Able Flight Class of 2022 Will Receive Their Wings at EAA AirVenture
Dick Knapinski
Able Flight’s “Class of 2022” at Purdue with their instructors on the first day of instruction in late May.
designated pilot examiner Brian Dillman
in a photo taken just minutes after Chen
passed his checkride.
Six new Able Flight pilots who use wheelchairs will be honored at a pilot wings pinning ceremony at EAA AirVenture on Tuesday, July 26, at 10 a.m. at Theater in the Woods. All six use wheelchairs, and include a veteran wounded in combat and another veteran who became disabled through an accident. Andy Burnette, Ryan Chen, Stephanie Cibello, Austin “Chance” Field, Nathaniel Miller, and Chris Murad earned their pilot certificates during the scholarship organization’s intensive training program at Purdue University between late May and early July.
The pilots will also be honored individually at the ceremony as recipients of scholarships provided by ForeFlight, Tempest Aero Group, and Muncie Aviation. And this year, Able Flight will recognize the first two scholarships honoring the support of Zack Reising (Blue 7 Scholarship) and Adam Kisielewski (U.S. Marine Corps, retired).
2022 marks the 12th year of Able Flight’s partnership with Purdue University, and its 16th year of providing full-ride flight-training scholarships and aviation career training scholarships. Able Flight has 83 certificated pilots, including several who have earned multiple pilot certificates. Special guests will include Aviation Hall of Fame inductee Patty Wagstaff and Jessica Cox, along with representatives of the TBM Owners and Pilots Association Foundation.
