14
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
Another flight science student solos in Sisters
The Flight Science pro-
gram has added another stu-
dent to its list of solo pilots.
Andrew Mayes, a senior at
Sisters High School, accom-
plished the milestone of his
first solo last weekend in
Outlaw Aviation’s Cessna
172 trainer plane.
“My goal is to earn my
private pilot certificate before
I leave for college in fall,”
said Mayes.
To achieve this, Mayes
will need to pass a written
exam, an oral exam, and an
in-flight check-ride with an
FAA Designated Examiner.
“I will be busy flying and
preparing this summer,” he
said.
Mayes intends to make
a career in aviation. He has
been accepted into the U.S.
Air Force ROTC program at
Utah State in fall, where he
plans to study history. Once
he earns his degree, he hopes
to be accepted into Air Force
flight training. Although
flight training is extremely
competitive, already holding
a private pilot certificate will
give Mayes a distinct advan-
tage. After retiring from the
Air Force, Mayes then hopes
to fly commercially for a
major airline.
The Flight Science course
at SHS is a challenging and
popular elective sequence
running the entire year, inte-
grating the study of aerody-
namics, physics, chemistry,
navigation, and meteorol-
ogy. The class helps prepare
students to pass the rigorous
FAA Private Pilot written
exam. Mayes lists the Flight
Science course as one of his
favorite classes at SHS, and
plans to take the FAA written
exam early this summer.
In addition to the academic
study of the ground school,
students pursuing their pri-
vate pilot license must train in
an actual aircraft with a certif-
icated flight instructor (CFI).
Sam Monte, the flight instruc-
tor for Outlaw Aviation at the
Sisters Airport, is a gradu-
ate of the COCC Aviation
Department.
“Andrew is a natural avia-
tor. He has only logged 17
hours of flight instruction in
an airplane, and he was ready
to solo,” Monte said.
While the academic
ground school curriculum is
free to students at SHS, flight
instruction costs are not cov-
ered by the school. Mayes
has been awarded scholar-
ships to pay for flight instruc-
tion. Outlaw Aviation, owned
by Benny and Julie Benson
of the Sisters Airport, also
provides a matching schol-
arship fund. For all funds a
student brings to their flight
training, whether it’s from
other scholarships such as
The Roundhouse Foundation
or AOPA, or from family con-
tributions, the Bensons match
those funds through credit
with Outlaw Aviation.
“Becoming a pilot takes a
lot of dedication. We are so
proud of Andrew and what
he has accomplished, and the
incredible young man he has
become. Andrew is work-
ing very hard learning to fly.
We are so grateful that he has
the support of these scholar-
ships and the Bensons; oth-
erwise Andrew would not
have the opportunity to fly
while in high school,” said
Molly Mayes, Andrew’s
mother.
Year-round
FIREWOOD
SALES
— Kindling —
PHOTO PROVIDED
Andrew Mayes, with flight instructor Sam Monte, plans to enter Air force
flight training.
SAVE
S
AVV E GAS.
G AS. EX
EXTEND TIRE LIFE.
Schedule your
alignment
today!
a l
—
—
SISTERS
FOREST PRODUCTS
541-410-4509
SistersForestProducts.com
541-549-1026
541
54
5 4 9 1 0 26
DAVIS TIRE
188 W. Sisters Park Dr. In Sisters Industrial Park across from SnoCap Mini Storage
Serving Sisters Since 1962.
Congratulations,
SHS Graduates!
Your Care wishes you a healthy dose of success!
Your Care...
Sisters’ Choice for Walk-In and Urgent Care!
541-548-2899 3818 SW 21st Pl.
Hwy. 126 to Redmond, two turns
and you’re there! (Near fairgrounds)
YourCareMedical.com
Summer or Long-Term
LMTs & Nail Techs
Flexible Schedule
Competitive Pay Plus Great Tips
Sign-On Bonus • Free Golf • Free Pool Use
Free SUP/Kayak/Canoe Rentals
View available positions and apply online at
BlackButteRanch.com or call 541-595-1523