KINGMAN — The Experimental Aviation Association followed up its Young Eagles youth program last month with another Learn to Fly event that is geared for adults. This was the third time the Kingman chapter of EAA conducted an event like this for adults and the attendance was better than anticipated, according to organizers.
The event featured speakers from the world of aviation. Pilots and flight instructors spoke about the many opportunities in aviation, emphasizing the types of training required for each license.
Unlike EAA’s Young Eagles event, which promotes career pathways for children and young adults, this event covered a wide range of information from a diverse audience. Attendees for the event ranged in age from 11 to 71.
Joe Shebly owns Route 66 Aviation, a flight school that operates at the Kingman Airport. During his talk, he told attendees what they might expect if they wanted to obtain a pilot’s license through his school. He said that in six to eight weeks, a student can realistically get a license and it would likely cost $15,000–20,000.
The General Manager of Kingman Airport, Doug Breckenridge, also spoke at the event. He emphasized the many opportunities that will be opening up to those looking to get into the aviation industry at the airport. “Our airport is going to grow alongside our community,” he said.
Doug Breckenridge, Kingman Airport General Manager, speaking at the event.
The Kingman Airport is a Fixed Base Operator (FBO), which means it offers private aviation services. The local aviation-based businesses at the airport include a composite shop, two aircraft storage companies, an aircraft upholstery company, and an aircraft painting company.
Breckinridge says the goal is to one day become a “one stop shop” that can provide any type of service a plane might need. Presently, the airport lacks an avionics shop and a motor shop.
The future of Kingman’s Airport was discussed throughout the day. “Kingman’s come a long way in the last ten years,” said Dave Amspoker, Vice Chair of the EAA Kingman chapter and Chair of the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park Advisory Commission. He echoed the airport manager’s sentiment that the airport is destined to become a one-stop shop for aviation.
EAA is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts that is based in Wisconsin, which now boasts over 300,000 members in nearly 1,000 chapters worldwide.
