Jacket Winners
As of August 2024 we have 114 participating airports, plus a bonus airport! Collecting 103 stamps (90% of participating airports) earns you a flight jacket!
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Fly Washington Passport Program High Achievers
As stamps are collected, achievements are unlocked.
When I started the program, I had no idea the type of adventure I was about to embark in. The hours spent planning routes, researching challenging airports and exploring is priceless. I now have a list of airports and travel destinations throughout the state I want to revisit with friends and family! Thank you, sponsors, for igniting that flame.
- Brendan Rudack
- Brendan Rudack
October 2025 - Lisa Carlson and Fredy Surti collected Fly Washington stamps from a PA-24 based out of S50. With roughly 16,000 hours total time, the highlight for them was exploring the state, discovering so much "cool stuff, people and towns"! They started during COVID, as it was a great reason to get out of the house. They were inspired to explore small communities throughout the Northwest, including meeting the people of Mansfield and their effort to save their airport (they made a play out of it!) Woodland emerged as Carlson and Surti's favorite airport. They list Copalis and Point Roberts airports as the most unique. People taking a nap on the runway created a challenge at Ranger Creek. Their message to the sponsors who make the Passport Program possible: THANK YOU! Really happy the program exists and hope more people take advantage.
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October 2025 - Tina and Curtis King completed the program in their K Model Bonanza. Based out of Chehalis with approximately 505 hours total time, they enjoyed seeing all the different airports and territories. It was a fun scavenger hunt! Their trip to the San Juans was the most memorable flight, and Orcas Island became their favorite airport. The Most Challenging flight award went to Port Angeles due to a full pattern and repeatedly getting cut off. At Ocean Shores, a bear crossed the runway! The Fly Washington Passport Program inspired Kings to "just to go to all the places you wouldn’t normally go". They promoted it to other EAA members, and had fun planning and going to different airports. "It was awesome!" they say, noting that the incentive to collect stamps created a fun challenge, something different from just going from point A to B.
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September 2025 - Brian Malcolm, a pilot with approximately 425 hours total time, completed the program in a Sling TSI based out of Auburn. The program inspired him to create what he believes is the most efficient route for visiting all participating airports, and to finish the passport program with his wife. While collecting stamps, his most challenging flight was his first trip to Eastern Washington, on victor 4, when he encountered mountain wave. He said to himself, “Oh boy! What have I gotten myself into?!” He also encountered a coyote on the runway at Kelso. His favorite airport was Felts Field and the Art Deco architecture of the airport building. A highlight was standing at Lower Monumental State Airport and enjoying the surrounding majesty: completely alone, power lines, above the river, and seeing the hills of the Palouse. Completing the program and landing at S50 with his wife, with all airports done, became his most memorable flight. To the program sponsors, he writes: Nothing but gratitude. Giving people an excuse to go fly is outstanding.
Want to see Brian's route? Visit our Resources page |
August 2025 - Father and son team Tom and Nic Reep completed the program in a Cessna 182 and a Hughes 269C helicopter based out of Yakima. Tom has approximately 225 hours total time, and Nic has 526 hours. For Tom, the best part was seeing the state and spending time with his son, doing something they both love. Nic says the time with his dad was an absolute highlight, along with the long trips, visiting twelve airports in one day, and seeing how beautiful the northern part of Washington is. Sekiu and Chewelah were their favorite airports. Spokane International was the most challenging for Tom, while Morton topped Nic's list. The Olympic coastline flight, and the day they flew to Electric City and the Snake River airports, were their most memorable. Unexpected smoke at Sullivan Lake got their attention. Tom says the program has inspired him to become a better pilot by dealing with a variety of situations, and it let him see the state in a way he never would have otherwise. With newly cultivated confidence to fly anywhere, Nic is inspired to go out and have more adventures, and now doesn’t think twice about going into a new airport. He enjoyed that they pushed themselves, adding a note to the sponsors: Thank you so much, no way in the world I would’ve seen all these places and how beautiful and diverse the state is. THANK YOU for getting me out there, it made it fun!
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August 2025 - Arlington-based pilot Jonathan Pavel, 1950 hours TT, completed the Fly Washington Passport Program in a Cessna 172. He writes that "after getting to see every single corner of WA state, there is not a single ugly spot in Washington!" Stehekin was Pavel's favorite airport, and Skykomish proved to be the most challenging due to the trees on the west end. Having done most of his flying in western Washington, Pavel's most memorable flights were to the airports in eastern Washington. He was surprised by how many remote places there are in the state, places that offer no radar coverage, ADSB etc. He thanks the sponsors for supporting a program that promotes aviators to go out and explore.
