AviNation

07/15/2025

Reece Mangrum
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Hennessey, OK

I’ve been drawn to aviation for as long as I can remember. Growing up near Vance Air Force Base, I’d watch the military jets fly overhead and see crop dusters working low over the fields around my hometown. Something about those planes always grabbed my attention. I didn’t know much back then, but I knew I wanted to be the one flying someday.
Since then, I’ve worked hard to turn that childhood dream into reality. I’ve earned my Commercial Pilot Certificate and my Instrument Rating, and I’m currently working toward my Multi-Engine Rating, Complex Endorsement, and both my CFI and CFII. Every step has come with its challenges, but each one has made me a stronger pilot and a more determined person.
My ultimate goal is to start my own agricultural aviation company. I want to combine my passion for flying with the chance to serve farming communities like the one I grew up in. There’s something special about working hard and helping others while doing what you love.
To anyone considering an aviation career, my advice is this: stay motivated. Aviation isn’t easy. It takes time, money, and a lot of persistence, but the reward is absolutely worth it. Keep your head up, keep learning, and don’t lose sight of why you started.

07/12/2025

Come visit us at Oshkosh!

We’re headed to AirVenture!!

That’s right—the future of flight meets the Spirit of Aviation™️!

We will be interviewing the biggest names in the industry and bringing you the best stories from the premier event of the year!

Check us out with AviNation in the Education and Career tent, booth E11 and look for us on the grounds covering the show!

07/10/2025

Julys E-newsletter is ready for you to view!

Iowa Lakes Community College’s Aviation Program recently celebrated a major achievement, completing its 300th FAA check ride since reorganizing in January 2020. Andrew Barbee of Dubuque, Iowa, completed the milestone check ride on May 27, successfully earning his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI...

07/03/2025

Check out our Summer Edition of our AviNation Magazine!

Sneak Peek:
Inspiring the Next Generation in Ohio
10 Years of Reflection: Eagle's Nest Project Wisconsin
and much more...

Click this link to start reading
https://www.avinationusa.com/issue/2025-summer-issue/

07/01/2025

Ethan Hebert
Humble, Tx

Ethan has been interested in aviation and the physics of flight since he was very young. His father took him to the Wings Over Houston Airshow almost every year growing up and that only fueled his interest in the idea of flight. He became obsessed with paper airplanes when he was 9, had a hang glider flight when he was 10, and joined Civil Air Patrol when he was 14. Through CAP he had the opportunity to fly twice in a Cessna 172, once in a glider and after being awarded NCO of the year, had the amazing opportunity to ride back seat in a T-38 Talon during a training mission.

He started flight training in April of this year and just completed his first solo on June 24! He plans to complete his private certificate by end of summer and immediately work toward other ratings, with the dream of flying for the airlines or even starting his own business in aviation.

06/17/2025

Dylan Collins
Crestwood Highschool
Mountain Top, PA

Dylan researched career paths that matched his personality and quickly realized he might want to be a pilot. He asked us if he could try flying. At age 15, he took a discovery flight and fell in love. He came back all smiles. He studied hard and flew when he could. He had many delays due to weather, school, work schedule and travel hockey. He took 12 college credits during this school year, his senior year. He still managed to obtain his PPL at age 17.
Dylan is now 18 and working on his instrument rating at our local FBO. He should complete instrument rating shortly. He’s also going to work on obtaining his complex rating and tail wheel over the summer. This coming fall he will start his online degree in pro flight with Utah Valley University. He plans to complete his degree while continuing flight training. His goal is to obtain his commercial license by age 19. Then he hopes to become a CFI to obtain his hours for the major airlines.
If I asked him, I think his advice to peers would be to prioritize flying and studying for written exams. He also highly recommends working as a lineman at your local FBO. He’s learned a lot and made many connections on the job.

06/10/2025

Check out Qwest Hipps Tram Talk interview from SUN 'n FUN 2025

Qwest Hipps joins Jordan P of AviNation on the tram to share his experience of getting into aviation and competing in Europe. He also talks about his involvement with the Lakeland Aero Club.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0I0LptcKjs

06/06/2025

06/04/2025

AviNation's monthly E-Newsletter is out!

Stories are in—and the Charms Summer Reading Challenge is ON! This summer, dive into the world of Attie McAllister, rack up those reads, and snag some sweet prizes along the way.

06/03/2025

Michael Shepelenko
Anson Air Aviation
Sugar Land, TX

My first flight was at just 3 months old and continued regularly over my next 17 years. I knew I wanted to be a pilot by 4 years old. At 15 I joined CAP. At 16 1st solo and 1st cross country solo. Then at 17 I received my PPL as a JR in HS - 2 weeks ago! My future plans are USAF, USNA or to attend a University for Commercial Pilot degree program. My advice to other students is to not wait for the right time to act. You never know what opportunities and obstacles lie beyond. Work hard. Set goals. And start early.

05/20/2025

Savanna Hunter
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Tulsa, Ok

Savanna discovered her love for aviation in the hangar of the Tango Thirty One Aero Clube in McKinney, TX. She first wandered in as a high school student, unsure of what path to take. With the mentorship of Kevin Lacey, she not only earned her private pilot’s certificate but also gained valuable A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) experience—all before graduating high school.
Although flying is her passion, Savanna’s aviation journey doesn’t stop in the cockpit. Through the connections she’s made as a member of the Aero Clube, she has explored several facets of the industry, including aircraft maintenance, aviation media, and aviation management.
Savanna continued her training at Kevin’s alma mater, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, where she is working toward her advanced ratings. She is now an Instrument-Rated Private Pilot with aspirations to return to the Aero Clube after college. There, she hopes to give back as both a flight instructor and in administrative support—contributing to the same community that helped launch her journey.
Her biggest advice to anyone looking to enter aviation: get out there and talk to people. Visit your local airport, introduce yourself, and learn from those already in the industry. General aviation is a small world, and the connections you make can open doors you never imagined.