Register

Martha Lunken Earns Her Wings (Again)

[Courtesy: Martha Lunken]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Author Martha Lunken successfully regained her private pilot certificate on December 24, 2021, nine months after all her previous pilot certificates had been revoked.
  • She strategically completed her checkride in a simpler Cessna 150 on Christmas Eve to minimize the likelihood of FAA observation, aiming for a smoother re-certification process.
  • Despite past controversies and a "roller coaster" year, the article highlights her profound and unwavering passion for aviation, which she continues to pursue through further ratings and sees as a vital connection to others.
See a mistake? Contact us.

As a child, I thought Christmas Eve was hands-down the most magical time of the year, but December 24, 2021, was over the top.

That morning I became a “real” private pilot…nine months since the revocation of all my certificates and ratings. Though I could pursue getting all of them back, at this time in life I won’t go for anything else except an instrument rating. I don’t need anything more.

Martha Lunken

Martha Lunken is a lifelong pilot, former FAA inspector and defrocked pilot examiner. She flies a Cessna 180 and anything with a tailwheel, from Cubs to DC-3s.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE