Photo By Dana Heard | Kristina Kemp, left, LeMay Flight Training Center and Offutt Aero Club manager,...... read more read more
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In 1950, General Curtis E. LeMay, then-commander of Strategic Air Command, established the first U.S. Armed Forces official flying club, the LeMay Flight Training Center and Offutt Aero Club, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
During an evening walk, General LeMay discovered young Airmen restoring a light airplane in a hangar. Recognizing the value of such endeavors, he formalized the club to promote aviation skills among service members.
Originally known as the Strategic Air Command Aero Club, it was later renamed the LeMay Aero Club in honor of its founder, and now named the LeMay Flight Training Center and Offutt Aero Club.
“Growing up in a military family, I understand the demands and rewards of this lifestyle” said Liam Bova, flight instructor at the aero club. “My dad was a pilot, and I found myself drawn to his love of flying. I graduated from the University of North Dakota, one of the best civilian training universities for aviation.”
The club provides comprehensive flight training, offers certifications ranging from private pilot, instrument training pilot, commercial pilot, and air transport pilot. It maintains a fleet of aircraft, including several certified for instrument flying, and employs multiple Federal Aviation Administration-certified flight instructors to tailor instructions to member’s needs.
“My advanced training and knowledge of all thing’s military has prepared me well to teach flyers of all stages from beginning to advanced flyers,” said Bova.
The club currently operates with eight instructors and a variety of availability to meet the student’s training needs and goals. Aircraft are accessible by members 24/7 for aircraft rental departing and arriving.
“We have a dynamic team at the LeMay Flight Training Center and Offutt Aero Club. The enthusiasm from each of our fliers is contagious,” said Bova.
“We are proud to represent the first Aero Club in the U.S. Air Force and to carry on the legacy that General LeMay envisioned,” said Kristina Kemp, aero club manager. “This Aero Club is a piece of the U.S. Air force’s aviation history right here at Offutt. Our students and customers fly for many reasons. Some desire career advancement in the military, some are looking to fly for a career after service and others just have a dream to become a pilot. We can make that happen.”
They also offer discovery flights on a pre-scheduled basis. A discovery flight is a one-hour block with an instructor that a person can go up and try a flight lesson before becoming a student. This gives the patron a chance to see what it is like to fly an airplane and help them with the decision to become a pilot.
“Try it before commitment” to pilot training membership is open to active duty, reserve, guard, coast guard, and retired military personnel and their dependents, as well as department of defense civilians and contractors, and civil air patrol members.
The club emphasizes safety and affordability, striving to keep costs lower than local alternatives. Members can rent aircraft for personal travel within the continental United States under visual and instrument flight rules. To be a member, base access is required.
Throughout its history, the LeMay Aero Club has played a significant role in fostering aviation enthusiasm and expertise within the military community, aligning with the Air Force’s mission to develop ready and resilient Airmen.
Golda Eldridge, chief flight instructor pilot for the aero club, has over 6,900 pilot hours. He is the second of three generations to fly at Offutt in service to country and as a civilian.
“Probably the best kept secret at Offutt is what I'd call the aero club. Ok maybe not a secret but I'd wager most folks on base don't know how easy it is to join us and learn how to fly,” said Eldridge.
“They see our airplanes flying and wonder why these little birds are mixing it up with the big ones without realizing they could be up there too.”
For more detailed information, you may contact the LeMay Aero Club directly at (402) 294-3385.
| Date Taken: | 12.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2024 11:00 |
| Story ID: | 487827 |
| Location: | OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, NEBRASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, LeMay Flight Training Center, Offutt Aero Club continues soaring after 74 years, by Dana Heard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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