Celebrating Winners!

So much to celebrate... and so little time. Today I'm announcing all our winners! And there are many... BLOG HOP! Drawing from the Aviation Fair! KEY Chains! 

1. Drawing from the Western Washington Aviation Conference and trade show.

 

Congratulations: Gordon Doherty! You've won a copy of Flight For Safety! Now we just need to get it into print! The pressure is on... but coming soon!

2.  KEY CHAINS:

 

The First 7 purchases in December for Flight For Control won a NWA key chain! Well, I had a wonderful person tell me if he won he wanted me to gift it to someone else. I contacted the other six winners and they all said they would love to gift theirs too. I was waiting until Women of Aviation to give the key chains to the recipients.

Some very special aviator ladies who received a key chain. 

 

 

They are either inspiring, supporting, working towards a career, taking lessons, taking on challenges in their current jobs. You name it... these ladies have what it takes.


3.    BLOG HOP and Darby Falls in Love. 

Congratulations Gabrielle Coutrot!  

Now... all you have to do is tell me which book do you want?  Flight For Safety, or Flight For Control.

GRAND PRIZE BLOG HOP

The winners of the Grand Prize draws have already been announced.

1st Place: Kindle Fire

Entry #4 – Karl

2nd Place: $50 Amazon gift certificate

Entry #187 – Chum B.

4.  FLY GIRL BOOK. 

For everyone who left a comment on Women Fly you won a book! All I need is where to send it.
Email me your address to Karlene.Petitt@gmail.com

Congratulations winners!

Erik Mathieson

Friday's Fabulous Flyer....

And then some! 

 Erik Mathieson

First a little backstory....

February 23 and 24 I was at the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup WA. Who should drop by my table? Erik Mathieson. It had been many years since I had seen Erik. Shortly after he left, a young man approached and told me he wanted to be an Air Traffic Controller. Not just any tower, but in Guam. I said, "I love Guam!" He said, "You've been there?" I said, "Yes, but it's been many years. Maybe... nine or ten."  

February 25th, I received a call from scheduling and they said, "You've been assigned a trip!" Tuesday Morning I departed SeaTac with Captain Erik Mathieson enroute to Guam, via Narita. The world works in mysterious ways... and there is always a reason for everything.

Guam

Erik is one  of those Captains that I strive to emulate. He knows his plane. He is patient. He has a way of teaching without telling. He encourages participation, values feedback and wants to make sure that all pilots are comfortable with the ultimate decision. When you fly with Captain Mathieson, you are part of the team. Not to mention he is one hell of a pilot!

Erik's passion for flying had become evident when he told me how it all started. In his case it started on the day he was born... September 24th. Literally this was his day.

September 24th, 1964....

His 11th birthday his parents paid $3 for his first airplane ride. It lasted about 20 minutes, but impacted the remainder of his life. He tells me his lived on a diet of Sky King as a kid. Below is an episode to flashback for all you Sky King watchers. But it's 25 minutes long... so come back to watch after you leave a comment. 

Erik was one of those kids who spent his days hanging out at the airport, and at 15-years-old he started flying lessons. An aviation truth that holds true throughout time is that those who hang out at the airport will always find someone to give them a ride... and friends with planes are golden. A friend of Erik's had a 172 and a Bonanza. 

Erik knows how to celebrate his birthdays! 

September 24, 1964: First Flight

September 24, 1969: Solo ... Sweet 16~

September 24, 1970: Pilots license.

September 24, 1971: Commercial license.

He didn't get his drivers license until he was 17 because he didn't want to waste his money or time on a car.

Erik's career started during the Vietnam era and he said he wanted to fly to avoid the draft. Something tells me... he just wanted to fly. He joined the Air Force and flew a C141, and flew between Guam, Norton, Travis, and Yakota in 1977. 

But his world turned when he was hired by Northwest Orient in 1984.

From a 727 Engineer, to a 727 First Officer, to a 757 first officer, based in Seattle, Detroit, Seattle. For all of you who were part of those days... bases closed and shifts happened often. It took him a year and a half to get to the 747 as a second officer... but held a training entitlement to the first officer position. What that meant is every month he flew as a first officer.

1991 he became an A320 Captain. 1993 a 747-400 First Officer for 2.5 years. 1996- 2000 a 757 Captain. 2000 he became a 747 Captain.  Then 2005 he left the whale and became and A330 Captain. 

