Submitted by Shane Vande Voort
Ed. Note: We don’t normally run “youngest pilot” stories but given the background and experience of Sullivan Vande Voort we bent the rules in this case.
Key Points:
13 planes included nine taildraggers and four trikes
4.2 hours logged in the morning flights
Hopes the flights will inspire other young people
Sullivan Vande Voort celebrated his 16th birthday May 26 by completing a solo flight in 13 different airplane types. Sullivan attends Pella Christian High School, and his family owns and operates Classic Aviation Inc., an aviation services company and flight school at the Pella and Oskaloosa, Iowa, Municipal Airports. Vande Voort is a third-generation pilot who started logging flight at age 6 when he could finally reach the rudder pedals. He had logged 210 hours of training in 24 types of airplanes prior to his solo flights.
The 13 aircraft covered a broad spectrum of general aviation airplanes, including nine tailwheel and four tricycle gear aircraft. The airplanes flown in order were a 1946 Aeronca Champ, 1946 Piper J-3 Cub, 1940 Meyers OTW, 1947 Cessna 120, 1947 Stinson 108-2, 1992 Experimental Vans RV-6, 1943 Taylorcraft L-2M, 2021 Experimental Rans S-21, 1999 American Champion 7GCBC Citabria, 1977 Cessna 172N Skyhawk, 2006 Cirrus SR-20, 2003 Cirrus SR22, and a 1977 Piper PA28-140 Cherokee.
“I hope this may inspire other young people to get involved in aviation,“ said Vande Voort, who plans to pursue a career in aviation. “I’m thankful to have had experienced mentors in my flight training but also excited to have many friends in my age group who are flying.” Doug Rozendaal, warbird examiner and airshow pilot, has long been one of Sullivan’s mentors and was one of dozens on hand for the event. “I have known Sullivan since he was very young, it has been a pleasure to watch him grow up and I wasn’t going to miss the occasion. It was amazing to watch him climb from one airplane to the next and grease them on consistently.”
Vande Voort flew 4.2 hours in the 13 aircraft before noon. After that he went to work a shift at the airport with the hope of getting his driver’s license after the holiday weekend. Vande Voort will get his private pilot’s certificate and instrument rating when he turns 17, and in the meantime will be flying solo around the Midwest.
White supremacist hand gesture!? Cannot believe you published this photo!
From Russ:
I’m not up on my white supremacist hand gestures but that beautiful Meyers was the third airplane he flew that morning and the gesture indicated that and nothing more. Sheesh.
Deriving a white supremacist hand gesture out of this picture requires a certain kind of mindset that is slightly troublesome.
The downright nasty comment section of a publication and its EIC, who finds this sort of comment entertaining.
From Russ:
Stow the crocodile tears, Jason. You give as good as you get. I have explained my position numerous times and it isn’t going to change. These are tense times and avoiding the uncomfortable topics won’t change that, just distort it.
This story belongs in the “I ate a 1,000 hotdogs in 15 minutes” section.
That’s nice and I don’t care. I fail to see any benefit for aviation and I would have to think it troublesome for anyone who would emulate this sort of accomplishment. Honestly, the whole event flys in the face of safety.
Sullivan didn’t just solo at 16—he did something truly unique. He flew 13 different airplanes in one morning, including several taildraggers that take additional skill. That’s something most pilots, at any age, haven’t done.
I’m sure he’s already looking forward to turning 17—and then 18.
Congratulations to the young man.
Most pilots at any age never had, never will, never could have the resources to do what this kid did. Given that alone, his accomplishments are a yawner and I still view them as a slap in the face of safety.
From Russ:
I don’t get the safety argument. What was unsafe? It wasn’t particularly rushed, there was lots of volunteer help and support and the resources were there.
What a great accomplishment, An awesome trained student pilot to be entering the young future pilots in a year. Nicely done and congrats! I for one, am proud of you!
Are you sure he wasn’t just indicating “ok”?
Are you sure you responded to the right respondent?
I agree Raf and congratulations to this young man on a remarkable achievement. I was fortunate to solo in one airplane on my 16th birthday in the early 70s… and I both celebrate and envy this new aviator. There will always be folk who will find a negative in any event. I would venture to say that the flight experience Sullivan has gained in a multitude of aircraft has taught lessons that only add to his safety skill set. As a rather seasoned CFI (I’m old), I’m certain his CFI was confident in Sullivan’s abilities or the event would not have happened (endorsements!). And if the necessary resources are available, then good on him!
Very remarkable achievement and I wish him well!
Or gee, I don’t know, maybe that was his solo count up to that point? I would have shown some type of sign after each flight if a camera were present… although the picture might have been blurred do to my jumping up and down, pumping my fists, etc.
Trolls will be trolls… and I shouldn’t feed them.
Not a troll. This hand salute has been recognized as a white supremacist gesture for a while now by the anti-defamation league. The publication should take down the this image. OK hand sign added to list of hate symbols - BBC News
That hand gesture has been recognized as a long time as a white supremacist gesture by groups like the Anti-Defamation League. It’s very unfortunate to see this publication publish an image like that.
I’ve been a long time reader of Avweb. So sad to see what this place has become. The stories and blogs are getting worse and worse. Long gone are the days of Paul Bertorelli, John Deakin, etc.
I miss the thoughtfully chosen content, careful writing and restraint on breaking stories, and intelligent, non-political blogs with data-driven analyses on useful topics. There is just little of value here anymore.
From Russ
We all miss Paul and John and we can’t easily replace them. We are trying to move back to the more technical side of things but it’s not easy. One of the things I realized tonight trying to formulate a response is that during AVweb’s heyday of talent bursting at the seams, we only published twice a week. We now put out five newsletters a week and while I like to think there are flashes of brilliance in there, there’s only so much aviation news and we have to feed the beast every day. Not an excuse, just a fact of life.
Also, I’m curious about the reference about “restraint on breaking stories.” What does that mean? We should have fewer of them, wait until they’re no longer breaking or what? It’s a serious question.
The Meyers OTW was the third airplane that Sullivan soloed. The gesture was a 3. Those who look for trouble will find it. It is this type of behavior that breeds and perpetuates the hate we find in our society. Young people how have the focus and determination to set goals and achieve them will always find people who are willing to invest in them. I have known Sullivan since he was very young. He has the skill and the maturity to achieve great things and this is only one in a long line of things this young man will accomplish.
Whether viewed negatively or positively most progress in our world is promoted by zealots. Well done congratulations due to this zealous young man.
Fantastic and congratulations. I was fortunate enough to have a Dad that was continuing with his love of flying and airplanes when I was of HS age. My first solo, but at age 17, was in his 1935 Aeronca C3 with the E113 36 hp engine. I went on to solo as he changed his fleet his '31 and '37 C3s. Sure would love to do that again. And for the conspiracy folks who see evil in your hand gesture, get a life. I’ve used that thump and forefinger circle gesture all my life. If some nut group wants to call it their invention, they can get a life. No one should find anything but happiness and excitement for you in this article. Just ignore them…as I’m sure you do anyhow.
Congratulations Sullivan! Yours is an amazing accomplishment that can be appreciated by every teenager who ever soloed an airplane (myself included). I wish you great success in all of your future aviation endeavors.
Please ignore the negative commentary. It speaks more about the character of the folks making those comments.
Ken Howell
1st Solo April 1957, age 17
“I hope this may inspire other young people to get involved in aviation,“
No, quite the opposite. An example of unlimited funds and loads of available planes to fly will just frustrate any kid in the real world who has to:
How is it “inspiration” for other kids that will NOT have everything(x13) just handed to them? Serious question.
His target audience is very young impressionable people who in that age bracket are willing to take on a lot of risk without fully understanding the consequences. Remember, it wasn’t to long ago we all thought we would live forever.
