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Eagle's Nest Projects - Matthew Malcomb 1st Solo 16th B/D

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Matthew Malcomb - 1st Solo / 16th Birthday (Jan 1st)
Eagle's Nest Projects - Circle Christian School (FL)

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Matthew celebrated his 16th birthday (new years day) at Sanford International Airport proving to world and himself that he was both qualified and proficient to conduct solo flight in a Van's RV-12, specifically EN-10, the very aircraft he and a team of students at Circle Christian School built under the supervision of the Eagle's Nest Projects STEM education program.

Matthew is an exceptional young man who strives for excellence in every aspect of his life. His solo check ride and 1st solo flight were no exception. A few days before Matthew's birthday, Tim Billon, Matthew's supervising CFI spent several hours with Matthew and went through the equivalent of a PPL written and practical test. Check ride complete and passed with flying colors. Tim reported that Matthew handled all radio communications into and out of Class C & B airspace and nailed every section of the PTS, including crosswind landings at near maximum limits. Tim also remarked to Matthew's dad that without question Matthew had a better working knowledge of aircraft systems than most pilots. Plans were then made for the big day. Meet on his birthday at Sanford International then fly to Massey Airpark, a nearby uncontrolled field, for his solo flight.

The long awaited day finally arrived... New years day, Matthew's 16th birthday, and the day for his 1st solo flight. Matthew arrived at Sanford International shortly after daybreak to make certain his aircraft, EN-10, was perfect in every way. But as the time approached for his CFI to arrive, his hope of a 1st solo flight on his birthday was quickly vanishing - weather at Massey Airpark had deteriorated to IFR and Sanford was reporting MVFR. Matthew maintained a positive outward attitude, but we all know how he must have felt down deep. Tim Billon, Matthew's CFI, arrived on schedule and a decision was made to wait one hour for VFR at Sanford before scrubbing his long awaited birthday present. Thirty minutes into the wait it turned VFR at Sanford and was forecast to remain VFR for at least the next hour. The rest is history. After a brief check ride with his CFI, Matthew completed his mandatory three landings to a full stop and nailed every one! Happy 16th Birthday, Matthew!! You make us all very proud.

Aside: Matthew's cousin, Austin Malcomb, participated in the build of Eagle's Nest One at North Vernon HS in Indiana and also soloed on his 16th birthday. When Matthew called Austin to share his news, he couldn't help but insert a "one-up" card sharing with Austin that he completed HIS solo at an International airport and received endorsements to fly a 25 mile radius of Sanford International and into Orlando's Class B airspace. Matthew is one of those acorns that fell very close to the tree. His parents, Scott and Sara, are outstanding Christians and loving parents.
 
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A beautiful story, Ernie.

Nice to see this happening right here in Central Florida.

(and yes, Massey was IFR here the past 4 mornings...)
 
Congrats!

Congrats! Looking forward to the day when we can do the same with our ENP RV-12 here in Virginia. Now on to your Private Pilot's license!
 
Congratulations! It makes me feel so warm and fuzzy when I see this happening. Attempts to make the same thing happen in my area have not met with any success.
 
Does he have another Eagles Nest tee shirt?

Congrate to all Eagles Nest students and mentors.

Jim
 
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