 

Did I mention he lives on an airport and flies on his days off?

All I can say is that it was a pleasure to fly with someone like Erik. I hope that everyone in their career will have the chance to fly with an aviation enthusiast, who has committed his life to excellence, and knows how to share the dream, his experience and talent with all that he flies with. 

 

 
Thank you for a great trip Erik! I hope to fly with you again.

Enjoy the journey!
XOX Karlene

OVERCOMING TRAGEDY

T.H.ursdays with Tom Hill

Tragedy is a part of life whether we believe it or not.  On the path of living we will lose friends and family.  It's part of being human, it's a part of life.  Some might say, how we act in the midst of tragedy is what truly defines us.  How we bounce back can show inner strength.  Unfortunately, it's a subject we rarely talk about which can make dealing with tragedy a difficult internal and individual struggle in so many ways.

As part of the military flight test community I've had my share of encounters with tragedies.  Most of them are unexpected.  Some of them were culminations of long struggles with illness.  Sometimes you look for answers to basic questions in such situations.  Other times, there are no questions, just the sadness of losing someone important to you.  Every occasion is different and the same simultaneously.  There's no predicting how the struggle with tragedy will end.

Last year I lost a great friend well before his time after he lost his battle with leukemia.  When all our old friends gathered at his memorial service, I felt a warm wave of deep connection with him and the others as we sang a favorite fighter-pilot song.  I hadn’t felt that in years.  It was very comforting as we were saying “good-bye.”  Another time my colleagues gathered to send off another friend in the privacy of his squadron's bar.  We toasted his accomplishments.  We acknowledged what he meant to us.  We relived him in our way.

Such losses have to be expected even though they're terrible to acknowledge.  Having a "process" to work through the loss is imminently useful if for no other reason than to move on to what's next.  I'm lucky because the traditions of my military aviation community kick-in in such situations.  The details of memorializing your lost friend are already established from traditions passed through the years.  We only have to execute the process.  Then, we bring ourselves “in” to remember and acknowledge our lost comrade.  It's simple and difficult at the same time.

 

When you're in the middle of such tragedy, it's so easy to be sucked into the loss with no apparent way out.  The path ahead isn't so clear in such situations.  What helps is having another focus, something else to concentrate on instead of the loss.  For me, I had flying to move my mind forward.

Many years ago, my squadron lost a couple of dear friends due to a mid-air collision.  They were doing their mission when another aircraft collided with theirs taking them away in an instant.  That evening our squadron assembled in our bar as was our tradition.  We stood in a circle and one by one we each told a story of knowing our friends.  We told our story, raised a glass full of scotch, then gave a toast.   Happy and sad, the stories came until we were done, the bottle was empty.  A couple days later at the base memorial service, hundreds gathered.  The service ended with four fighters executing a perfect missing man formation, the sound of the jet engines fading into the distance.  The memorial was done yet we were still left with this void were our friends used to be.  The path ahead wasn't so clear.

Back at the squadron, after the memorial service, we met with family one more time.  There was still one more thing to do, one more task to complete.  Even though we weren't sure it was time, we had to do it.  We had to get back to our mission, back to flying.  We flew a simple test mission the next day.  The business of the mission occupied our brains and away from the loss.  Life continued on.

Even today, many years later, I recall that time after losing our friends.  I remember them, their mishap, what happened in the squadron afterward.  Sometimes I’m reminded for no reason.  Other times, who knows.  Always, I remember our group gathering, speaking of them, and raising a glass.  Then, in the midst of those thoughts I feel a connection to those we lost then to the others that remained.  With that, the thoughts pass by without trouble then life continues on.

Cheers

Tom

Click on "Tom" and you'll be transported to a world of Tom's photography .... 

Darby Falls in Love...

Today is another first ~

 A Darby Bradshaw first ...

For all of you who fell in love with Darby in Flight For Control, wait until Flight For Safety is released. Flight For Safety is Darby's story. But today is the story of her first love, at sixteen-years-old.

In addition, this post is in honor of the Rights of Spring Blog Hop where you can win a couple great prizes! Wait... you can win a lot of prizes. 

