JOHN SIVYER
John's first flight was in 1972 at age 14 in a Piper PA-11 taildragger. His brother in law Hugh Spencer was co-owner with his brother-in-law Capt. Jack Cales a pilot for Eastern Airlines. Jack was also an instructor and bought John his first log book which he is still using today. From the first flight John was hooked. He got 3 more hours in the CUB before a small tornado destroyed it while tied down at the field.
He didn't start training again until 1977 and had his first solo flight soon after that. About a year later he had his Privot Pilot rating.
Over the next 25 years John was in and out of various airplanes but unfortunatly was out more than he was in. In December 2000 after 11 years on the ground he deceided to get checked out again.
He wanted to keep at it this time but knew that he needed the fellowship of other pilots. He met Gar Braun at a Raincheck meeting and was invited to come to an EAA meeting. He joined his first night and has been a member ever since. John says " I really enjoy the Chapter meetings because they bring together so many diferent kinds of Pilots with all kinds of different experiences."
John flys mainly Cessna 172's from Flightline and Eagle and flew over 61 hours last year. He got his instrument ticket in Jan 2003. John volunteered in January 2002 to be the Young Eagles Coodinator.
" The reason Young Eagles appeals to me so much is it gives me a chance introduce other yong people to flying the way I was at 14. I will always be grateful to Jack and Hugh for that Experience"