BY CHRISTINE PRICE
Gazette Newspapers
Middlefield – Luke Shipman, a Maplewood High School student who also attends College Credit Plus (CCP) classes, has reached an exciting milestone in his aviation training – he completed his first solo flight.
Shipman’s passion for aviation began early. He was in 6th grade when he first attended the Summer Youth Aviation Camp (SYAC), held annually at the Geauga County Airport. The camp introduces young people to aviation through hands-on experiences, mentorship and flight opportunities – experiences that quickly sparked Shipman’s interest.
Sherry Niederkorn, an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 5 and administrator of the SYAC program, has watched his progress closely.
“I am very proud to say that since 2019 Shipman has been following in his grandfather’s steps,” she said. “He has taken flight instruction from our Certified Flight Instructors (CFI) at the airport.”
Shipman’s dedication also earned him a notable honor. He was selected to represent EAA Chapter 5 as their Ray Aviation Scholar, a scholarship awarded to promising young aviators. He recently passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written exam for pilot training.
On Wednesday, Oct. 29, Shipman completed his first solo flight in a Cessna 172 – an achievement every pilot remembers.
“He has come a long way since 2019,” Niederkorn said. “We are very impressed by his accomplishments.”
Beyond the runway, Shipman enjoys fishing, hunting, baseball and bowling. He has already earned college credits through Kent State University and is applying to aviation-related colleges, including Bowling Green, Kent State and Liberty University, with the goal of earning a professional pilot degree.
“My plan is to fly for an airline starting with regional flights and eventually moving up to international flights,” Shipman said. He is also considering flying privately.
A deep family connection also fuels Shipman’s love of aviation. His grandfather, Don Cunningham – a pilot, aircraft maintenance technician and owner of Cunningham Air Services – has long been a fixture at the Geauga County Airport. He is certified by the FAA to perform inspections, repairs and maintenance on aircraft and has been a distinguished member of EAA Chapter 5 for more than 25 years.
Growing up, Shipman spent weekends at the airport assisting his grandfather. Over time, that exposure grew into a true passion. About three years ago, he knew he wanted to earn his pilot’s license. His parents weren’t surprised to see him achieve his solo flight before turning 18.
“He has been laser-focused on his goal of becoming a pilot,” they said. “Luke is a leader in character and a son with a kind heart and genuine spirit. We’re very proud of him and know he is destined to do great things. We can’t wait to see where his flying career takes him.”
Cunningham, who has been part of the Geauga County Airport community since 1982, involved his grandson early – enlisting him to help cook at pancake breakfasts when he was still in elementary school.
“Geauga County Airport has been part of my life since I can remember,” Shipman said. “The community at the airport has been nothing short of amazing. There is a lot of experience that the people at the airport are happy to pass down.”
Shipman’s solo flight marks an important step toward earning his private pilot’s license, but it is also a testament to years of discipline, determination and the support of an aviation community that has helped guide him. With his goals set and his passion clear, the sky is truly the limit for this young pilot.