75 Blogs are each giving away a prize! 

PLUS

GRAND PRIZE DRAWING!
1st Place: Kindle Fire
2nd Place: $50 Amazon gift certificate

 

In addition for a chance to win the grand prize, you can enter a chance to win a copy of your choice: Flight For Control or Flight For Safety. It depends if you want instant gratification, or can wait a few months until Flight For Safety is released. 

For now... all you have to do is enjoy a Darby first...

Darby thanked the driver for the ride, slammed her door, and spit her gum on the side of the road. She stuck her hands deep into her jeans' pockets and wandered across the parking lot toward the chain link fence. She glanced back once, and then pressed on.

Perhaps hitchhiking in Los Angeles was not the brightest of ideas… but she had lived in New York City for the first fifteen years of life and somehow the streets on the West Coast felt safe.

She jiggled the gate, but a lock kept her out. She raised her sunglasses and pushed them on top of her head. Then laced her fingers through the metal links and peered beyond. She squinted into the distance. Dreams of another life called to her in the form of engines buzzing. What am I thinking?

Everyone had told her she was an idiot to think that she could fly a plane.  She would prove them wrong. Looking toward the sky, she smiled. Not a cloud in sight ~ a sign that this would be her day. The sky would be hers, and nothing would stop her. 

Taking a deep breath, she dropped her hands and headed for the front door of the FBO. A Fixed Base Operator was the place to rent little airplanes, and these guys offered introductory flights.

“May I help you miss?” A blonde standing behind the front desk asked the moment the door opened.

“I’m here to take an intro flight,” Darby said, trying to sound cool.

“You’re totally going to love it. I went for a flight last week,” she said, smacking her gum. “When I get out of school for summer, I’m totally taking flying lessons.”

Darby pulled a ten-dollar bill out of her pocket and set it on the counter, hoping this would prompt her to get the show on the road and Darby's plane into the sky before she chickened out. 

Blondie took the money, opened a drawer and stuffed it inside. She slid a finger down a list of names taped to the counter, then picked up microphone. She pressed a button and said, “Brian, I need you to take an intro flight.”

Within seconds a voice broadcasted over the radio. “Can’t you get someone else?”

Valley girl winked at Darby. “Brian, I don’t give a shit if you are an airline pilot! Get your butt up here or I’m telling daddy to hold your last paycheck.” She set down the microphone and blew a bubble.

“I could come back,” Darby said. Maybe pissing off her pilot before they flew wasn't a good idea.

“No you don’t. You’re going flying,” she said pointing a finger. “Don’t worry about Brian. He’s just been hired by American Airlines and thinks he’s hot shit. He’s really good, and you’ll have fun.” She leaned in and whispered, “and he's totally hot.”

Darby stuck her hands into her pockets, and grinned. Hot or not, she wanted good. But if an airline hired him, he had to be good. Her heart beat rapidly. She was nervous as hell. Hitchhiking, and sneaking out at night… that was one thing. But to fly a plane? She was not sure if she had what it took. Glancing at the door she digested how fast she could get there if she bolted, but the breeze and the slamming of another door grabbed her attention.

Brian. He was about two feet taller than she was, and Blondie had the cute part right. He was actually super cute. And he couldn’t be more than nineteen. She chewed on her bottom lip, and stared. 

“You ready to fly?” He asked, waving her to follow him down a hallway.

Darby sucked it up and hustled to catch him. He opened a door and held it for her. But she stopped short, stood in front of him and looked up. “How old are you?”

He laughed. “Old enough. Why?”

“Valley girl back there said you were hired by American Airlines. You just look kind of young.”

He laughed, “Valley girl? I like it.” His gaze held hers, and then said, "twenty-three. Now you ready or what?"

Good enough for her. Darby ducked under his arm and sprang onto the ramp. “This is so cool.” Her nerves had shifted from fear to pure excitement.

Brian closed the door with a bang and yelled, “Slow down champ. No running on the ramp. You go running through a prop and turn yourself into sushi, it’ll be my ass.”

“I wouldn’t want anything to happen to your ass,” Darby said. It was kind of cute. “But can we just get in a plane and fly?”

“We will,” Brian said walking across the ramp, this time with Darby at his side. “But a solid preflight will determine if we have a safe flight.” He stopped and turned her way. “If you become a pilot… promise me one thing.”

Darby waited, his eyes locked onto hers. God they were gorgeous. They reminded her of chocolate chip cookies, and then her stomach grumbled. “Anything.”

