FLYING HIGH: Cadets take to the Skies

By Claire Sherling

Long (far left) & Jones (front right) along with the 2016 Flying Tigers & COL Hansen

The phrase flying high is often used to describe feeling good, but it typically doesn’t mean you’re actually soaring.  However, for a few folks at MMI, flying high is something they enjoy on a weekly basis.  The MMI Flying Tigers are a group of cadets who participate in a certified flight training program outside of their typical MMI Cadet training. Cadets from across the country are drawn to MMI with the goal of emerging from college as licensed pilots.  Squeezed between hours of PT, class, commandant’s time and formation are the amazing moments when cadets get to take off (literally) and clock a few hours in the skies under the tutelage of flight instructors.  This pastime helps many cadets in their future careers within the military but also outside of it. 

John Ellis Phillip Long III is one of MMI’s Flying Tiger champions.  A top-notch wrestler, Long was recruited to attend several different colleges, but it was MMI’s flight program that truly sealed the deal for Long to sign with MMI.  Long began flying as a high school student in Greenville, SC.  From the first moment Long stepped on an airplane as a kid on family vacation, he knew that he wanted to become a pilot and he has pursued that dream ever since.

Long after December graduation with COL & Mrs. Mollahan

“It took me four years to convince my parents, but my senior year they let me take flying lessons,” says Long.  “I already knew the basics [upon arrival at MMI] so after about five flights with an instructor, I was allowed to do my first solo flight.  I was a little bit nervous but I felt confident I could land smoothly.”

Through dedication in the sky and on the MMI campus, Long proved himself worthy of a leadership position and was named the commander of the Flying Tigers in his second year.  “From the first day at MMI, John excelled at his academic studies, was an extraordinarily competitive wrestler, and a dedicated flight student,” says COL Hansen.  “All of those endeavors require focused discipline, maturity, and natural talent.” 

That focused discipline is often a pleasure as opposed to a pain when you are passionate about the task at hand.  “All the hard work is worth it,” says Long.  “To be in control of flying an airplane… honestly, you feel like Superman.”   

Long graduated this past December as an undefeated All American wrestler—he also graduated with a private pilot license.  Unlike many of his classmates, Long will not be continuing his career in the military.  He is currently attending Airline Transport Pilot school in Richmond, VA in his pursuit of becoming a commercial airline pilot.  “Mature, quiet, confident, intelligent and compassionate, [Long] is a natural leader,” says COL Hansen.  “He will be highly successful as an aviation professional.”

Following in Long’s footsteps is fellow Cadet Cameron Jones from Atlanta, GA.  A service academy prep cadet currently at MMI, Jones intends to take his hours of flying experience and apply it to a career as a pilot in the military, as opposed to taking the commercial route.  Recently accepted to the United States Naval Academy, Jones hopes to complete his four years at the academy and become a Marine Corps aviator one day.  “Between now and [USMC] flight school, I want to get as many flight ratings so that I can be the best and become a Marine Corps fighter pilot,” says Jones. 

Cadet Jones in his Class A's

Jones started pursuing his dream at the young age of 15.  Since then, he has clocked over 40 hours in the pilot seat, including 3 years of experience before joining the MMI Flying Tigers.  Through the guidance of the Flying Tigers instructors, Jones has recently passed the FAA written exam and will be taking the check ride to get his pilot’s license this week.  Jones has completed over ten solo flights, his chief achievement at this point of his venture. “It is the greatest feeling in the world to know that you are flying by yourself and you are in charge,” says Jones.  “There is this euphoric sense of freedom and power.” 

Growing up in Colorado Springs, Jones remembers when he first fell in love with the idea of flying.  “It all started when my father took me to see the Thunderbirds at the Air Force Academy,” says Jones.  “When he put me on his shoulders and I saw the diamond flying in the sky, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” 

Having a firm understanding of his career path and the passion to pursue it has helped Jones tackle his goal of becoming a pilot.  With every passing year, he gets closer to his dream of flying in the Marine Corps.  “When I am at the controls it feels like nothing can stop me,” he says.