Student Inspired by Flight with Sean Tucker

May 28, 2015 - Sean D. Tucker provided another student with the flight of a lifetime Thursday, May 28, in advance of his performance this weekend at the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show in Providence. Ron Cloutier, Jr., a freshman at Apponequet Regional High School, in Lakeville, Massachusetts, flew with the EAA Young Eagles chairman in the Team Oracle Extra 300 L.

It was not the first time Ron Jr. and Sean had met; the National Aviation hall of famer has performed at the annual Providence air show for several years and in 2012, the youngster got his autograph. “This had a profound impact on my son’s interest in aviation and he has expressed becoming a pilot since the 5th grade,” said his father, Ron Sr.

Which made it that much more exciting for the youngster on May 14, his birthday, when his parents told him he had been chosen for Sean’s Young Eagles flight this week.

“Sean Tucker and Team Oracle have been a part of our air show for quite some time now and no doubt have sparked the interest of many young aviation enthusiasts across the country, with my son being one of them,” Ron Sr. said. “(Ron Jr.) has expressed taking flying lessons already and I think the Young Eagle program and this once in a lifetime opportunity will only reinforce his interests in aviation.”

See Sean perform in the Oracle Challenger III biplane this weekend, May 30-31, at Quonset State Airport. Gates open at 9 a.m. with flying starting at 10 a.m.