“Promise me you will always do the work. Never short change the basics… especially the preflight.”

Darby saluted. “Yes sir, it’s a promise.”

They reached the blue and white plane, called a Cessna 152. She was the most beautiful thing Darby had ever seen, and she placed the palm of her hand on what Brian had called the cowling, and she slid it over the planes’ cool skin.

Brian took her step-by-step around the Cessna explaining the flight control surfaces and what they did. He talked about the wings, and ailerons, flaps, elevator and rudder. They looked at hinges, and the tires, and checked oil. It was all so cool. She could not believe this was truly happening and she hoped that she would remember every word he said. She watched him, so professional and confident, and wished that one day she would be just like him.

When Darby climbed into the seat for the first time, she thought she was going to pass out with excitement. If one could pass out for having their heart beat out of their chest and a smile split open their face. Darby pulled her glasses onto her nose. She was ready to fly and start the first day of the rest of her life. 

Brian started the engine, talked on the radio and then taxied the plane to the runway. He explained how to steer with her feet on the rudders.

Once on the runway, after the tower cleared them for takeoff, Brain said, “Okay, you got it.”

“Got what?” Darby squeaked, her heart lodged in her throat.

“The plane. You’re going to fly. Put your hand on the throttle, I’ll help you.”

She did as she was told and his hand covered hers. Together they slowly pressed the throttle in. The plane moved down the runway. Accelerating with the rush of blood in her ears.

“There you go. Just like that,” he said. “Keep the centerline between your legs. Now when the speed reaches 60-knots, I want you to slowly pull the nose into the air. Put that airplane symbol on that line,” he said, pointing to one of the instruments.

Darby glanced at the airspeed indicator, then out at the runway. She was a little to the right of the centerline, but was slowly moving the line back between her legs. He was helping her, she was sure. But that was okay... a first time for everything. She giggled as she looked back to her airspeed. 45 knots. 50…55…60. She looked at the instrument with the miniature airplane and pulled back on the controls, she immediately shifted her eyes outside. Then glanced back inside to make sure her little plane was on the line it was supposed to be.

She was flying. Darby Bradshaw was seriously flying a plane!

They climbed 2000 feet into the sky, and she looked out the window. I’m flying! Brian allowed her to turn, and bank… she danced in the sky. Then he laughed loudly.

“What’s so funny?” She asked, holding her attention outside the window. He had told her about the horizon and how she could maintain her altitude by just looking outside.

“Are you sure you’ve never flown a plane before?” He shouted.  “You’re a natural.”

“Thanks!” Darby said. She had no idea if she were a natural or not, but she knew she had finally found where she belonged—in the sky. 3000 feet, and climbing, above all the problems below.

“I was going to take the month off before I started with American,” Brian said. “But if you’re serious about this flying gig, I’d like to be your instructor.”

“Seriously?” Oh my God. Darby had no idea how she was going to pay for this, but she knew one thing for sure. She had fallen hopelessly in love for the first time—twice in the same day! She turned her attention to Brian and said, “I would love to learn to fly. With you.”

ENTER TO WIN

To Enter for one of the two Flight Novels...

1. Follow this blog, and 
2. Leave a comment below... with a "first" something.

To Enter the Grand Prize:

1.  After leaving your comment here click on the Rafflecopter Giveaway link below

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Happy First Day of Spring! 

——————

To See who else is giving away a great prize
Click the Rites of Spring Blog Hop!
75 blogs! 75 prizes!

Enjoy the Journey

XO Karlene   

Solo Flight!

Solo: To Take that first flight without your instructor. A right of passage for all student pilots. We all remember that first solo flight. Please enjoy Swayne Martins' experience... something he will remember for the rest of his life.

Swayne:

"Finally, after two failed attempts due to poor weather, I woke up excited and ready to go. With perfect, cloudless, blue skies and pretty low wind I finally had the chance to do my first solo flight. Needless to say... I was pretty excited! With only 4.4 hours under my belt going into the day, I soloed pretty early. I'm glad my instructor had confidence in me to fly the plane safely! I was so happy that my training was progressing so quickly. 

