Sheboygan, WI - The 2010 Young Aviators summer program consisted of twelve (12) teenagers who participated in hands-on projects as well as classroom, simulator and flight instruction daily.  Exposure to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is the program's objective.  One benefit of the program is the opportunity for kids to develop stick and rudder flying skills.  Certain attendees excel in this area, and Matt Derse is one of those kids.

We have kept in touch with Matt's parents and asked they keep us updated on Matt's successes, realizing he was likely to perform his first solo flight in the near future.  A note arrived on Saturday 2/19/2011 from Matt's father Scott explaining Matt had soloed this day at Sheboygan County Regional Airport.

Scott Derse arrived at the airport to pick up Matt from his lesson.  To his surprise, Scott watched as his son taxied the Cessna 152 up to the terminal and dropped off flight instructor Brian Hoffman.  As a flight instructor who primarily teaches teenagers from Sheboygan area schools to fly, Brian explained that Matt obviously has "the right stuff" to perform pilot in command duties.  Instructor Hoffman explained how Matt's flying skills had noticeably improved after Matt's Young Aviators program attendance.  Matt sounded unimpressed about his flying achievement, but make no mistake -- this is a big deal.

Flying an airplane solo is a responsibility and skill set that few kids or adults develop, so Matt Derse is now in a select group.  Every pilot remembers his first solo, and most agree it significantly impacted their lives.  We can all take pride in Matt's achievement knowing we played a small part in it.  We will enjoy tracking Matt's future successes too - this kid is truly going places.  Congratulations Matt!