Friday photo: Granddaughter, Paris Jones, first solo

The moment: Granddaughter’s first solo

The pilot: Paris Jones

The place: Sumner County Regional Airport (KXNX), Gallatin, TN

The aircraft: Piper Archer II (PA28-181)

The memory: Our oldest grandchild, Paris Jones, soloed on January 18th, 2019 at Sumner County Regional Airport in Gallatin, TN, just outside of Nashville. She began her lessons last summer, and her current goal is to attain her Private Pilot’s License before her 18th birthday in April. Her instructor is Steve Stryker. She plans on attending Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY this fall in their Professional Flight Program. Her long-term goal is to be an airline pilot, beginning her career just as I’m ending mine.

After 40 years at American Airlines I’m excited that so many young adults like Paris are discovering aviation as a career again. For a long time it wasn’t this way, and the efforts of organizations like Sporty’s, AOPA, EAA and others is having a positive effect. No word can describe how happy and proud of her we are. – Mike Haraseviat

 

Want to share your “Friday Photo” of your solo or checkride moment? Send your photo and description (using the format above) to: [email protected]