Here is a video summary I created of the first solo, using my gopro camera:

By the time I began taxiing to runway 34, the winds were at about 6 knots, blowing perpendicular to the runway. I was second in line for departure, behind N16HV (another Tecnam aircraft). After he turned to his crosswind, I decided to go ahead and do my first solo takeoff. If you've never flown solo, it feels pretty different. I noticed on rollout how light the plane felt and how it quickly jumped off the ground. 

It was a great feeling looking down over my shoulder and seeing my family on the ramp area jumping up and down. They were so excited for me, which made me feel great. I was so happy that I could solo for them, especially my grandfather, who played a key role in introducing me into aviation from the time I was born. 

 “Focus on where you want to go, Not on the fear of failure 
or the runway left behind.”

When I took off I laughed to myself because I thought: "Wow, I'm up here flying this plane before I can even drive solo." Was definitely weird to be flying solo above the roads I can’t drive solo on yet! It was a pretty cool feeling, one I won’t ever forget. 

Flying in the pattern was fun. I really noticed how quiet it is. I didn’t really feel nervous; I knew that I could fly that plane safely. You're all alone in the quiet plane with the occasional radio call... so it was pretty relaxing and really enjoyable. That’s one of my favorite parts of flying. 

When you go up, all you have time to think about is flying that plane. You don't have the time to worry about what is happening on the ground with life stresses, people, schoolwork, etc. That is something that pilots should really be grateful for; there aren’t too many things in life that allow you to just leave the earth for a few moments and forget what you left behind. As Karlene said recently: "Your focus just on flying allows you to forget that “runway left behind.” That is something I know I will always love about flying and plan to cherish for a long time to come.

After the last landing of three, I taxied back to the ramp area, shut the plane down, and was greeted by my super excited family. Tons of photos later we were inside getting my endorsements down and had my shirttail cut off. They explained to me the story behind why your shirt tail gets cut off after your first solo flight which was pretty interesting. 

Click HERE to learn why.

Overall, I had a great first experience flying solo. I really feel like I’m starting to get on my way towards becoming a pilot. I feel lucky to have experienced something that not many people around the world can say they’ve done: piloting an aircraft.

Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me both directly and indirectly by checking out my blog, twitter, and video. I appreciate all the advice and encouragement I’ve received.

I hope that my personal story can inspire other new/future aviators to continue on their path and never give up. Flying a plane solo feels so special. Just know that one day if you work hard, you will achieve your goals. When I started flight training, I had no idea that I would be soloing after only 4.4 hours (about a month’s training on weekends). Sometimes I look up into the sky when I’m at school and see contrails going overhead. It makes me jealous but at the same time totally motivates me to work hard so I can have doors open in my future.

If any of you have any questions about beginning flight training, how to study for the FAA Written, etc., please reach out to me. I’m more than happy to help. You can contact me via the following:

My Blog: From Private to Professional Pilot
Twitter: @MartinsAviation

Email: swaynem13@gmail.com

Thanks everyone! A special thanks to Karlene: I really appreciate what you’re doing with your blog; it’s been a real inspiration for thousands like myself."

Swayne Martin 

Swayne, you are so welcome! I hope everyone contacts you.

Tomorrow is another first.  

The first time Darby Bradshaw from Flight For Control, and Flight For Safety took her first flight.

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Pilots Giving Back...

"The difference between extraordinary and ordinary

is that little word... extra"  

GRATITUDE

Giving Recognition And Thanks to Inspired Thoughtful Unsurpassed Dedicated Enthusiasts

We call PILOTS

During the Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, Julia Cannell at the Seattle Museum of Flight created a week of aviation entertainment. But it was the end of the week that is dear to my heart where a group of pilots took women and girls for their first flight. The energy and enthusiasm of this life changing event is surpassed by none. I cannot thank these pilots enough for their effort. 

These Pilots flew 209 Girls!

Meet The Pilots:

Bill Ayer

President and CEO of Alaska Airlines, Bill Ayer, pulled on his jeans, threw on his baseball hat, fired up his Piper Malibu, and brought smiles to many. This commercial, instrument-rated, instructor pilot did not always want to fly. He actually had plans of being a physician. But his flight planned changed and he took to the sky.

Bill Ayer

Starting a commuter airline in the Northwest, he went on to bigger and better things with Alaska Airlines. His continued contribution to our community shows that his heart guides his actions. Sometimes it's easy for corporations to write checks for social contribution. But never in my airline experience have I met someone like Bill who makes it personal. 

