Worland Flying Club ready for takeoff
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Marcus Huff
Bill Pennington, director of the Worland Flying Club, poses with the club's 1960 Piper P-22 Tri-pacer. Under Pennington's instruction, student members of the Flying Club will qualify to earn their private pilot's licenses in the aircraft.
WORLAND – The Worland Flying Club, a group of aviation enthusiasts and students, received their club aircraft on Saturday, and plan to soon take to the skies.
The group, organized a year ago and led by flight instructor and professional pilot Bill Pennington, pooled their money to purchase the 1960 Piper P-22 Tri-pacer in an effort to minimize student fees as they learn to fly under Pennington's instruction. "Renting an aircraft for flight courses can cost an average of $150 per hour," noted Pennington, "so buying one as a club seemed like the right decision."
After 40 hours minimum of flight instruction, club members can qualify to test for their private pilot's license. Currently, the club meets monthly, with individual flight instruction once per week.
The club met Saturday at the Worland Airport to become familiar with the aircraft, and learn basics such as grounding and fueling. Of the club members, Lexie Boltz is the youngest, just 14 years old. "I took Lexie on her intro flight a year ago," said Pennington. "She can't solo until she's 16, but's very determined." According to Pennington, Boltz has expressed an interest in pursuing a career as a pilot, someday working for Southwest Airlines.
For Pennington, who became a professional pilot after leaving the Navy, flying is a daily routine that he loves. When not teaching students, Pennington flies as a crop duster for Sky Aviation. "Nothing keeps you more focused than when you're flying 10 feet off the ground," noted Pennington.
