Born On Leap Day, They Both Earn Certificates On The First Day They Are Eligible

Twins born on February 29th are fairly rare. Twins born on February 29th who both have earned private pilot licenses on the same day after celebrating only four birthdays is an achievement worthy of notice. Classic Aviation in Pella, IA is proud to announce that Dan Fredrickson and Josh Fredrickson twin brothers from Pella who were born on February 29 in a leap year, passed their private pilot checkrides on March 1, 2013 - the first day that they were eligible for the test.  Dan and Josh took their checkrides with an FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner at the Pella Municipal Airport on March 1, 2013, the first day that they were eligible.  Dan and Josh completed their first solos as student pilots one year earlier. 

Dan and Josh completed all their training at Classic Aviation, the FBO at Pella Municipal Airport (KPEA). They were often asked who would take their checkride first, and the answer was simple, Josh would. Dan had flown first during the last lesson before the checkride, and they take turns. Larry Vande Voort was their primary instructor and has been working with the boys since their first lesson at age 13. Larry worked with the boys this summer to complete their tailwheel endorsement in Classic’s Citabria. Dan and Josh have also received instruction multiple other aircraft including complex and high performance airplanes. Dan and Josh are juniors at Pella Christian High School, and have worked part time at Classic Aviation for two years. Both Dan and Josh say they would like to pursue aviation careers. 

When asked if they would recommend learning to fly to other high school students Dan responded “I would tell them to ‘go for it.’ Hard work pays off and in the end it’s very satisfying.” and Josh responded Flying is just about the best thing that has happened to me, so I would recommend it to other students. When asked if they had any heroes in aviation Dan picked Bob Hoover, and Josh picked Chuck Yeager.

(Pictured L-R Dan and Josh Fredrickson)

FMI: www.flyclassicaviation.com