 Bill, Thank you! (Remember... don't let airline pilots land your plane.)

Jim Young

From Airline Executive to Airline Pilot. Jim Young, an International Airline pilot, with a Masters in Aerospace Engineering, brought his Cessna 421 and made many girls very happy. Not only did Jim join us, but he made this a family affair by bringing his wife (and business partner) Jana, and their son Charlie.  Jim and Jana own and operate an Aviation business MMO Aviation Services Inc.  

Jim and Charlie Young

More or less anything you could want in Aviation from aircraft testing to delivery you could find at MMO services. And this day they gave, as they often do, for the children in our community with Aviation High School, and Angel Flight West missions. Charlie gave up his co-pilot seat for the day to let the girls fly. 

Jana, an Engineer, private pilot, Women of Aviation member, and contributor to Aviation High School  became the gate keeper by default on that first day.

Jana Young

Jim, Jana, and Charlie... Thank you all! I'm looking forward to my turn to fly.

Tom Gwilym

Tom started flying by jumping off a stepladder in his backyard when he was five. His passion for flight started early and I am so glad he switched to planes. He's an astronomer, pilot, instructor and all around great guy. 

Tom Gwilym

Tom's enthusiasm speaks for itself as he is a pilot who has never missed a Fly It Forward event. He does not own his own plane, and his flying funds are limited. But that never stops him. As a member of a flying club, he knew we needed pilots and found me four more aviation enthusiasts to fly with us. He flew day one. Then flew copilot with one of his students. 

Thank you Tom!

Ryan Burns

What sparks the imagination and need to fly in pilots? Just ask Ryan.

"I went on my first flight when I was very young, sitting on Mom's lap while Grandpa flew us around Seattle.  I must have been hooked right then, because I've loved flying and plane spotting ever since (I still go racing through the house to catch a glimpse whenever a plane flies over).  

Ryan Burns

"After years of dreaming, I finally got my license in September 2012, and now I get to see the view from the cockpit!  While flying is fun, sharing the experience is even better.  Now I'm working on inspiring my 4-year old daughter to love flying too!  Hopefully she'll have lots of ground school classmates as a result of these events!"

The first day Ryan worked the gate with Jana Young. The second day he flew. But with all this said, I'm not sure who had more fun...Ryan or the girls?

Thank you very much Ryan!

Ryan, Tom, Kai

 

Kai Wang

Kai started his flight training immediately after graduating from college in the summer of 2011 when he could afford it.  He tells me, "I quickly become addicted to it that I’ve been flying every weekend and I've logged a little over 250 hours so far. I love the breathtaking views and the feeling of freedom in the air. Besides flying straight and level like I did for the Fly It Forward event, I also enjoy practicing powered aerobatic in a bi-plane and soaring along the ridge in a glider."

Kai Wang

Kai has plans to get his flight instructor certificate this summer so he too can help others experience the joy of flying. This is why he participated in the Fly It Forward event. Kai says, "It’s definitely a very rewarding experience for me being able to introduce aviation to so many people in two days." But the reward is all ours. 

Thank you Kai for your extra effort and flying both days! We really appreciate you. 

Kai Wang

Bown Zhang

"My passion about flying started since I was at 2008 EAA Oshkosh AirVenture for the first time. I pursued private pilot license in 2009 and have been living for a dream of becoming airline pilot one day, seating inside giant 747 flying around the world. While enjoying the freedom of flying and beautiful view from the air, I wish to share this wonderful experience to other people. I wish as a pilot I can make recreational flying more meaningful. Thanks for Museum of Flight and all the organizers, I had this chance to make a difference."

Bown Zhang

Bowen flew two days for us and his enthusiasm and smile says it all. I had no idea he wanted to be an airline pilot. But I have no doubt he will make it to the airlines and fly that 747 around the world. Bowen, with your gift to the girls and to the Seattle Museum of Flight... I suspect when you're ready, someone has a connection or two to open a door. You've opened many for so many girls.

Thank you Bowen!

Bowen

Jeremy Elson

Jeremy has been flying since 2003. He says it all started as a "getaway from spending so much time in front of computer screens while finishing his doctoral dissertation." He has logged more than 1,000 hours, including eight trips coast to coast. Jeremy enjoys introducing new people to the magic of flight and has helped create several new pilots in the process. Jeremy also enjoys bicycling, travel, and creating do-it-yourself electronics - and recently completed a functional rocketship treehouse.

