From Uncertain to Unstoppable: How Flight Club 502 Changed Jack’s Future

Born and raised in Louisville, our newest Aircraft Build Officer, Jack, joined Flight Club 502 in the summer of 2025, following in the footsteps of his older brother. Like many teenagers, he always enjoyed figuring out how to fix things, but it was his summer with the club that transformed a hobby into a life-changing passion.

Jack’s role as Aircraft Build Officer placed him at the heart of the workshop, where he dove headfirst into the hands-on work of building an airplane. His days were spent working alongside Mr. Mooney and other students on the four different sections of the build—the engine, two wings, fuselage, and avionics. This immersive experience was completely student-led, with adults checking in to guide and mentor. This project had a profound impact on Jack, who now knows exactly what he wants to do with his life: become an aviation mechanic.

The experience taught Jack far more than just how to use tools like calipers and rivet guns. He quickly became a leader, teaching younger students the skills he had just learned. He credits mentor Mr. Mooney, who invited him to work on the Funk plane on Saturdays, for helping him develop the crucial diagnostic skills needed to disassemble and fix an aircraft.

When asked to describe the club in one word, Jack chose “Connective.” He explained that the club gave him the opportunity to meet new people and grow in his ability to talk to strangers. He wants other young people to know that Flight Club 502 is a great way to learn a new skill and the mechanics side of aviation.

For Jack, the most powerful takeaway is that this experience provided a clear path forward. “I did not know what to do with my life before this summer, and now I am sure of what I want to do,” he says.

The ability to continue programs like the one that changed Jack’s life depends on support from the community. Jack says that raffle funds are crucial because they allow the club to improve and do more builds and buy new tools.

These funds don’t just build airplanes; they build futures.