Eyes to the Skies

SUN CITY – Whether flying model airplanes or launching real aircraft, members of the Aviation Interest Group know it’s never too late to spread their wings.

The Sun City organization, which began in 2003, focuses on the fact the love of flying takes many forms and spans all ages.

“Our group is for folks in the community who have an interest in aviation, but don’t know how to pursue it,” Vince Lynn, group secretary, said. “By connecting with our organization, they can begin to pick up where they left off and can rekindle an interest in their hobby or perhaps get back into flying.”

The diverse population of the Aviation Interest Group, which boasts 40 members, includes a wide array of Sun City residents. Former military flight captains, commercial pilots, and even those previously involved in the national space program attend the group.

However, according to president of the group Mike Birosak, real flying takes a backseat for many of the members since they are in retirement.

The Aviation Club and its members Ed Gunderson (bottom left), Michael Birosak, Vince Lynn (top left), Gerrit Plantinga (top right), Jerry Grimmonpre, Harry Sorenson and Steven Agnning (bottom right) gather for a weekly meeting at Country Pride Restaurant like they do every Thursday morning.
(Hannah Sturtecky I Sun Day Photo)

“We are more of a social group now. We’re a bunch of guys that enjoy having fun, and we like to keep young at heart by sharing our lifetime experiences,” he said.

This is not to say all members remain on the ground. In fact, for Lynn, the Aviation Interest Group was a path to the sky. Lynn’s membership prompted him to pursue piloting outside of the group, and he recently earned his sport pilot license.

“I had only ever built model airplanes and never had the chance to pursue my interest in aviation,” Lynn said. “When I got in with the group, I found that they really had a genuine interest in keeping aviation alive for everybody of all ages.”

On occasion, the members take group flights for local field trips, such as to Janesville, Wis., where the group will stop at a favorite restaurant. Although this day trip is not overly pricey, Birosak jokes that the group looks forward to their “hundred dollar cup of coffee.”

However, the Aviation Interest Group is quite active even when its members are not airborne. According to Lynn, the group meets one Thursday every month, often to view aviation-related films or play host to outside speakers ranging from hot air balloon operators to National Weather Service meteorologists. Other notable activities include field trips to local flight museums or the annual Rockford Air Fest and Oshkosh Airshow.

“Just about everything we do is a favorite, such as the picnics, the Christmas party, and the Hangar Talks,” Birosak said. “I think we all really enjoy some of the common experiences we had during our flight training.”

But the Aviation Interest Group is more than just fun and field trips. According to Vice President Ed Gunderson, the group aims to ensure that the sky’s the limit for aviation enthusiasts.

“One thing about aviation is that you can’t know too much. You’re learning and relearning all the time. Some of our members got their licenses after they joined our club, which I think is really nice because when you’re over 55 years old, getting a pilot license is kind of unique. It takes a lot of energy and studying, and you have to apply yourself,” he said.

(Photo Provided)

 Aviation Interest Group

 Meetings: 7 to 9 p.m. first Thursday of each month at Meadow View Lodge. 9 to 11 a.m. breakfast every Thursday at The Country Pride restaurant on Hwy. 20.
 Membership: Anyone interested in aviation, with or without piloting background
Dues: $10/year
Contact: Mike Birosak, president, 847-669-0108.
www.sccah.com/?Aviation (run by Vince Lynn)

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