In September 2000, 17-year-old Douglas Holland took his first Young Eagles flight in a PA-28-140 Cherokee flown by Larry Garner of EAA Chapter 172.
“I had flown commercial once before, but this was my first general aviation experience,” Holland said. “It was an exciting experience with people who seemed equally enthusiastic as me.”
His enthusiasm has never waned. In August 2001, Holland received his private pilot certificate, and in 2006, he graduated with a degree in aerospace engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Today the 25-year-old is flying on AC-130 Gunships, the heavily armed ground attack airplane used by the U.S. Air Force, as an electronic warfare officer.
Holland and his wife, stationed at Hurlburt Field at Fort Walton Beach in Florida, are planning to stay in the Air Force for now; however, even when he ends his Air Force career, his career will likely revolve around aviation, he said. “I may pursue engineering, contracting, or a small business.”
But one thing is certain — he will keep flying.
Holland says he currently has about 120 hours, most in a Cessna 172 rented from the Eglin Aero Club. And he and his wife, also from ERAU, hope to purchase a plane in the future.
“The Young Eagles is a great program,” Holland said. “We would be glad to participate in encouraging other young minds toward aviation.”
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Doug Holland, now 25, is an electronic warfare officer
on the AC-130 Gunship.
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