For senior Rob Brist, the desire to conquer the skies began at a young age. While watching a local air show, Brist first realized he had a love of flying. “Ever since then I’ve wanted to fly,” said Brist. “When I was 14, I started taking lessons.” Brist now has his pilot’s license and has logged more than 100 flight hours — hours that have given him some very unforgettable experiences. “My most memorable time flying was when I flew to San Jose,” said Brist. “Nothing is cooler than flying all over the Bay area in a little Cessna.” Brist hopes to use his aviation experience to pursue a career in flying. “I’m going to go to college to get my airline transport rating,” said Brist. “My dream is to fly for a corporation someday.” Brist’s dedication to flying was most recently demonstrated when he won the Aviation Club raffle for a scenic flight over the Flathead Valley — only to give the money that would have been used for the flight back to the club. “I think it’s great,” said club member Nicole McKain. “He could have logged the hours from the flight for himself.” Although the president of the club winning the club’s raffle may seem suspicious, club adviser Chuck Manning says Brist just got lucky. “All of the raffle tickets were taken down to (Vice Principal Peter) Fusaro,” said Manning. “He’s the one that picked out the winning ticket, so that there weren’t any questions.” Brist said giving the money back to the club would boost the club’s funds set aside for a trip to Seattle later this spring “I know that we need the money for the club,” said Brist. The club is planning “either another raffle or to use the cash to rent a car to go to Seattle.” The Aviation Club’s annual trip to Seattle and the Boeing museum gives those interested in aviation the opportunity to experience an aspect of aviation not often seen around the Flathead Valley. “I’m excited to see aviation at a different level,” said Brist. “Seeing the military and Boeing — one of the biggest aircraft manufacturers — should be great.” By giving the prize back to the club, Brist has allowed more people to go to Seattle. “There’s still a lot of people that need money for the trip,” said McKain. “Giving back the money is allowing a lot of people to go.” According to Brist, his involvement in aviation will provide many opportunities for him in the future. “Not only is it a good start in a high-paying career, but it’s such a thrill to rent a plane and fly somewhere whenever you want to,” said Brist. “It’s really a hard feeling to explain, you just have to experience it yourself.” |
