Age 12
The flight that started it all
An orientation flight in a small Cessna through Civil Air Patrol opened a door I didn’t know existed. One flight, and the course was set.
One flight changed everything.
I took my first flight at 12, in a Civil Air Patrol Cessna. That single moment set the course for my whole life. Young Aviators Lab exists to give other kids that same moment.
The journey: cadet to captain
From a Cessna at 12 to the flight deck.
Age 16
My Early Mentors
Clay Wilkins took aviation seriously, and took me seriously. He opened doors and showed me what was possible. Mentorship is a cycle, and it started with him.
Age 17
Becoming a Pilot
Civil Air Patrol became the proving ground. I soloed and earned my private pilot certificate at 17, building confidence one flight at a time.
Age 18-22
Studying and Living Aviation
At Purdue University, I advanced my flight training, became a flight instructor, towed gliders, and earned my A&P mechanic certificate. Aviation was daily life.
Age 21-22
Long Days. Real Flying.
Two summers towing gliders in busy Northeast airspace meant changing weather, dense traffic, and nonstop decision-making. It was disciplined flying that sharpened judgment and professionalism.
Age 23
Praetor, Around the World
At 23 I started flying the Praetor 500/600 for Flexjet. The role has taken me across oceans and into constantly changing skies, where preparation and discipline keep every flight safe.
FAQ
Questions parents ask first.
What is Young Aviators Lab?
A free, hands-on program where kids learn to think like professional pilots. Instead of memorizing facts, they work through the real decisions pilots make: reading the weather, choosing an aircraft, and making the final go or no-go call.
How much does it cost?
Every program is free, permanently. There is no charge to families. Young Aviators Lab is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely by donations.
What ages is it for?
In-person sessions are built for kids ages 7 to 13. Flight Track, the online career program, is for high school students.
Where are sessions held?
At public libraries across Northern Virginia. Flight 001 was held in Annandale and Flight 002 in Fairfax, with more locations on the way.
What happens in a session?
Kids decode real weather reports, choose the right aircraft for a mission, plan a flight, and defend a go or no-go decision. It is small-group, hands-on, and led by a professional pilot.
Do the kids actually fly an airplane?
The sessions themselves are ground-based, focused on the judgment and decision-making that make a safe pilot. Beyond that, we use donations and sponsorships to send kids on real discovery flights at no cost. After attending a session, a child can sign up to be selected for a free discovery flight, funded entirely by donations.
How do I get my child a seat?
Sessions are kept intentionally small, and they fill fast. Join the list to get early access before any flight opens to the public.
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Most pilots can name the person who changed their life. Most kids can’t. Young Aviators Lab exists to close that gap.