Training Tip: The meaning of 'Learn to Fly Here'
An email recently arrived from the president of a local aviation organization that I dare say has played an irreplaceable role in this region’s aviation story.
David Stansfield, a University of Maine fourth-year mechanical engineering student and president of the University Flying Club, wrote: “This is an exciting announcement that today marks the 50th anniversary of the University Flying Club! This is a major milestone for the club, because it goes to show that for the last 50 years we've had continuous interest in aviation, and we've had motivated members to keep the club running smoothly. With the same motivation from amazing members, the club can continue to grow and offer new opportunities to individuals for countless years to come!”
The magic lies in making flight training a high priority, in giving key training milestones like cross-countries and checkrides a clean shot at the schedule.
My first student in the club’s Cessna 152 trainer in 1992 was a high-schooler visiting from Norway who already flew gliders and would go on to become a military pilot.Two other ex-students, both “Maine kids,” now fly for major airlines; I was pleased to write a letter of recommendation for one when she applied to the Air National Guard. There were older pilots, rusty pilots, ex-aircraft owners, intro rides, photo shoots, and sightseeing with friends as a club instructor or member.
Flight training asks commitments of time and resources. The club has excelled as a cost-killer, helping many who might otherwise have never flown earn a pilot ticket.
Aviation is social. Monthly club meetings, often held in a warm room on campus with snow flying outside, bring members together to manage club affairs, learn about aircraft care from maintenance officer reports, and enjoy aviation videos.
Ever join in a Saturday airplane wash? Gives new meaning to getting your feet wet in aviation.
For 50 years the club has navigated belt-tightening times followed by upswings when the aircraft fleet expanded (from one to two) to meet demand, now including a glass cockpit.
If there’s a hall of fame for flying clubs out there, this club deserves enshrinement.
Happy fiftieth anniversary to the University Flying Club and its members past and present.
Dan Namowitz