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August 2025 - Meet Luna Hunt! Based out of Renton, with roughly 1,100 hours total time, Hunt completed the program in a Cessna 206. Hunt's note to sponsors is that the program is fantastic for encouraging pilots to expand their skill sets, adding that it was very much worth putting in the effort to make it happen. She noted that the program offered great excuses to fly to interesting airports, and challenged her to work on mountain flying skills. Her most challenging flight came from the weather and summer heat on the approach into Tieton State. At Sullivan Lake Hunt encountered people playing Frisbee on the runway. The uniqueness of being able to land on the beach at Copalis made for a most memorable flight, and her favorite airport was Stehekin.
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June 2025 - Emily Gardner just moved to Washington last year, but managed to visit 100% of participating airports in a Cessna 182 based out of Boeing Field. In one epic weekend, Gardner completed 34 airports in two days--the entire eastern and south central regions! What a great way to see the state! Copalis and Sullivan Lake tied for favorite airports, while the gusty and steep approach at Lost River made that airport the most challenging. Ilwaco offered up a surprise with kids riding scooters on the runway. She writes, "This was AMAZING. Would not have gone to all the airports without the program," adding that Fly Washington makes her want to own an aircraft and explore GA airports all over the country.
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December 2024 - Based out of Arlington, Clif Pierschbacher completed the program in a Citabria, a Sundowner, a Cessna 150, and a Decathlon. Sullivan Lake was his favorite of all the airports he flew into, while departing Tieton was the most challenging. His most memorable flight was with Shamus in the Citabria to a bunch of Eastern Washington airports. He really enjoyed getting out and seeing the varied terrain throughout Washington. Pierschbacher, with approximately 1750 hours total time, remarks that this made for an excellent adventure.
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December 2024 - Blake Landry trained at Central Washington University, and for him the highlight of the Passport Program was going back to the airports where he trained. The program has inspired him to get a little more adventurous coming out of the training environment into the real world. An unexpected turn of events happened when he picked up some carb ice crossing the mountains. Landry's favorite airport was Orcas, while his most memorable flight involved hopping over to Bellingham after he got his high performance and picking up his instructor who didn’t have his HP endorsement. Based out of Arlington, with 1200 hours total time, Landry completed the program in a Cessna 172, a Warrior, and a Duchess. He thanks the Fly Washington Passport Program for keeping flying exciting and giving new excuses to go out and explore.
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December 2024 - These four members of the Beinart family completed 100% of the airports in the Fly Washington program! Based out of Bremerton National, with 200 hours total time, Tim Beinart and his family covered the state in a Cherokee 180. Seeing airports all over the state with their kids was the highlight of the program for the Beinarts, and Point Roberts rose to the top as their favorite airport. Their most challenging flight was into Deer Park for a wedding with 50 knot winds, and unexpected windshear going into Easton got their attention. Stehekin proved most memorable, as they flew in after the fires. Beinart says this program has kept his love for flying alive, and now their daughters are talking about getting their PPLs.
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December 2024 - Joe Bechtold flew out from Virginia in his Kitfox Series 7 STi Amphib on Clamar floats! In December he flew a helicopter to his final few airports to achieve 100% completion. Joe has 3,300 hours total time. He really enjoyed his peaceful, early morning landing on Rimrock Lake before hopping over to pick up the stamp at Tieton State. Floathaven was also extra-special on floats. On the flight from Toledo to Packwood, Bechtold climbed over the morning cloud layer and had an amazing view of Mt Rainer at 9,500'. A hole opened up directly over Packwood and he spiraled down for the stamp. His most challenging flight was over the mountains from Lost River to Stehekin State in the afternoon, when he got bounced around due to the light wing loading of the Kitfox. Bechtold says: "I've done passport challenges at other States, but Washington is now my favorite. Info is provided to help find the stamps, the airports are in great shape and I was able to get tips on the more challenging strips from WSDOT. Also, the patches are the coolest of all the states." The program has inspired him to start plan a return trip to Washington State next summer.
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November 2024 - Meet Shamus Black (above) and Joe Black (pictured to the right), based out of KAWO. Joe initially started collecting stamps as a student pilot, Shamus was Joe’s instructor! Shamus completed 100% of participating airports in a 172, SR72 150, CH7B, RV12, M20P, AC11, AA5, BE95, BE23, and PA28 and has 1,150 hours total time. He credits the program for making better pilots by getting people to explore different airports where they otherwise wouldn’t have gone. Snake River Airport was his favorite, while The Dalles with a crosswind was most challenging (that and Kelso and The Dalles where stamps are locked inside building after hours). He appreciates the program and its ability to motivate students and instructors to learn and gain experience. He would love to start a similar program in Idaho!
