(l to r) Trenton C. Stephenson, Joseph R. Schubbe, Brett C. Puckel, Kevin A. Vince, Joseph R. Melton, Gavin H. Meek, Joshua D. Hagerman, Tyler P. Maher and Todd A. Long.

LLCC Aviation Maintenance celebrated their nine graduates with a ceremony recently. Two graduates are already on the job at Standard Aero and three more are applying their skills with the Air Combat Museum – whose owner, Mike George, also served as the guest speaker.

Kevin Vince

Graduate Kevin Vince represented his class as student speaker, while Gavin Meek took home the coveted Excellence Award with near-perfect attendance (just 20 minutes missed!) and a GPA above 93%.

Gavin Meek

A special thanks to Jeff Martin, recruitment specialist, instructors and family and friends who came out to show their support.

Next stop for these grads: FAA testing to become certified powerplant mechanics  – with four already holding their Airframe certification.

Thirty-five young eagles took flight in near perfect weather last Saturday as LLCC Aviation hosted the first Young Eagles rally of 2025.

Families traveled from as far away as St. Louis for the experience. Pilots flew 35 kids, ages 8 to 17 for a free introductory flight to help open up their eyes to the joy and opportunities of flying. One participant turned eight that day and was excited to qualify for his first flight.Additional Young Eagles rallies are scheduled for May 10, June 14, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13, weather permitting.