Cessna 150, Blanik Glider, And A Piper Twin Already In The Young Man's Logbook

A solo flight series showcasing one young man’s efforts to learn to fly three different kinds of aircraft has been successfully accomplished over the weekend, beginning with a spectacular night three ship formation flight launched at midnight, on October 14, 2012.

The day began early for Drew Gryder of Hampton, Georgia as he sat strapped in his single engine Cessna 150 aircraft positioned on the center line of a 3700 foot runway at midnight. FAA regulations specify that an individual be 16 years of age to fly as the sole occupant of an aircraft – that threshold occurring at 12:01 a.m. by Drew’s calculations. Positioned within a few feet behind him to his left and right on the same runway were two more Cessnas. Together, the three Cessnas simultaneously lifted off as planned for the highly unusual night element formation takeoff; at the instant he became legal to do so. Flying off Drew’s left and right wings were his father, Dan Gryder, and local friend Scotty Collins.

After a good night’s sleep, Drew used the daylight and perfect weather remaining the next day to also fly solo as the pilot in command of a Blanik K-7 glider, as well as a Piper twin engine aircraft. The planning for this special event was begun more than two years ago, and significant effort was made to ensure safety through rigorous training prior to the execution.

Key industry data now indicates a worldwide pilot demand exceeding 460,000 new pilots over the next twenty years. This information is based on data recently released by The Boeing Company in its 2012 Current Market Outlook. One reason given for this gap is the apparent lack of motivation for young people to enter the aviation field as a career path. To demonstrate hope that young people can be inspired to pursue and succeed in aviation, Drew planned and executed this incredible series of solo flights on his sixteenth birthday.

In response to questions after the events were all safely completed, Drew underscored his motivation for the project. “I would love to be able to fly as a career pilot someday, but I also wanted to show other kids that age 14 and 15 is not too young to start, and that they can also fly. To other kids my age, I would say to stay in school, get good grades, and work hard on whatever career they are interested in. Aviation is a rewarding career, the pilot shortage is here, and it just might as well be us that will fill those cockpit seats. We can do this!”

(Pictured: Drew Gryder aboard the Blanik K-7 glider)

FMI: www.faa.gov/pilots/become