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Jumpseat: A Tale of Flying Legacies, Part 2

Tim Knutson's son, Owen, soloed in the same J-3 Cub that Tim flew on his first solo 32 years earlier. Courtesy Les Abend
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article chronicles the author's enduring friendship with airline pilot Tim Knutson and the multi-generational aviation legacy of the Knutson family.
  • A central event is Tim's son, Owen, achieving his first solo flight on his 16th birthday, impressively soloing five different airplanes, including the same J-3 Cub his father flew for his first solo.
  • This milestone highlights the Knutson family's deep-seated passion for aviation, passed down through Tim's own career challenges, to Owen's embrace of their airborne heritage.
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One of the most valued intrinsic benefits to having contributed to this publication for almost 15 years has been the opportunity to interact with some special and unique people. Individuals that were the subject matter of this column have remained a fond and integral part of my writing.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

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