Author: John Laughman

My name is John Laughman and I am honored to be one of the 2018 Flying Musician Solo recipients. This scholarship will go a long way toward helping me full fill my dreams of working in the aviation field. I am currently a senior in high school and have been taking classes to become a certified aviation mechanic. I am getting ready to take my test to become a certified A & P. I have always had a love for music and have spent the last six years playing the sousaphone, bass guitar, and trumpet. Being involved in my high school marching band and pep band has taught me numerous lessons about responsibility, leadership, and discipline all of which are necessary to work in the aviation field. I discovered my love for flying a few summers ago when I helped out my uncle at the airport that he owns in Philipsburg, Ohio. I would mow the airport and did odd jobs; in exchange he would take my flying. With this scholarship I will be able to get my solo pilot’s license and work toward getting my private pilot's license, and then work towards my professional pilot’s license. I plan on attending Sinclair Community college in the fall to get my professional pilot’s degree. I can't express to you how much the Flying Musician scholarship will help me in reaching my dreams. I look forward to many adventures thanks to the support of my fellow music and aviation enthusiast. Sincerely, John Laughman

My First Solo

On Monday June 3rd 2019 I did my first solo flight, at long last. I don’t think I could have asked for a more beautiful day and the weather was great calm skies, no clouds in view and a nice temp. around 69 degrees. when my instructor Ken got out of the plane and said “go have fun” I was nervous at first he also warned me that since he wouldn’t be in the plane it would react completely differently than what I am use to. I didn’t think that it would be that differently but oh my was I wrong it was crazy on how much faster the plane wanted to get off the ground and how it controlled so much better with one less person. After I was done with my takeoffs and landings I felt so proud of myself for finally finishing the first step on my long path to becoming an airline pilot.

Update

Just want to apologies for not posting anything in a long time, but though the winter I wasn’t able to fly because the weather just never seemed to permit it. It wasn’t until February that I was able to go flying again. I was able to get a few hours of flight time in but recently haven’t been able to because of low cloud ceiling or strong winds and thunderstorms. one day though I did get good practice to fly in near IFR conditions with strong headwinds on landing. It is crazy how slow you feel and how much power you have to put in to keep yourself on a good glide path with a direct headwind on landing. It was great experience though, I am coming up on soloing hopefully soon if the weather permits.

Past high school Band

I was asked this marching band season to come back to my High school band and be in charge of one of the props they have. The director also asked me to help to low brass section with some tricks on how to keep a good tone while marching. They had their first contest last Saturday the 15th, they ended up getting second overall placing behind an open class band. They went against 5 other bands ranging from class A to open class. I was so proud and impressed with a band only around 37 band members to do that good it was a real joy to be apart of.

Recent Events

I just wanted to let everyone know that today was my first day at college. I am going to Sinclair in Dayton, Ohio for their professional pilot program. Today I attended my academic classes, and tomorrow I will be attending my first day of pilot classes. I am so excited to see who all I will be flying with and learning even more about being a pilot!

I also wanted to say that I went to the Hanger Jam down in Georgetown, Ohio which was hosted by Don Bilbrey. It was such a great time! Those who came to the Hanger Jam were important people who helped Don get to where he is in aviation. It was a great pleasure to get to see and talk to so many people who have a passion for not only aviation but also music.

Update on Flying

I  just want to let everyone know unfortunately I wasn’t able to fly in a while because the weather around me in Ohio hasn’t been cooperating to have good flyable weather. It does seem like the weather is improving and I am trying to get lesson scheduled with my instructor ken currently.

I would just like to say thank you for the understanding and all the continued support.

John Laughman

Flying update

It was great of John Zap and Don Bilbrey to fly all the way to see me and to drop off all the swag. It was also great to meet John and Don face to face and to get a chance to talk to them.  I am very thankful for all the support from the flying musicians. I would also like to say thank you to everyone who donated items to help me and Nathan propel us forward to our goals in aviation.

Flying

Even though I have officially graduated from high school, I am still in school at the MVCTC until June 22nd finishing my A & P.  This school is accredited thru the FAA and in order to get all my required hours the Aviation maintenance class is still going strong.  I finally got the chance to fly today and it was amazing.  I hope to solo before I start college in August.  Thank you for all your support and encouragement.

Flight instructor Ken Curel