LeMay Aero Club turns people into pilots Published April 14, 2009 By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- A Cessna 172 taxis out to the runway as the tower grants permission for takeoff. After one final check of all his instruments, the instructor turns to his student and tells him he will perform today's take off. The student nervously takes the controls and guides the aircraft upward. From an altitude of 2,000 feet, cars look like toys and large buildings look like something a child could put together. As rain begins to fall and bounce off the aircraft, the instructor continues his lesson, teaching another would-be aviator how to fly. The LeMay Aero Club, founded in 1950 by Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, offers private and commercial pilot training to anyone who has base access. The club's inventory of 11 airplanes is available for aspiring pilots on a daily basis. Scott Voichoskie, a flight instructor at the Aero Club, said flying is an amazing experience. "I love flying," he said. "I feel the excitement every time I get into an airplane. Flying is exhilarating." When people are in the air they are no longer a prisoner of the ground and they have the freedom to go wherever they want to, Mr. Voichoskie said, "with flying, you're truly un-caged." Staff Sgt. Allen B. Wusterbarth, an Airborne Systems Engineer instructor with the 338th Combat Training Squadron, agrees that flying is a thrilling experience. "When you're flying you feel the thrill of speed and seeing everything from above, it's a wonderful new experience every time," he said. "Getting to see your neighborhood from 5,000 feet is quite a sight." Escaping the ground for the comfort of the sky is something almost anyone at Offutt can do; however, interested aviators must meet some requirements first. "All students must pass a flight physical, have a minimum of a third-class medical and have access to the base," said Mr. Voichoskie. Military members, contractors, family members, civilians, retirees and even members of the Civil Air Patrol can take advantage of the aero club's services. "We want people to know that if they have a desire to fly, we are here to help them achieve that goal," he added. For students, learning to fly may present some concerns such as safety or the cost associated with obtaining a pilot license. Safety is something the aero club takes very seriously, said Gordon Pahre, an aero club flight instructor. "We comply with every Federal Aviation Administration guideline, as well as the rules and regulations enforced by the Air Force and the base," he said. "Furthermore, our aircraft are inspected many times throughout the year to ensure they are safe for flight," Mr. Pahre added. "We also have full and part-time mechanics on staff to service our aircraft and make any adjustments that must be made." Although attaining a pilot license can be very expensive, Mr. Voichoskie said, "Aero club's fees are much cheaper than those found in the local area." "People who are really dedicated can earn their private pilot licenses in as little as three months, at a cost of about $5,600," he said. Although, earning a license in such a short time is rare, Mr. Voichoskie stressed it is possible. Sergeant Wusterbarth, who is currently working toward his private pilot license, said he would encourage others to learn to fly. "I've actually urged some of my co-workers to learn," he said. "The thrill of flying is like nothing else." For those who decide to pursue their private pilot license, they will learn that flying is much more than simply operating an aircraft while in the air, Mr. Voichoskie said. "Our students learn how to take off and land, calculate weight and balance of an aircraft, read weather forecasts and current weather conditions, calculate performance of the aircraft; how to recover from emergency situations such as engine failures, fires, stalls, and much more." As a certified pilot for many years, Mr. Voichoskie knows the benefits flying can bring. "People who obtain their pilots licenses have so many doors open to them," he said "they can rent a plane and fly to Kansas City or Peterson AFB, Colo., if they wanted to." Additionally, someone who earns their private pilot license can then pursue a commercial pilot license, which would allow them to pilot an aircraft as a captain for an airliner, Mr. Voichoskie continued. Flying also offers an alternative to driving that Mr. Voichoskie and Sergeant Wusterbarth said they greatly appreciate. "With flying, you're able to get places quicker and you don't have to deal with traffic," Sergeant Wusterbarth said. "One year my wife and I flew to York, Neb., to eat at Chances Restaurant for our anniversary," Mr. Voichoskie said, "We flew in, enjoyed dinner and then flew home all in the same night." "Another time, I flew my kids home to Wilcox, Neb., in just under an hour, which would have been a two-and-half-hour drive," he added. For more information about the LeMay Aero Club or to register for the private or commercial pilot's course, contact the LeMay Aero Club at 294-3385.