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Webinars, Cherry Bombs, and Flying Schools

Martha in 1972 running Midwest Flight Center (aka Miss Martha’s Flying School). Courtesy Martha Lunken
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Key Takeaways:

  • The author reflects on the complexity of Southern California airspace after attending a webinar, which prompts a nostalgic dive into her early aviation experiences, including a youthful, mischievous incident.
  • She recounts her journey from a newly minted private pilot to a flight instructor (CFI), leveraging her oral exam questions to create a successful study guide, and subsequently founding Midwest Flight Center.
  • The article details the surprisingly informal process of obtaining Part 141 flight school approval with FAA assistance and her eventual recruitment as an FAA inspector, influenced by her experience and being a female in aviation.
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OK, this is a little out of character, but last night, I “joined” (I think that’s the term) an aviation webinar—mostly because it was presented by the son of my friend Barry Schiff but also because the subject was intriguing.

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.

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