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Sometimes I wonder if I can make a difference in aviation. Maybe you wonder that as well. I’d like to share how someone made a huge difference in my flying—and beyond.
In July 2022, I was a commercially rated single-engine pilot. I had 1,100 total hours and was flying about 95 hours a year. Most of my flying was IFR for work and travel, in the low flight levels. I only got a good look at the ground on departure and arrival. I was current and proficient, but flying strictly as a means to an end.
I was passionate about aviation. I was an EAA member and read, watched, and listened to all things aviation. Yet, I had been to AirVenture only once. It remained on my to-do list every year, but something always seemed to get in the way that last week in July.
In July of 2022, my wife and I finally made it to Oshkosh. As everyone knows, Oshkosh is the Mecca for aviation. Since I hadn’t been in decades—and my wife had never been—we were enthusiastic and tried to soak it all in. There was a lot of walking, and while my wife enjoys looking at airplanes and watching the airshow, her interest isn’t quite at my level.
In July of 2022, my wife and I finally made it to Oshkosh.
One afternoon, while my wife took a break, I went on a solo exploration. It was during this time that a chance encounter would change everything. I walked by a Lancair covered in sponsor logos, with large numbers on the tail. I noticed several other airplanes with similar numbers. I had stumbled into parking for the AirVenture Cup Race.
While reading a sign describing the event, a gentleman approached me and asked if I had any questions. We started a conversation that day that would develop into a friendship—and though he doesn’t like to admit it—a mentorship as well.
A chance encounter during a solo exploration at AirVenture would lead to a friendship and mentorship.
WM walked me around the AVC parking area. He showed me his aircraft and told me about several others. He knew the planes and the pilots who flew them. He filled me in on the race and the friendships that had formed through the annual gathering. He asked about my flying, and while my experience was minimal compared to his, he encouraged me to attend the race the following year.
I can’t explain why, but that hour-long conversation lit an ember in me. I found my wife and told her about the race. We put it on the calendar for the following year, and for the first time in a long while, I had a flight scheduled for no other reason than to have fun.
That hour-long conversation lit an ember in me and I put the AirVenture Cup Race on the calendar for the following year.
Back home, I started looking for flights outside my comfort zone. I became current in tailwheel flying. The more I flew for enjoyment, the more I enjoyed flying. The more I flew, the more types of aircraft I wanted to fly. The more I flew, the better I wanted to fly. I started pushing my skill set with CFIs and more challenging goals.
Flying became therapeutic for me. I would leave work, go for an hour flight, and find that I left the stress behind on the ramp. My wife joined me on many of these flights, and she really enjoys our “flights to nowhere” now.
Three years later, I’ve added multiengine land and seaplane ratings to my certificate. I’ve logged more than 1,200 hours and fly over 300 hours a year. My wife and I have made three consecutive AVC races and AirVentures, and we’re looking forward to our fourth. These events are now chiseled into our calendar.
My wife and I have made three consecutive AVC races and AirVentures, and we’re looking forward to our fourth.
As for the “beyond,” I’ve made so many new friends through these flying adventures that I consider myself truly blessed. The stories, knowledge, support, and camaraderie shared along the way are priceless.
I don’t want to oversell this, but I’m also healthier now. The hours I spend flying are hours I’d otherwise spend sitting at home, mindlessly snacking. Now we fly to places that lead to hiking and exploring. I can even carry more luggage because I carry less weight around my middle.
WM is too modest to accept credit for my renewed flying life, but I’m deeply thankful for that chance encounter. I’m trying to pay it forward. I’m a mentor at the AVC Race now. I’ve given several discovery flights for those curious about aviation. I make it a point to introduce myself to strangers looking at my airplane and see if I can answer a question or two.
Hopefully, I can play a small part in someone else’s aviation journey. You can too. If you have any passion for flying, say hello to a curious onlooker. You never know what you might help them—or yourself—discover.
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- Lucky to Fly - November 3, 2025
Just wait until you have some health issues, and you start fighting with the FAA. Then your love of aviation will really be put to the test. Is it really worth it to fly for fun / hobby, when you’re constantly filling out forms, email, and telephone calls in your downtime? Define fun / hobby was my take on it. Then have a pilot deviation / argument with ATC. That’s when the fun REALLY starts. I’m just glad that I’m a rental pilot. I would have sold off an aircraft years ago and called it a day