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November 2024 - Meet Joe Klein (above) and Shamus Black (pictured to the left), based out of KAWO. Joe started collecting stamps as a student pilot, and Shamus was Joe’s instructor. Joe flies a 172 and has 170 hours total time. He says the Fly Washington Passport Program made his check ride easier; he learned aviation through the program. Point Roberts was his favorite airport. His most memorable flying day involved a series of flights in which he purchased Cessna 172 in Boise and hit a bunch of airports on the way back. He says the whole program was a real confidence booster, showing him he could see the whole state. To the program sponsors he says: thank you for supporting the program, you are making better and safer pilots.
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October 2024 - Brendan Rudack mostly flies a Cessna T206H out of Paine Field. With 525 hours, Rudack says he was motivatedto get more comfortable with mountain flying, weather assessments and unfamiliar fields. Colville was a favorite: Flying north up the Lake Roosevelt valley and the turn SE to Colville is amazing scenery. Colville felt relaxing with a “stay awhile” feeling!" A challenging flight was solo to Willapa Harbor, Port of Ilwaco and then direct to Morton Strom and Packwood. The fog and a coastal wind plus “that guardrail!” at 7W1, the mountain flying, and Rainier all presented challenges. One one 7.3 hour, 13-landing day visiting eastern region airports, "I had Odessa in my mind, but somehow got distracted and navigated to Othello....My instructor and avid stamp collector literally whacked me and said “why are you bringing me here a 2nd time?!”. Rudack says it was eye opening realizing you have to figure out how to get out of places you got yourself into. Landing at Wenatchee at dusk, departing in the dark at night was a little unsettling. With no moon and knowing how big the nearby mountains are it was time to figure out how to make the departure and climb out safe. Rudack decided to fly an Obstacle Departure Procedure.
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September 2024 - Susan and Dave VandeWater started collecting stamps in a Cherokee 140, and later switched to a Cessna 182. Five years, five months and two days later they got their last stamp, for 100% of participating airports! For Dave, with 600 hours total time, the program helped teach him to be a more diverse pilot. For Susan, it’s learning the expansiveness and diversity of the state was a real highlight. Mansfield Airport was their favorite (great restaurant!), and Stehekin was the most challenging. They picked up a bunch of stamps in the Eastern Region in a single day, ending in Pullman where they were delighted to find that their hotel in Pullman would provide a shuttle. There were lots of surprises along the way (including a lack of restrooms at Stehekin and Lake Wenatche!), but the Passport Program gave them a great appreciation for Washington State and the people they met along the way. They note, "Best thing that could’ve come along for pilots in Washington State! It’s a learning experience you wouldn’t have otherwise." The VendeWaters are based out of Chehalis (KCLS).
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August 2024 - Tom Staggs completed 8 airports in a Cessna 172 and 95 in a Long EZ. For him, highlights of the program were just getting out and going to places he normally would not go, and the amount of planning it took to make it in and out of airports in a Long EZ. Chewelah was his favorite airport, while the flight with his wife around the Olympic Peninsula and flying off the beach was the most memorable. The short mountain runways proved challenging. Winds and high pressure were critical for aircraft performance at Concrete and Darrington. Tom was surprised by the number of people that didn’t yet know about Fly Washington, and his excitement and appreciation for the program has influenced 4-5 other pilots to sign up. The number of airports that had transportation was another revelation. Tom has approximately 4,900 hours total time, and is based out of Seattle Paine Field International in Everett.
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August 2024 - Rick Velasquez flies a Grumman Cheetah AA5 out of Thun Field (Puyallup). He has 12,000 hours total, and this was his first time landing at Packwood, down in the valley with mountains on both sides, making for a memorable flight. Highlights included Willard Airport and Orcase Island. Most unexpected was landing behind a B-17 at Walla Walla! Rick notes that he would not have flown into half the airports he did. He notes that a lot of people are engaged with the program. It gets you out there, lets you see what you don't expect and motivates you to fly.
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August 2024 - Devin Sinha, with just 360 hours of total time, completed the program in an RV10 based out of Paine Field. He loved exploring Washington State by air, and his favorite airport was Stehekin. Devin's most memorable flight was completing seven airports in one day in Eastern Washington, and landing at Cashmere proved the most challenging due to the short runway and crosswinds. The most unexpected thing he encountered was a guy walking down the middle of the runway in Colville. Devin credits the program with giving him increased awareness of his capability as a pilot, and more confidence in short and soft field. He writes, "Thanks for giving me a new mission! Without this program I would've continued to go to the same group of airports."
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July 2024 - Stephen & Diane Lambert with their Cessna 152. They are based out of Pasco, and this is their SECOND time completing the program!
