Aidan Lara Comes Full Circle, From Young Eagle to Young Eagles Pilot

I’ve loved airplanes for as long as I can remember. Even as a little kid, I was the one staring at the sky whenever I heard an engine overhead. Some of my earliest memories of aviation come from watching the World War II aircraft from The Collings Foundation fly into William R. Fairchild Airport in Port Angeles. Seeing those historic airplanes up close made aviation feel real and alive, not just something distant in the sky. Even then, I think I knew flying would somehow be part of my life.

My first real step into aviation came in the summer of 2013, when I was eight years old and had my first Young Eagles flight. I met a pilot named Joe Platt, who flew a 1946 Aeronca Champ. Sitting in that airplane for the first time and feeling it lift off the runway was unforgettable. It wasn’t just exciting—it felt meaningful, like I had crossed a threshold from dreaming about flying to actually experiencing it.

Not long after, I met Emily Westcott and her Cessna 172, “Sally.” She flew me as a Young Eagle as well, and that flight left a lasting impression on me. Emily became both a mentor and a friend, and over time I went from being a passenger in Sally to flying with her regularly. Today, we fly together all the time, and one of the things we’ve especially enjoyed is collecting stamps for the Fly Washington Passport Program, turning each trip into both an adventure and a shared accomplishment.

I was also fortunate to experience aviation from another angle through radio-controlled flying with the Sequim RC Aeronauts. Flying RC aircraft gave me a hands-on understanding of aerodynamics, control, and patience, and it deepened my appreciation for how airplanes really work. It was there that I met Linda Priddle, who has been an incredible mentor, friend, and supporter throughout my aviation journey. Her encouragement and guidance, along with the welcoming RC community, helped strengthen my confidence and passion for flight in ways that continue to shape me as a pilot today.

Years later, in August of 2024, I earned my Private Pilot certificate, a milestone that marked the realization of a goal I had worked toward for years. Since then, I’ve continued flying as often as possible and have built up around 250 hours of flight time, gaining experience, confidence, and an even deeper appreciation for aviation with every flight. Along the way, I’ve also developed a strong interest in weather and have really enjoyed learning to understand it better, knowing how important it is for safe and thoughtful decision-making as a pilot.

In the summer of 2025, I found myself in the left seat as Pilot in Command, taking Young Eagles up for their own first flights—in that very same airplane. That moment was a full-circle experience I’ll never forget. Looking over at a new Young Eagle seeing the world from above for the first time, I saw the same amazement I had felt back when I was eight years old. Being able to pass that experience on, in the same plane that once carried me as a first-time flyer, made me realize just how powerful aviation can be as well as what an important program the Young Eagles is to the future of aviation.

I’ve also truly enjoyed being a member of EAA Chapter 430 and am grateful for all the help and encouragement they’ve given me along the way. The aviation community they’ve built on the Olympic Peninsula is something special—welcoming, supportive, and passionate about flying. One of my favorite parts has been the monthly fly-outs, which bring pilots together and keep everyone engaged and excited about getting into the air regularly. That sense of community has played a huge role in keeping my motivation strong and my love of aviation growing.

My family, mentors, and friends have supported me throughout this journey, encouraging me to keep going even when training got challenging. Every lesson has brought me closer to my goals. At the end of March, I’ll be earning my AA degree, another milestone on my path.

As I’ve become more involved in the aviation community, I’ve also enjoyed helping bring pilots together by organizing group fly-outs. One of my favorite experiences was coordinating a trip to Yakima to tour the CubCrafters factory, which was both inspiring and educational for everyone who attended. I also organized a monthly fly-out to Roche Harbor, creating another opportunity for pilots to stay active, connect, and share their passion for flying. I also had the opportunity to help coordinate the Olympic Peninsula Air Affaire, which was a rewarding experience that allowed me to contribute behind the scenes and support an event that brings the aviation community together and inspires others to share in the excitement of flight. I’ve discovered that I really enjoy planning these events and seeing people come together through aviation, and I’m already looking forward to organizing another group trip this year to tour the Van’s Aircraft factory.

My long-term goal is to become a commercial pilot and work either in the airlines or in corporate aviation. Flying started as a childhood fascination, but it’s grown into something much bigger—a direction for my future and a passion I know will stay with me for life. No matter where this path leads, I’ll always remember those first flights, because that’s where everything truly began. ❉