Pilot Spotlight: John Echols

What moments matter most to you when you fly? The crowds cheering as you do aerobatic maneuvers? Or saving time with a casual flight across the countryside? Hear from one of our pilots, John Echols, as he shares what he loves most about flying, especially flying with a smoke system.

Q: Why did you learn to fly? How did you start?

A: My dad was a pilot and I always wanted to learn how to fly. Started with a flight school just after college.

Q: How long have you been flying?

A: About 16 years. There was a 25-year gap while I was raising and educating kids.

Q: What type of plane to you fly?

A: Cessna L-19 Bird Dog and a Mooney M20F.

Q: What would you say to someone who wants to learn to fly or to a young pilot?

A: If you start it, stick with it until you get your license.

Q: What do you love about flying?

A: The view, the freedom, the challenge, the convenience, and the time saved.

Q: What are your favorite flying or airshow memories?

A: My first airshow at Breckenridge, TX, flying the Bird Dog with the smoke system.

Q: Why do you love flying with a smoke system on your plane?

A: I just wanted to add some appeal for the crowd when I fly by with “smoke on!”