August 'Stirling' Mazenko
  • Home
  • MY RESUME
  • Qualifications and Flight Time
  • Why Hire Me ?
  • The Beginning...
  • Letters of Recommendation
The above picture was taken the day Howell Flying Service closed in 1989

how it all began...

July 5, 1975. That was the day of my first airplane ride. $15 for a 15 minute ride at Howell Airport located on the south side of Chicago. From that day forward, my life would never be the same. 
 
Yes, I was hooked. What 15 year old wouldn't be? I 'flew' home on my bike and told my mom about my experience. I said, "That's what I want to do with my life". Not a doubt in my mind. The problem then became how to pay for flying lessons. I was 15 years old! I had no money. My parents were a middle class family who had little extra for a vacation, let alone for flying lessons for their son. 
 
My mom told me that if I wanted to fly, go to the airport and tell the man there that I would work for flying lessons. I was fairly shy, but I did just that. I approached that crusty old bigger than life man named 'Willie Howell' and presented my proposal to him. He bought it, hook line and sinker. I would work all weekend for a 30 minute flying lesson during the school year and 6 days a week in the summer. 
 
That's how it began. Years of cleaning Piper Cherokee bellies, pumping gas, mowing grass and cleaning dog pens. Before you knew it, I was a licensed pilot at age 17. I will always be grateful to that sweet man named Willie Howell for giving me that opportunity. 
 
Now I am asking you for that same opportunity. I did not waste it 37 years ago and I would not waste it now. The work ethic and drive that was instilled in me by my mother and Willie still lives within me today.
 
I will represent your flight department well and fly your airplane like I owned it myself and my family was in the back.
Picture

(503) 432-1952                     STIRLING.MAZENKO@gmail.com

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.