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July 2024 - Rob Kelly, flying a Cessna 182 based out of Friday Harbor, visited 100% of participating airports. He has 1,600 hours total time. The fog bank at Copalis State made that one his most challenging airport, while his favorite was Sullivan Lake. Rob did all the grass strips in the state plus Ranger Creek in one day, and reports that "density altitude was a thing at Tieton." One of the most unexpected things he encountered were the number of Golden Retrievers that would come welcome you at random rural airports around the state. Rob praises Fly Washington for giving pilots a great reason to go explore the state and find new places to comp and adventure.
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July 2024 - Dale Spindler pursued the Fly Washington Passport Program flight jacket in a Cessna 172 tailwheel based out of Auburn Municipal, and five of the airports he tagged in a 737! With 7,000 hours total time, the highlight of the program for him was going to airports he otherwise never would have. Point Roberts was his favorite airport, although startling because looking down at Vancouver International made it seem like you are going to another country. Most challenging flights for him were between Lower Granite and Little Goose, and Cashmere to Auburn, as both times the engine was overheating. He also experienced an alternator fail going back into Seattle. And, it was difficult to get cooperative weather at Forks. However, he says other states need to get on it and set up a program like this, as it's a fantastic program to give people a reason to get out and fly more!
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January 2024 - Karen and Richard Woodall earned their jackets in a Cessna 172 based out of Yakima. With just 300 hours total time, the highlight of the program has been seeing more of Washington state than they could have imagined. Their first ever cross country flight together was to The Dalles. Instrument training took them to Paine Field, which made it the most challenging flight. Getting into Ranger Creek also introduced some unexpected challenges. They patronized some businesses as a result of this program, and send a hearty thanks to the sponsors for their support of Fly Washington. The Passport Program inspired them to fly more.
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December 2023 - Will Aguilar collected stamps in a Cessna 150 Aerobat based out of Thun Field. With approximately 1470 hours total time, Will found that the true highlight of the program was getting to know Washington instead of just flying around the pattern. Even better was doing it with a partner (David Canter), enjoying the airports and flights together. Sullivan Lake was his favorite, while the Snake River airports and their gravel proved to be the most challenging. To the sponsors, Will says: "THANK YOU! Appreciate it. It’s because of you I was motivated to explore the state."
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November 2023 - David Canter achieved 100% of participating airports flying a Cessna 150 based out of Thun Field. For him the Passport Program was about building time, getting out and about, and flying to airports he would not have gone to otherwise. His favorite airport that he flew into: Coulee/Electric City. The most challenging was Ranger Creek due to terrain. With 830 hours total time, David logged a few flights where he got 15-20 airports a day! Other memorable flights include the Easter region, and Point Roberts ("basically in Canada"). The program has inspired him to go back to the smaller airports. He sends a thanks to the sponsors, and knows this program wouldn't exist without them.
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Mark Drees' 1958 Piper Tri Pacer at Sullivan Lake State Airport (09S) in Pend Oreille County, WA. Mark notes that the program has really inspired him to get out and explore Washington State, stopping at each and every airport possible.
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July 2023 - With a total flight time of around 420 hours, Mark Drees, visited all 112 of the Passport Program's participating airports! Mark flies a 1958 Piper Tri Pacer based out of Harvey Field. His most challenging flight also became his favorite airport: Stehekin, with late afternoon winds. His most memorable was collecting stamps at all of the Olympic Peninsula airports in a single day.
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June 2023 - Aaron Balog collected stamps primarily in an RV8 based out of Paine Field. He was inspired by the Fly Washington Passport Program to get out more and land at airports he had not previously visited. On his most challenging day he clocked 7.5 hours of flight time and netted 14 stamps in a single day in the Eastern region! He also encountered cows on the runway at Tieton State, and opted to land at Packwood instead. On his flight back from Moses Lake, he couldn’t get the flaps to retract, restricting him to 85 knots the whole way home. Aaron has logged roughly 3,100 hours of flight time. He wishes every state had a program like this, and feels strongly that it promotes GA as a whole.
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May 2023 - George Steed, Fly Washington Passport Program Board Member, in his 1966 Beechcraft Bonanza V35 based out of Bremerton. With 1,260 total hours, he collected 15 stamps in one epic day. Grant County was a favorite: "For a huge airport it seems as friendly as a small local field. Friendly, helpful tower controllers, lots of 737s parked all over." Point Roberts was the best landing: "Lush grass that was like setting down on a cloud." Ranger Creek proved to be the most challenging, although he notes that he still has 9 airports left to visit, mostly state gravel strips, so the most challenging flights may still be ahead of him. Sponsors: Thank you! Your support has created a body of pilots who are now familiar with all corners of this state. While this might be an inherently good thing, after our next big earthquake we will need pilots who are familiar with and are willing to fly into isolated fields to bring disaster relief. The more we train, the better our disaster response will be.
