Frontiers - Space-Library

and it makes you a better person,” said Mike Borkan, 737
test team lead in Renton and a private pilot, who is currently
studying to earn his instrument rating with the Boeing group.
For married couple Glenn Dalby and Diana Klug, learning
to fly was something they wanted to do together. The two
Boeing employees took advantage of the regional flying
club to learn. Now they stay with the group for access to
its airplanes for short trips.
But people take part in the association for reasons that
often go much further.
For John Vian, Boeing Research & Technology Technical
Fellow, and a dozen other member pilots who donate
time and resources, the association’s airplanes enable
“angel flights” that help patients who live in remote areas
get access to medical treatment.
And for Mike Rearick, volunteering for the association
is a way to keep his mechanic’s license current and help
keep the club’s airplanes in top form.
The club’s fleet also includes Piper aircraft, a Cirrus SR20,
as well as a float plane, an aerobatic airplane and a full-motion
simulator. Students can become private pilots or commercial
pilots and obtain their instrument and multi-engine ratings at
either the Renton or Paine Field airports. Cost for a private
pilot’s license through the association averages just over
$10,000—moderate compared with other flight schools in the
region. Licensed pilots who are members may use the club
planes for local flying, vacation trips and personal transportation.
Since its inception the organization has produced not
only general aviators but also military, airline and test pilots.
NASA astronaut Janet Kavandi, who worked for Commercial
Airplanes and later made three flights on the space
shuttle, took her solo flight with the Boeing Employees Flying
Association. John Cashman, who commanded the 777 on its
first flight in 1994, received his private and commercial license
BOEING FRONTIERS / SEPTEMBER 2012
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