As only a freshman, Samuel Mahan has flown alone in a small airplane with an instructor.
Mahan first discovered this love for aviation while on a flight to California in first grade with his family. This became his passion, and has shaped who he is as a person.
“I’ve always thought it was cool just being able to take off and fly almost 30,000 feet in the air,” Mahan said. “It’s interesting to be able to operate a big piece of machinery and take lots of people to their destinations.”
After first flying in a plane to California, Mahan decided to take his interest further. A few years later, he joined EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), a club with over 200,000 members worldwide. This gave him many opportunities to further his passion with his twin brother, Will, who also shares this interest.
“One notable opportunity that made us closer together is that the aviation club that we were a part of went on a tour of Duncan Aviation at the Lincoln airport,” Will said. “Being able to see all the private jets and how they maintain and renovate the private jets was very cool, and the whole experience brought us closer together.”
When Sam was given the chance to fly with an instructor in a private plane, he quickly accepted. EAA gives out one opportunity for people ages 8-17 to fly in a plane for free as an introduction. This is one of his favorite memories within his aviation journey.
“I felt exhilarated because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Sam said. “And I remember it being a little scary, but I was mostly thrilled and happy.”
Sam hopes to continue and fulfill his dream of becoming an airline pilot in the future, along with his brother. This takes up most of his free time, whether it is reading, planning, or learning more about aviation.
“Hopefully I’ll start training here soon,” Sam said. “It just takes a while and I am not legally allowed to become a private pilot till I’m 17. So I want to wait until then, but I won’t have to wait awhile.”
These plans are fueled by his love for planes, but doubts do still get in the way.
“Sometimes I fear that it may be too hard for me, or that something medical might stop me,” Sam said. “ Then I think I wouldn’t be able to complete it. I just wouldn’t be able to accomplish that.”
Even though he has doubts, his brother Will still believes in him, which helps him keep going.
“Sam talks about aviation almost everyday,” Will said. “He does seem very passionate about achieving his goal. He spends some days studying aviation and airplanes to hopefully be ready for when he eventually will start flight training.”