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May 2023 - Richard Edgerton sent in this photo of his approach into Little Goose State Airport. This is Richard's THIRD round of collecting passport stamps, and in May he earned his THIRD jacket! Richard notes: I very much enjoy being an ambassador for the Fly Washington Passport Program! I pitch it to every pilot I meet and often "prime the pump" by giving them a passport book along with a flight to get their first stamp. Great fun and wonderfully rewarding for both me and the other pilots!
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March 2023 - Shen Yang completed the program in March with 360 hours of flight time. He flies an RV12 based out of Renton. Methow Valley rose to the top as Shen's favorite airport, while his flights in the North Central Region (Columbia River Wenatchee - Dorothy Scott) were the most memorable. Twisp, with the pattern next to the hill, was one of the most challenging. Shen credits the Passport Program with helping him gain both confidence and better landing skills.
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January 2023 - Clyde Poser is our first jacket winner of 2023! Based out of Flying H Estates, Clyde completed the program in a Kitfox and and RV7A. With over 22,000 flight hours, the most challenging airport for him was Little Goose due to winds. The weather also made Forks and Quillayute his most memorable flights. Seeing the airports all over the state proved to be a highlight. Clyde's favorite was Sullivan Lake, and this "great program!" has inspired him to take the airplane out and go camping more.
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October 2022 - Erica Juberg collected stamps in Cessna 172, Cessna 150, and Cherokee aircraft, often flying with friends. She earned the Fly Washington Passport Program flight jacket in 2022, and completed 100% of participating airports in 2023. Based out of Auburn with 675 total hours, her most memorable flight was night VFR-on-top with the moon shining on the clouds below. Favorite airport: "S16 Copalis State beach was incredible!" Most challenging flight: 4S6 Tieton State on a windy day, and she credits the program for helping her become much more comfortable with soft fields. Erica encountered a cute black fox on the taxiway at KFHR Friday Harbor. She writes: I have become a much more confident (& competent) pilot since I began this program. I am still learning with every flight. Thank you for giving time-builders something fun to do!
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October 2022 - Mark Morse, a C172 pilot based out of Frontier Airport (WN53), has 600 hours total time. He started collecting stamps in 2019, and managed to get to 100% of the airports, where he remarks that many of the pilot lounges were locked due to COVID. Favorite airport: Colfax. Most memorable: flying into Packwood. Eric's most challenging flight was the last one, Ione to Mead Flying Service, when the air was smokey and hot due to forest fires between the airports. He notes that the program inspired him to try new things and visit places he's never been to, all while providing a different perspective than when driving. He thanks the sponsors and notes that it's great to have the jackets to commemorate pilots' successes at the end.
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September 2022 - Meet Ariel, Joel and Devin, aka the Stamp Squadron! The trio collected most of their stamps as a flight of two with an R44 helicopter and a Lake Amphibian based out of Renton and Auburn. Their most memorable trip was a sunset flight in North Central and landing the helicopter in a hotel parking lot. The most unexpected leg involved Peninsula airports in a heat wave. "The town of Forks was pretty much closed, so hot! Torture – the helicopter had an inside temp of 118 degrees."
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Ariel, Joel and Devin, the Stamp Squadron! With an R44 helicopter and a Lake Amphibian, the trio claims the highlight of the program was seeing every part of the state together as friends, exploring places they never would have been. "Some BEAUTIFUL airports in the state!" Apex and Colville were their favorite airports. In fact, they say they enjoyed the entire state, and the Passport Program gave them a renewed appreciate for the beauty of Washington state.
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September 2022 - Wayne Ball completed 100% of the airports in a Kitfox 3 based out of Enumclaw WA77. Wayne, a 1000-hour pilot, claims Lynden as his favorite airport, as it is unique. Stehekin, with winds and in a canyon, proved to be the most challenging airport, while an engine out en route to Harvey made for a most memorable flight. Wayne reports that the most unexpected thing he encountered was due to a windsock pole at Lost River that was tipped over, indicating incorrectly. The FWPP has inspired him to seek destinations that he wouldn't normally seek out, finding amazing places.
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September 2022 - Terry O'Brien, with 31,000 hours and based out of KPLU, completed the program in an RV4, Learjet and a Cub! Terry's favorite airport: Sullivan Lake. Most memorable flight: getting into Pasco in the Learjet. Most challenging: Lower Granite, with the winds blowing down the river. The Passport Program "got me to a lot of places I would not normally go to and meet people I never would have met," reports Terry.
