Tyler’s Tailwind

By Tyler Whitney, for Aviation Insider, EAA 1019639 October 3, 2011 — Aviation has exposed me to some interesting activities. I've been able to volunteer my time at activities such as the Young Eagles program and just recently at our local EAA chapter's annual fund-raising event. In August we had our pancake breakfast for pilots and local residents to help us raise money for our Young Eagles program which we hold each May. During this year's event we had pilots fly in from all over Western Michigan. It was amazing to see both local and nonlocal pilots from other areas of the state talk and visit with each other and share their love of aviation. I was privileged to be a part of this group of aviators and met many of the pilots who flew in for the event. Just two weeks later we held our yearly Learn to Fly event where the AMA Aerobats of Michigan bring their remote-controlled (RC) planes. We get small planes, jet planes, helicopters, and even a lawnmower that flies. Unfortunately we had some rain this time, but several of the members flew their helicopters and planes. I still find it amazing that people decided to sit out in the rain to watch these men fly their models. Aviation is a community that brings people together whether it's a large part of their life or people who have never flown. This month I've moved to California from Michigan, so stay tuned to see what new adventures are coming my way. Each issue, Tyler Whitney of California provides a Young Eagle-turned-Young Eagle pilot perspective on aviation. Tyler was the first Young Eagle to pass his private pilot knowledge exam after completing the Sporty's Complete Pilot Training Course.

Tyler Whitney

• 2012 - 02/22 - Borschberg Begins Simulated 72-Hour Solar Flight
• 2012 - 02/20 - NASA Celebrates 50 Years of Americans in Space
• 2012 - 02/16 - Tiny Robots Swarm Fly in Formation
• 2012 - 02/16 - Civil War Balloon Replica to Take Flight This Summer
• 2012 - 02/09 - Application Deadline Approaches for EAA Scholarship