From 'Tweety' to United
How a bright yellow Cessna 150 propelled one pilot to the airlines
In 2016, AOPA awarded a refurbished Cessna 150 to the newly formed Nate Abel Flying Club in Fort Worth, Texas. The club's members nicknamed it "Tweety," and it became a frequent training aircraft for aspiring aviators.
"The club was an awesome support system," Lindberg said.
Because the airplane had been donated, flight lessons cost less than at many flight schools in the area. Club members also volunteered their time. Airline, military, and corporate pilots offered mentorship, ground instruction, and advice.
As a high school senior, Lindberg received a scholarship through the club that helped him complete his private pilot certificate.
He later attended Oklahoma State University, where he continued his flight training and earned additional ratings. His first year was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily slowed down flight operations and training. After graduating, Lindberg stayed at the university as a flight instructor. "Learning how to teach was a different challenge," he said. "You need a deeper understanding of the material when you are explaining it to someone else."
After more than a year as a flight instructor, he joined Envoy Air through a university pathway program. He spent about two years at the regional airline before being hired by United in late 2025.
Today, Lindberg flies the Boeing 737 and hopes to eventually move to United's 787 or 777 for long-haul international flying.
Looking back, he credits much of his progress to the people who supported him early in his training. Among them was Tom Barry, one of the club's founders and a mentor who stayed involved in a member's progress long after they earned their certificates.
Lindberg's advice to new pilots: Focus on what you can control. "There are always going to be delays and things outside your control," he said. "The best thing you can do is prepare, study, and take advantage of the opportunities in front of you."