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September 2022 - Billy Simmons is not only a jacket winner, but also a proud sponsor of the Fly Washington Passport program! With 450 hours of flight time, Billy flies a 1960 Cessna 172A based out of Bremerton. His most challenging airport was Bandera (rough runway, changing winds & 2 go-rounds), and at Tieton State he hit a cow pie which painted the plane with cow poop! Electric City was Billy's favorite airport. He reports that the Passport Program has made his flying a lot more adventurous, and mission oriented instead of haphazard. He strongly encourages airport businesses to come join and participate in the program, and feels it will really help younger pilots become mission oriented.
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August 2022 - Ron Cardwell completed the program in his Stinson 108 in SIX DAYS! What's more, Ron is based out of CO12, Van Aire, Denver, CO. With 9,600 hours total time, Ron's favorite airports were Copalis and Sullivan State. His biggest challenges proved to be Bandera at sunset, flying into the valley’s shadows, and navigating through fresh cow (or elk?) patties at Tieton. He would have achieved 100% of the participating airports except that Grand Coulee Dam Airport was temporarily closed for runway construction.
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March 2022 - Ron Lee, from Bend, Oregon, is our first out-of-state jacket winner! Ron has 650 hours total time, and flies a 1964 Piper Cherokee. Highlights: varying airports and diverse terrain, from gravel runways to SEA! Most challenging: taking off from Lake Wenatchee. Favorite FlyWA airport: Sullivan Lake. Ron says the Passport Program is a HUGE confidence builder, teaching you to be on your game every time.
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March 2022 - Pilot Richard Edgerton receives his SECOND flight jacket, for a second-round of visiting 100% of participating Fly Washington airports! Wow! Way to go, Richard!
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Nathan Schweiger earned his flight jacket in a Cessna 152 based out of Richland. This pilot started collecting stamps right when he got his license--it was his first flying goal--finishing in 2 years, and at 380 hours of flight time. Schweiger's favorite airport? Sullivan Lake. His most memorable flight involved collecting stamps at 12 airports on the west side. He did 10 more airports the next day, including SeaTac. Taking off out of Tieton, Schweiger met two F-16’s on low level training routes. He also met people looking for Sasquatch at the airport. His message to the program's sponsors: This is the coolest thing you can do for aviation! Way to make flying fun! Thank you for a coat and patches!
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Many of the program's jacket winners gathered for a photo at the 2022 Northwest Aviation Conference
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January 2022 - David Ray
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December 2021 - John Cronin, based out of KPWT Bremerton National, is just 3 airports away from 100% completion! John flies a PA-28/140, and his favorite airports are the three on the Snake River. He had a pucker-factor departure at Stehekin, and the Tieton was his most challenging landing. Highlights: seeing the entire Cascade chain from mountains in Canada and Oregon. Most memorable: 9 eastern Washington airports in one day! John says he ran into a lot of people doing the same thing he was doing (Passport Program) in a lot of out of the way places. Of note: John shared pictures of his flights with his brother, which inspired his brother to start working on his pilots license!
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November 2021 - Paul Hadley and David Ray, based out of Western Airpark in Yelm, flying an RV-4 and an RV-8. Both pilots have achieved 90% completion and need only 2 more airport stamps for 100%. Paul says the Fly Washington Passport Program made it fun and gave him a goal beyond the $200 hamburger, and he got to use the RV-4 for what it was built for. It made him more comfortable in the airplane. Dave's RV-8 just got flying in December 2020, and at the beginning of stamp collecting he went out in a flight of four for a gorgeous Olympic Peninsula loop. A commercial pilot for decades, Dave was ready to give up on aviation, but this program has re-inspired him! UPDATE January 2022: both pilots have achieved 100% of participating airports!
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October 2021 - Richard Beckert, based out of Frontier Airpark, earned his flight jacket! Aircraft: Turbo 182 RG. Favorite airports: Sullivan Lake, Ranger Creek. Most challenging: Snake River airports. Highlights: getting to see the state, had never landed at at least half of those airports before. Most memorable: 12 airports in one day! Unexpected: many of the airports had courtesy cars. Other comments: this has been good - it encourages you to go flying and stay safe, it makes you stay on your game and encourages participants to stay sharp on skills.
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October 2021 - Stephen and Diane Lambert earned 100% of participating airport stamps, flying a Cessna 152 out of Pasco! Favorite airports: ORS Orcas, W10 Whidbey, and Spokane International. Most challenging: Lost River, due to tall trees, density altitude and wind shift. Highlights: meeting people and airport managers, going to airports they never would have gone to. Memorable times: going to 10,500 feet and flying over the mountains for the first time.
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April 2021 - Kim and Christine Gilbertson receive the jackets they earned in 2020!
