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16 yr old pilot flying supplies to rural VA
McLEAN, Va. - TJ Kim can’t play lacrosse -- COVID-19 took the sport away. And at age 16, he can’t drive alone. But Kim can fly. And he’s turned his flying lessons into missions of mercy, bringing desperately needed supplies to rural hospitals in need. (www.fox5ny.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Just found an update to this story: "Earning his wings: 16-year-old pilot delivers donated medical supplies to Bath County hospital" - https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2020/04/12/earning-his-wings-16-year-old-pilot-delivers-donated-medical-supplies-to-bath-county-hospital/ - Enjoy! Good to see kids doing well instead of creating problem... Need more news articles like this one.
fantastic.
There is so much that GA pilots ( young and old) can do in times of need. Nice to hear
So he's flying these supplies on a student pilot license? Minimum age for a US private pilot license is 17
I think it is great.... As long as he is not charging anything for transporting those supplies he is good, and by the sounds of the article, I do not think that he is... A Good Kid, doing a Very good thing.! Be nice if more people did that sort of thing.
I think he is flying on a student pilot permit, and using his cross-country flying exercises for a secondary purpose.
He meets the minimum age requirements for a student pilot licence, which is 16. FYI, the minimum age for a student glider permit is 14 years.
I certainly don't want to throw cold water on the worthwhile intent of this young person. However, a student pilot authorization is a license to learn. A constant killer year after year in general aviation is mission over-emphasis such as get-home-it-is. It's asking a lot of any pilot (much less a 16 year old) to turn back such as when a VFR pilot encounters worsening weather. (The hardest turn in aviation - the 180). A 16 year old likely doesn't have the flying or life experience (or fear of dying) that an older pilot has. While possibly technically legal for this young person to pursue the admirable goal of carrying relief supplies, I'm not convinced it's the wisest choice.
BTW: I was first licensed in 1976, hold an ATP, and have flow professionally since 1988.
BTW: I was first licensed in 1976, hold an ATP, and have flow professionally since 1988.