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Enjoy the sounds of the @culver_props workshop, then check out the link in our bio to watch the full video!
Video by: @dtulis, @sensen.something, @michelle_m_walker, #flywithaopa
Post of the month
Inspiring woman
The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum at the Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport in Atchison, Kansas, celebrated its grand opening this weekend. The museum celebrates Earhart’s legacy and will serve as a place to inspire all generations.
@flywithaopa #flywithaopa
Pilot of the month
Meet Liam Hawkins
The pilot behind the ‘anomaly’
By Niki Britton
Liam Hawkins’ Mooney M20F, dubbed the “Mooney Anomaly,” rocked the aviation world with its colorful and polarizing paint scheme. Let’s take a closer look at the pilot behind the anomaly.
Hawkins always had a fascination with aviation but his fear of flight and of not being in complete control kept him from pursuing this would-be passion. It wasn’t until eight years ago, at the age of 34, that Hawkins decided it was time to face his fears and take to the skies. “It didn’t come easy,” Hawkins said, “but I pushed through, taking things easy when I felt I needed to, and pushing hard when I felt it would be productive.” The process paid off, and nine months later Hawkins was a private pilot, and now with more than 725 hours he currently holds the most time in a Diamond DA-40 but hopes to surpass that amount of time in the Mooney Anomaly.
Starting from a place of fear to becoming a comfortable, confident, and competent pilot, Hawkins offers this advice to aspiring aviators: “Like anything else worth earning in life, it can be a challenge and may not come easy for you. Do not let that cause stress or let it discourage you. Many people have a hard time training or studying for the exams. If you’re having trouble with maneuvers, studying, or if you’re experiencing anxiety related to your training, tell your CFI, or even tell a different CFI. Talk to your friends and your mentors. Allow yourself the time to slow the pace if necessary. Work through one item at a time and take on the challenges as they come. Eventually, all of this can come together as one big picture and you’ll be able to build a great foundation for flying.”
@liam_goes_adventuring
On your screen
Time machine
The Junkers A50 will take you back to the golden age of flight, circa 1920. Open cockpit, tandem seating, but with an updated panel; this is retro flying with a modern twist.
Fly-in vineyard
In the rolling hills of Paso Robles, California, is Halter Ranch, a restored airstrip in the middle of a winery. Fly in, have a glass, and stay overnight in one of the cottages made just for pilots.
Michelle Curran is ‘Mace’
She’s the first female lead solo U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot. Curran says she realized that the best part of her experience was inspiring others to overcome their fears.
View the video
These and other videos can be accessed in the AOPA Pilot Digital Edition and on YouTube.
aopa.org/digitaleditions
Voices of aviation
Hear the story behind the story from incredible pilots, policy makers, and the people who make flying real.
aopa.org/hangartalk
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