May 17, 2011 —Travis Morton is a little like the Energizer Bunny. He has kept going and going, earning more and more ratings, since he first earned his private pilot license.
Now he’s opened his own flight school, in hopes of sharing his love of flight with others.
Morton said he got interested in aviation when he was about 12 after his neighbor, a pilot, recommended he go to the Sonoma Skypark, California, for a Young Eagles ride.
Although that flight occurred 10 years ago, Morton still recalls it today. “It was a 182, and I was sitting in the back seat,” he said. “I remember the sensation of first taking off and flying right after takeoff. I was a timid kid and I was really scared of flying.”
But not too scared to do it again. And again and again since EAA Chapter 1268 hosts monthly Young Eagles events at the Skypark Airport. In fact, from 1999 to 2004, Morton took a dozen Young Eagle flights in airplanes ranging from a Cessna 172 or 182, to an Aeronca 7AC Champ, Ercoupe, and Kitfox.
From that first ride, Morton knew he somehow wanted to be involved in aviation. By 19, he obtained his private pilot certificate and within the year, had earned his commercial license, with multi-engine, tail-wheel and high performance ratings. (And he bought Bellanca tail-wheel airplane along the way.) When the flight school closed, Morton, 22, decided to open up his own school so the Sonoma area wouldn’t be left without one.
On April 1, he opened Sonoma Valley Flying Club with three flight instructors. “They were all flight instructors of mine at one time so I know they are good,” he said, laughing. In addition to the flight school, the business offers airplane rentals and sky tours. Students can fly his Bellanca or a Cessna Skyhawk 172.
With about 750 hours in his logbook, Morton is also working to become a certified aerobatics flight instructor. He said he plans to begin teaching aerobatics, as well as competing, in his Bellanca.
Morton said the community’s response has been very positive. “There have been articles in the newspapers, and the airport community has been super supportive. People with lots of experience have been my mentors…and have been willing to help me if I have a question.”
But Morton has also served as a mentor through EAA Chapter 1268. He has given more than 30 youth Young Eagles flights, and often works the ground school at flight rallies, explaining how airplanes work. The chapter holds rallies every month of the year except December.
In addition, Morton is president of the EAA chapter. How did he become president? “I missed the nomination meeting and was voted president,” he said, joking. “But really, as president I just make sure things get done. Our board of directors and our officers are great, and everyone does their part.”
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Travis Morton poses with Young Eagle Emmanuel Burke, 13, of Sonoma, California, during a May 2011 Young Eagles rally. Photo courtesy of Travis Morton
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