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April 2021 - Richard Edgerton claims the flight jacket he earned by visiting 100% of participating airports in 2020
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April 2021 - Doug Pflugradt visited 100% of Fly Washington Passport Program participating airports in 2020
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April 2021 - Tyler Finn sporting the Passport Program jacket he earned in 2020 by visiting 100% of participating airports
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April 2021 - Brian Behrend earned the prized Fly Washington Passport Program jacket in 2020
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April 2021 - Joe and Debbie Gryniuk receive their hard-earned flight jackets
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April 2021 - Lynn Whimpey showing off his newly awarded flight jacket
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Kim and Christine Gilbertson earned their Fly Washington Passport Program jackets in 2020!
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Joe (and Debbie, not pictured) Gryniuk mentioned that in all their flights around Washington, the most unexpected thing they encountered was a naked man in a safety vest. (Safety man also not pictured.)
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December 2020 - Jon & Dakota (K9) Counsell, based out of S43, completed the program in their Cessna 170B. Favorite airport: Lower goose. Most challenging: two dozen airports in one day! Highlights: seeing parts of the state he's never flown even though he's lived here most of his life, Southwest corner of the state and the coast. Unexpected encounters: people he'd never met coming out and saying hi at airports. To the sponsors: THANK YOU, and please tell us how the average person can help behind the scenes.
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December 2020 - Richard Edgerton just finished getting 100% of the Fly Washington Passport Program stamps. Way to go Richard!
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We have our 4th 100% airport completion winner! Greg Sykes is based out of Arlington and completed the majority of the program in his 206, a friend’s 182 and a Seabee for the seaplane bases. Greg is the first participant to fly to all airports AND Seaplane bases. Greg’s comments: Great Program. Gives people a goal to fly somewhere. Highlight: Had fun taking people with him. It is like an Easter egg hunt. Favorite Airport: Sullivan Lake. Most Challenging Airport: Woodland and Ilwaco (wind)
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7th Jacket winner and 5th 100% completion winner! Jim Murphy is based out of Shelton and completed all the airports in his RV7 (with wheel pants). He flew into every airport but SEA (he’s flown in 100’s of time previously). Jim says it was fun going to places he would not regularly have gone to, seeing all the airports and back country strips. According to him, none of the airports were difficult. The biggest challenge was the larger airports. Favorite Airport: Sullivan Lake
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Lynn Whimpy, based out of KTIW, completed the progam in a Mooney and a Cessna 182. Favorite airport: Lynden. Most challenging: never landed on gravel, Snake River strips. Highlight: fulfilling a dream that he and his son had. Now, more confident going into strange airports when doing Angel Flights.
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Joe and Debbie Gryniuk, based out of S50, completed 100% of airports in a Cherokee Warrior. For Joe, the most challenging airport was Woodland (wind shear). For Debbie, it was Point Roberts due to a previous experience. Debbie was amazed at how friendly everyone is and the trust other pilots have in people they do not know. Both say the program has inspired them to appreciate the diverse and dynamic state we live in.
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Doug Pflugradt, based out of M94 Desert Aire, is a 100% Completion/Gold Wings winner. Doug completed the program in a Kitfox Super Sport Model 7. Ranger Creek was his most challenging flight. Republic was his favorite airport, where he met the manager, swam in Lake Curlew, and flew in a float plane. His most memorable flight was around Puget Sound, where he flew to a bunch of airports, including PAE, SEA and BFI in one day.
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Tyler Finn is based out of KBFI, and completed 90% of participating airports in a 182A. Favorite aiports: Sullivan Lake and Tieton. Most challenging: flying into Twisp and Methow due to gusty winds. The rocky runways of Little Goose and Lower Granite were unexpected. Flying around the Olympic Peninsula was his most memorable flight. Highlight: getting stamps with his daughter. He also shares that the program was EXTREMELY inspiring, and he challenged himself to fly into airports he wouldn't normally fly into. He says THANK YOU to the sponsors for supporting a program that provides motivation to explore the state.
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Our first 100% award winner for the Passport program! Dan Wood, based out of Shelton, has completed every airport and seaplane base currently participating in the program!
Favorite Airport to fly into: Sullivan Lake. Most challenging flight: The Snake River Airports, particular the airport with all the power lines. Highlight of the program for Dan: the experience of going to places he never would have gone to. It has improved his confidence in his abilities. He has learned a lot about his flying ability and his airplane throughout the process. |
Andy Pomeroy: first pilot to earn a jacket, and second one to visit 100% of all Passport Program airports!
Favorite Airport: Sand Canyon, specifically his take off south over the canyon.
Most Challenging Airport: Little Goose with terrain, wind and power lines. Funniest Story: Did 6 airports in a row in the North Central region and did not need to change his heading.
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September 2019: Olympic Region completed, Jim and Maryann receive their second patches!
