Even the COVID-19 storm cloud.
Kevin Laufer is a friend of mine. We met years ago at SUN ‘n FUN. Since that first meeting, we’ve managed to meet up each year at SUN ‘n FUN and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Our time together, for me at least, represents one of the true joys of this subculture of aviation.
Like anyone who makes the most of their life, Kevin is busy. He’s married with four children and he’s the director of aviation for a global insurance company. He manages a team of 24 that flies three large cabin Gulfstreams from Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE). His days start early and end late, even when he’s not on the road.
Like the rest of the world, as the coronavirus pandemic rolled out and the world adjusted, Kevin’s busy schedule was cut by more than 80%. He told me his flight department used the time to “revamp our emergency response manual, add contagion protocols, and enhance our aircraft disinfection procedures,” among other items.
But this storm cloud story isn’t about his day job. This is about his family. Specifically his oldest son, Michael.
Each of the last four years, Kevin has brought his oldest son, Michael, to AirVenture where they camp next to Kevin’s Cessna 185. That’s where I met Michael when he was 12. He stood stall, shook my hand firmly, looked me in the eye and spoke articulately. Such a refreshing exchange with someone his age.
So I was thrilled when on July 5 of this year Kevin texted me a few photos from Michael’s first solo at South Jersey Regional Airport (KVAY).
On his 16th birthday July 3.
From the same airport Kevin soloed from 27 years earlier.
On the same day I turned 50.
Dang, I knew I liked this kid.
Among Kevin’s many certificates and ratings is certificated flight instructor. It was that certificate he put to use during his mandatory downtime.
“Michael and I have flown together, logging his time, sporadically since he was 13,” said Kevin. “But this March, we really hit it hard because of all the extra time we had. We flew 25 times during the pandemic.”
Living in the same home, social distancing and face masks were a non-issue.
“In June, we flew nine days,” said Michael. That frequency really helped his preparation.”
As July 3 neared, Kevin did admit to a little paperwork-induced stress.
“The airman registry was taking much longer than I anticipated to send me his temporary student pilot certificate. After several calls to the airman certification branch, I found out that one of the offices that vets pilot applications had shut down due to a COVID outbreak. Fortunately, the certificate came through the day before his birthday.”
On the big day, “I went around the pattern twice in the morning with him, and the consistency was there. Michael stopped the aircraft, I gave him a big hug, and exited. He made three picture perfect full stop landings on the same runway I soloed on 27 years prior. It ranks near the top of monumental moments in my life,” said Kevin.
When I asked Michael about his first solo, he told me he’s wanted to learn to fly as long as he can remember. His dad’s work in the industry has naturally been an inspiration.
“When dad got out of the airplane, it performed so much better,” he reported. “I was at pattern altitude much quicker than before.”
He told me he decided to fly a slightly larger pattern just to give himself a bit more cushion to adjust to the differences.
Michael and I spoke over FaceTime and he was still beaming.
Michael has gotten a summer job working for a local banner towing company. He helps to set the banner for the pilot to pick up.
What about the future Michael? “I’d like to become a professional pilot. While I really respect what my dad does, I’m not sure the management side of things is something I’m interested in.” At least not at the ripe old age of 16.
Kevin said his day job is starting to pick back up, and while Michael’s training will continue, it’ll be at a slower pace.
“We hope to have him ready to take his private check ride on his 17th birthday.”
“I honestly don’t know if he would have soloed on his 16th birthday if I hadn’t had all this extra time,” said Kevin. “The pandemic is terrible, and the financial hardships and loss of life people are experiencing is heartbreaking. As an optimist, I always try to find the upside of a situation. I’m really thankful I had this time to teach my son.”
That’s a silver lining if I’ve ever seen one.
Congratulations Michael.