Jeremy Elson

Jeremy joined us in the final hour and his effort was so much appreciated. I'm also thinking I need some photos of that treehouse. Hopefully we'll see more of it, and Jeremy too. 

Jeremy, Thank you!

Pete Newman

Like all good stories... when we're about to go over the river without a paddle, a miracle happens. This time the miracle came in the name of Pete Newman. A plane had just dropped out both days, and another could only fly for one. And who should show up? Pete Newman. 

Pete Newman

Pete is no novice to contribution and flying. He has flown Challenge Air events and Angel Flight missions, and we could not have been more lucky to have him join us.  How far can his compassion go? He had planned on flying half a day, as he had an appointment he needed to make. What did Pete do when he saw the line of girls waiting patiently? He canceled his appointment. 

Thank you so much for all your help Pete!

Pete Newman

Peter Morton

Peter Morton is a retired Boeing executive after a 42 year career. He was the first ground school instructor who taught pilots about jet engines on the Boeing 707! Peter  has been part of our Fly It Forward events from the beginning. He selflessly rents a cirrus and flies the girls.

Peter Morton

Peter conducts Young Eagle flights, volunteers and mentors students at Aviation High School, and is active in the aviation community across the nation. His involvement with our events has not only included flying, but he has been instrumental in coordinating and creating the routes of flight, keeping our event safe for everyone involved.

Thank you very much Peter for all your effort!

Gabhan Berry

"For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with flying. As a teenager driving home from university I would stop at the local airport, watch the airplanes come and go and dream of being a pilot. Sometimes, I would be there for hours. After working two summer jobs between semesters to save the money needed for the training, I gained my private pilot certificate at the age of 19. That experience taught me what can be achieved with hard work."

Gabhan Berry

"These days, I hold a commercial pilot certificate and use it as much as possible to share the magic of flying with others. As well as the Fly it Forward event, I fly patients to and from treatment centers for the Angel Flight West charity and have flown disabled children at Challenge Air events. I hope to inspire at least one person to learn to fly. When I'm not flying or thinking about flying, I work as a software engineer for Apple."

Gabhan, you have inspired so many... me included. We are so grateful for your support and effort. Thank you!

 

 

Catherine Woodard

Catherine Woodard,  once a police officer, has found another thrill... to fly airplanes. She started in a Cessna 172 and moved up to a 182. Last year she attempted to fly for our event, but like all good plans... sometimes our planes have another idea. Safety is always first. Today everything worked out, and Catherine flew carried many young ladies for their first flights.

Catherine Woodard

While we never know what life will bring. This is one day brought a gift. Catherine, Thank you for taking your time and joining us in bringing many smiles. 

Denise Stecconi

Last but definitely not least... Denise Stecconi.  Denise once jumped out of planes, and now she flies them. She decided (three years ago) she wanted to make a living flying planes. She balanced a challenging high-tech job, flight training, and motherhood to make it all work. 

Denise Stecconi

Has Denise made her dreams come true? Absolutely. She flies sightseeing flights around Seattle, is a mother... and an inspiration to all. This particular day she made the dreams of many young ladies come true.

Denise thank you for taking your time in your busy day to fly the girls. And thank your supportive husband and darling children for sharing you with the world of flight.

Daniel and Rachel Sallee

We had many Museum of Flight Volunteers that were incredible. But we also had volunteers who  dropped by to help out the last day, that were not part of the museum staff. 

Daniel Sallee, a pilot for Kenmore Air, and Rachel Sallee, an Engineer for Boeing... gave up their Sunday afternoon to help. And what a help they were.

Rachel and Daniel Sallee

Daniel had plans to fly his plane, but he was on call and working on the ground was a better choice for him and his company. Next year I suspect we'll have him in the air.  Daniel and Rachel, thank you both for helping out! It was great to see you again.

Thank The Pilots: 

Now it is your turn to thank your pilots. Giving your time and energy (not to mention the unspoken word of expense) is a GIFT that should not go unnoticed. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you all for your effort. 

Oh... and we have winners of the book Fly Girl! For everyone who commented... you won a book! I even have a few books for the young men too. Email me your mailing address and I'll send a book. Karlene.Petitt@gmail.com

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene