Blessed with sunny days and starry nights, local student pilots benefited immensely from the amazing summer weather. After months of hard work and determination, four students earned their private pilot licenses this summer. Our new pilots are Katheryn Thurman (right), Alan Stippich, Walker Mead, and Jon Dunham.

Katheryn Thurman graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in June, 2003, and earned her wings in July. Katheryn was able to balance classes from high school and still put in many hours of studying and training for her license. Katheryn has aspirations of becoming a commercial pilot and flying for the airlines or a corporation. She left Bonners Ferry in August to begin a new chapter in her life at Jacksonville University where she will pursue her dreams.

Alan Stippich earned his license for the mere joy and pleasure of flying. He is currently in search of an aircraft to purchase for personal use. Alan enjoys flying so much that he is considering an instrument rating or even trying helicopters to see what they are like. Alan stated, “Flying is a better way to travel, and it is fun to see everything from above. You can see what everyone has in their backyard.” Alan had fun with his flight training, but also knew when to be serious. His private license is just the beginning of a lifelong aviation adventure.

Walker Mead (left) earned his license in August and would one day like to be an aviation mechanic. His mechanical background, combined with his interest in aviation, will make him an accomplished aviation mechanic. His long tern goals include obtaining an aerospace engineering degree. Walker described his flight training as “fun.” He said, “After I soloed, I realized how much I enjoyed flying.” He values the feeling of freedom that comes with flying an airplane and compared it with the sense of freedom that comes from riding a motorbike. The educational part of flying appealed to Walker, for it “opened my eyes to a whole new world.”

Jon Dunham described his flight training as “wonderful,” and he appreciated the patience of the instructors. Jon studied countless hours for his checkride. We trained and trained until all the maneuvers were well within private pilot standards. He lives in Libby and made the drive to Bonners Ferry two to three times a week religiously. He attended ground school despite the long drive. He was always excited and eager to fly, and no matter how much he would learn about aviation, it was never enough. The more he learned, the more he wanted to learn. The extensive effort that he put into his license made obtaining his license even more special. He told me, “I floated out of the airplane when I passed my test.” Jon stated that earning his license was, “one of the hardest and most important things I have ever done.”

Jon just cannot get enough of aviation, for a couple of days after earning his license he was already studying for his instrument rating. Jon is currently a mechanic in Libby, but his future goals are in aviation. Jon wants to become an instructor and share the joy of flying with others. Recently, Jon flew with his wife, Kathy. They enjoyed their flight tremendously. “Nothing is as exhilarating as flying and seeing things from the air.”