MEEKER | If you ever had a desire to fly, Meeker’s newest business; Blunt Aviation, LLC, has an opportunity for you. Nineteen-year-old Connor Blunt, a 2023 Meeker High School graduate and now a Certified Flight Instructor, recently purchased a Cessna 172 Hawk XP airplane, and his business is taking off.
Blunt already has a few local students and is excited to teach more Meeker people.
“I want to get a bunch of students and teach them how to fly,” Blunt said. “Many think it is unattainable but it’s not and people should be able to experience it. Flying is a great community to be involved in.”
After graduation, Blunt chose to attend the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, where it took him about five months to earn his commercial license, which allows him to fly for compensation or hire. After getting his commercial license, Blunt moved to Fort Meyers, Florida where he attended another flight school to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
Blunt said former Meeker alumni and commercial pilot Ladd Klinglesmith ,took him for a plane ride before his senior year and “I was knew this is what I wanted to do, so I got into a fast track program.”
After becoming a CFI, he flew skydivers for about three months in Florida, he even did it himself once, before moving back home to start his business.
Blunt said airport manager Lanny Coulter has also been a mentor for the young entrepreneur at Coulter Field.
“Lanny inspired me to start the flight school and he has helped me out tremendously,” Blunt said. “He is also my Chief Flight Instructor and my maintenance guy. Our airport is beautiful and well managed because of Lanny and Tom (Charest). People comment all the time on how easy it is to get in and out of. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place.”
Blunt said to call him at 970-756-2800 if you would like to schedule a “discovery flight” for a fee, to discover if “flying is for you.”
By BOBBY GUTIERREZ
