Flying USA – August 2019

44 | AUGUST 2019 FLYINGMAG.COM

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proprietary laser-science devices

in the field of applied laser physics

with applications in both the medical

and renewable energy industries for

foreign- and domestic-government

national lab programs. And I loved it.

Sensing a deeper truth beyond my

answer, Shawna pressed on: “What

do you really want to do with your

life, with your time?”

I drew a big breath and was ready to

redeliver my original answer, but foun-

dational truth has a way of bubbling

to the surface. Semi-embarrassed I'd

pushed my lifelong aviation dreams

aside, I replied, “I have long wanted to

be an EMS pilot.” I went on to tell her

how I wanted to help people in their

highest moments of need, to assist oth-

ers to move beyond impossible situ-

ations, when aviation is the only tool

that can save a life.

Shawna’s eye softened, a fulfilled

smile now on her face. Without

hesitation she said, “Tomorrow.

You begin working on your pilot’s

license tomorrow.”

And I did.

Later that week, still in the

endorphin-blissed reality that is

intermeshed with taking steps to

achieve a high-minded goal, I “phoned

a friend.” I reached out to a local

adventure buddy, career firefighter,

aviator, airplane owner and CFI-I,

Matt Peek. Matt and I go way back

into the world of navigating difficult

rivers— literally—in the adventure

sport of expedition whitewater

kayaking. Our brains speak the

same language, and together, we

pushed hard in his Beechcraft C-23

Sundowner, past the requisite hours

and skills qualifying me to take the

private pilot practical test. The only

thing that stood between my lifelong

dream of becoming a fully licensed

pilot was that check ride.

THE ACCIDENT

Everything changed for me on

March  5, 2010. Nearing my private

pilot grand finale, I found myself

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Above: A student solo scenic flight to

Burning Man in 2009—before the snow-

mobiling accident—over Black Rock City,

Nevada.

Opposite Top: Korgan pursuing his EMS

dream with Air Methods pilot Andy Peek.

Opposite Bottom: Grant and Galen on

their paths to achieving their aviation

dreams together.