Jim Koepnick's Aviation Imagery Shows Us The Origins Of A New Aviator

Ever have one of THOSE Days? You know, the ones that dig into your soul and chip away until the day seems to be heading for the dumper at a breathtaking rate? Well... it was beginning to look like it was going to be one of THOSE... again.

That is, until I saw something inspiring on our good friend, Jim Koepnick's, Facebook page. If you don't know Jim, you should. Koepnick provided stunning imagery and a truly human touch to the visual outreach of EAA for many years until getting caught up in the wholesale house-cleaning that occurred during Rod Hightower's leadership of the organization. Without so much as a fare-thee-well, Jim and a lot of other really great people wound up without jobs... an action that should have soured them all on aviation, the flying community, what have you... but not Jim.

He's gone on to build a decent after-life, post-EAA, and I'm happy to say that the joy that he brought to the aviation world via his extensive photographic efforts is not even close to being complete. Independently, Jim is doing a whole lot of photographic work, staying as close to aviation as he can... and now and then, reminding us as to why this aviation world is so precious, after all.

And that's the reason my day in the dumper took a turn for the better... as Jim captured one of those unique moments moments in aviation that we all know... and share too seldom... but none-the-less bind us all together as a family of flyers. Seeing this pix made my day... and brightened my outlook for all the days since. But enough of MY narrative... let Jim Koepnick tell this story HIS way. -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C.

Remember the word "family" as you read this...

...While you were sleeping this morning, a newly minted 16 year old was wide awake preparing for a birthday he will always remember. Luke Lachendro was going to take his road test for his driver's license this morning. After, of course, he completed his first solo in the family Cub.

It was dark outside when I arrived at Wisconsin Aviation at the Dodge County Airport. The smile on Luke's face, however, lit up the inside of the FBO. As the minutes crept closer to dawn and engine start, friends and family started packing the cheering section. The cold cheering section, I might add. 23 degrees, cold wind, dreary sky. After Luke's dad, Ed (or should I say Eeeeeddddiiiieee, as I've always called him) did a quick check of the condition with the Cub, Luke was on his own.

With more confidence than I ever had at 16, Luke taxied to "20" and was off in a flash with the head wind. A quick circle of the airport and he floated the Cub in for a landing. Or 2 landings, as Ed would kid him later, because of the wind.

That memorable moment was over so quickly...but will be remembered for so long of a time. Remembered by Luke. And remembered by his aviation family. Those of us gathered there. And those keeping track on Facebook. Because we all are family. It just seems to be that way for those with aviation in their blood. Just like we will all follow Luke's journey of flight and life.

Thanks, Jim... and Congrats to Luke and the rest of his family. Welcome to the aviation world--from the rest of your aviation family!

FMI: www.facebook.com/#!/jkoepnick/media_set?set=a.10202679445963362.1073741866.1114848825&type=1