles Program Ignites Passion for Aviation

Milestones, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the EAA Young Eagles program in 2017, we’re featuring 25 Young Eagles whose stories inspire and exemplify the impact of the program. Twenty-year-old ... Read more

February 8, 2017June 22, 2017

Nolan Hart – Private Pilot Milestone

Chapters, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

February 8, 2017 – Congratulations to 17-year-old Nolan Hart, EAA 1139352, who successfully completed his checkride and became a private pilot on January 14. “Lifting off the ground for the ... Read more

February 2, 2017March 27, 2017

Brandon Brown – Commercial Rating Written Exam Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to 18-year-old Brandon Brown, EAA 1229004, who in the past year alone has earned his instrument rating, a commercial drone pilot license, and began working on his commercial rating. ... Read more

January 26, 2017March 27, 2017

Steve Shuter – Private Pilot Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

Congratulations to Steve Shuter, EAA 1105380, who passed his checkride in April 2016 at Orlando Apopka Airport (X04) in Apopka, Florida. Steve successfully completed the checkride on his first attempt, ... Read more

January 12, 2017June 22, 2017

Alex Dietrich – Private Pilot Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

January 12, 2017 – Congratulations to Alex Dietrich, grandson of Walter Dietrich, EAA 55519, who on January 4 became a third-generation pilot after passing his private checkride. After graduating high school ... Read more

January 5, 2017June 22, 2017

Isaac Ericson – Solo Milestone

Member Stories, Milestones

January 5, 2017 – Congratulations to Isaac Ericson, EAA 1100893, who created a family tradition on his 16th birthday December 3 by soloing in the same Stits Playboy his father once ... Read more

December 29, 2016June 22, 2017

Declan Steinke – Solo Milestone

Chapters, Homebuilding, Member Stories, Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

December 29, 2016 – Congratulations to 16-year-old Declan Steinke, EAA 1112757, who soloed November 15 in the RV-12 Falcon 1 he helped build. Declan received his first Young Eagles flight two ... Read more

December 15, 2016March 27, 2017

Three Solos, One day

Member Stories, Milestones, Warbirds, Youth & Young Eagles

December 15, 2016 – When he turned 16 on December 1, Tom Tippin had the opportunity to do something many aviators only dream of: He soloed a Piper J-3 Cub, ... Read more

December 1, 2016February 28, 2017

From Young Eagle to Young Eagles Pilot

Chapters, Member Stories, Milestones, Why We Fly, Youth & Young Eagles

By Owen Leipelt, EAA 1102131, EAA Chapter 62 Vice President December 1, 2016 – In 2013, when I was 13 years old, I took my first Young Eagles flight with ... Read more

November 17, 2016March 27, 2017

Justin McDowell – Solo Milestone

Milestones, Youth & Young Eagles

Congratulations to 16-year-old Justin McDowell, EAA 1174050, who completed his first solo October 31 in a Cessna 172 on floats off of Whitewater Lake in northern Ontario. Although he went ... Read more

October 27, 2016February 3, 2017

From Eagle Flight Recipient to Current Pilot

Chapters, Homebuilding, Member Stories, Milestones

October 27, 2016 – Bill Wemhoff, EAA 1167924, of Herndon, Virginia, earned his pilot certificate nearly 35 years ago in Nebraska but hadn’t flown since. Life got in the way and ... Read more