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Shelton pilot Dan Wood shows his Gold Pin, earned by visiting 100% of Fly Washington Passport Program participating airports!
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Fly Washington Passport Program is pleased to introduce Scott Hunziker, Jacket Winner! Based out of Auburn, Scott completed the majority of the program in his 182, with wheel pants. He flew to every location and received stamps at every location.
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At the 2020 awards ceremony, Corley McFarland, Tim Mensonides, and Max Platts present Dan Wood with his jacket.
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Scott’s flight track log. He says: Had a blast! Plenty of beautiful airports in the state with nice pilot’s lounges and courtesy cars. Favorite Airport: Stehekin. Most Challenging: Ranger Creek (weather)
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And More Fly Washington Passport Program adventures...
Jim and Mary Ann McClellan |
Brian Behrend |
Thoughts on the program from pilot Lynn Wyatt
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Thoughts on the program from Don and June Fitzpatrick:
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I fly a 61' 172 Skyhawk and have it at Okanogan Legion S35.
Really don't have a favorite airport but there is a great restaurant at Richland, just south of fuel pumps, that serves Cajun food. Draw back is they close at 14:00. Most challenging and most memorable was probably to Easton (ESW), Bandera (4W0), and down to Ranger Creek (21W) then home. Ranger is not conducive to standard patterns and tighter than normal canyon walls but beautiful with Rainier, the river and highway below. The scenery all the way is beautiful and especially swinging around and the views of Mount Rainier. The weather was beautiful and no winds to cope with. Rather unusual. The worst thing I encountered was I flew with another pilot in his plane down to Little Goose (16W) and a couple of other airports and when we got over to Lower Granite (00W) I discovered that I had left my Passport Book back at Little Goose. Lost some time but worked out OK. Broke a golden rule, "PAY ATTENTION DUMMY". Also watch for deer on those two airports--had to pull up on Little Goose for a bunch on the runway. I really like this program , it has inspired me to fly a little more and visit airports that I would have never gone into. Some no reason to go back. Met mostly nice folks also a few grumps. Also I have seen some pilots fly into S35 that had no idea this part of Washington existed. They were surprised to see that we have asphalt and cement in this part of the state. To the sponsors--thanks for being a part of and the reason this program can exist. General Aviation has a hard enough time and your support sure doesn't hurt. Thanks also Tim and Angie for your support to the program. |
We did our flying in our current aircraft, a Cessna 206 H model, turbocharged. We have less than 500 hours on it. We bought it with 74 hours on it. We have updated it with stainless steel exhaust (due to a requirement to inspect the exhaust every 25 hours). We have also added the Sportsman STOL package, vortex generators, and AOA heads up package. Just for your information, we have taken out the rear two seats because we don't haul six people. We can easily put them back of course, but we have stored them in a mouse proof box because we seldom haul 6 people. We are so proud of our 206.
Our home base is in a hangar where we used to have our chapter meeting and hope to again after the coronavirus. Heated, counter for potluck dinners, sink for dishes, screen for films, etc. Twisp is the airport for most of the general aviation aircraft in the Methow Valley. It is about 25 hangars, on leased land from the town of Twisp. We are right next door, on fee simple land (with through the fence access). We support the Twisp Airport events, and for five years (when we were located at the Winthrop Smokejumper base) we had fly-ins that were sponsored by us and the O'Keefes. Our favorite airport would be Stehekin. Our most challenging flight was around the Peninsula when we could get into some, but not all airports. We had to file IFR to get to our next airport further south due to bad weather. We missed lading at three airports that were within our reach but protected by weather. That is the reason that I had to go to the Peninsula to get my last airports in my passport on the day of my last flight. The Highlight of the program was being able to land at Sea-Tac on the center runway, with no traffic due to Covid19, no landing fee, and a very friendly FBO. Most memorial flight was not for me to get a stamp, but to help Andy Pomeroy get his last stamp (for his first passbook) by flying with him to Stehekin. On that trip we had a great lunch at the bakery and were able to get a new member for WPA. When we went to Avey Field on the border there was no stamp and we later learned that the airport was not included. Being a relatively short field with very tall trees, we were disappointed. But we took a picture and put it in the passport anyway. The program did inspire me to fly more and to renew what I had done 18 years ago. It brought back lots of old memories. It also inspired us to make stamps for the Backcountry Seminar and Flying program that the Methow Valley chapter did summer of 2019. That made it possible for about 35 pilots to get stamps that weren't a formal part of the program and set them off as something special. They loved it! We really appreciated the sponsors and I think I realize the tremendous amount of work you have put into the program. I have told lots of non-aviators about it and they are also impressed. It was a good way for WPA to encourage flying and give another benefit. |