Taking on a challenge that this young man accomplished foregoes understanding all of the risks involved like changes in weather, pilot fatigue, get it done at all cost. Remember, the goal does not appear to be safety first. The goal is fly as many airplanes as possible in one day period.
I really don’t want to make a big deal out of this, but, no matter how I cut it, it doesn’t sit well with me. Flying is to serious to play these types of games. Young people are just to impressionable.
Well said. That hand gesture is also used by scuba divers around the world. As an advance certified diver with over 200 dives logged i have made and observed this hand sign thousands of time underwater and it has become my habitual OK sign all the time.
I understand why some are so bent on derailing a celebratory moment, and it’s disappointing. A 16-year-old safely soloed 13 different aircraft in one morning, after years in the making, and instead of encouragement, some adults here resort to sneering and petty jabs.
Yes, he had access, through his parents, their business, and mentors. So what? So did I. Tthe GI Bill helped me. Out of gratitude, I gave back by promoting youth in aviation. That’s what grown-ups do.
Mocking a young pilot’s success doesn’t make you insightful. It just makes you bitter.
I’ve spent years encouraging young people to get into aviation because I know what it gave me. That’s why this story matters. This young man, whether some like it or not, is a role model. Not because he had every barrier cleared for him, but because he showed what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation and discipline. We should be lifting that up, not tearing it down.
Way to go, Sullivan!
“opportunity meets preparation and discipline.”
Same can be said for eating 1,000 hot dogs in 15 minutes. Will the hot dog, or, the eating of hot dogs be advanced in any way? I just don’t see the accomplishment, if you want to call it that as a redeeming benefit for aviation. Not in the least.
“he showed what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation and discipline”
With unlimited money and support, all things are possible.
I don’t think people need to be reminded of that fact.
That’s why I questioned his statement on “inspiring others”.to get into flying since the number 1,2, and 3 obstacles to it are money, money and money in that order. It’s not denigrating his achievement; just his statement.
Lets just “stow the crocodile tears”.
Entertaining times ahead.
Sullivan Vande Voort: The 16-Year-Old Who Soloed 13 Aircraft and Inspired a Community
On his 16th birthday, while most teenagers are waking up to cake, cards, and a trip to the DMV, Sullivan Vande Voort did something truly remarkable—he soloed thirteen different aircraft in a single day. That’s not a typo. Thirteen. And not just any planes—each one requiring its own set of skills, checks, and nerves of steel.
But if you know Sullivan, you know this feat didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of years of hard work, early mornings, late nights, and the kind of dedication that turns dreams into flight plans. Sullivan isn’t just a student pilot—he’s a local legend. The kind of young man who scrubs the belly of your Cirrus SR22 without being asked. The kind who shows up not because he has to, but because he wants to learn, to help, and to be part of the aviation community he loves so deeply.
Those who’ve had the chance to meet Sullivan know his character goes well beyond the cockpit. He’s respectful, humble, and always working—whether it’s turning a wrench, fueling a plane, or just being a helping hand around the hangar. It’s no surprise that on the day he turned 16, instead of heading to the mall or a birthday party, he was taking the left seat in aircraft after aircraft, checking off solos with a quiet confidence built over years of hands-on experience.
Sullivan’s story is already inspiring a new generation of pilots. It proves that aviation isn’t just for the well-connected or the wealthy—it’s for anyone with the drive to learn, the humility to listen, and the heart to keep showing up. He’s a reminder that greatness is built in the little things: in the way you treat people, in how hard you work when no one’s watching, and in the love you pour into your craft.
Congratulations, Sullivan. You didn’t just make history—you made all of us proud to know you!
You should read your own link. THE link said in the US …
the US anti-hate group says the “overwhelming usage” of the hand gesture today is still to show approval or that someone is OK.
Therefore “particular care must be taken not to jump to conclusions about the intent behind someone who has used the gesture”.
Amen, Mr. Foyt. Perfectly said.
Listen up, people, this is where it all started.
White rabbits, tired of being made fun of by humans as mere ‘shadows’, felt disrespected, unloved… so in order to counteract the insult, created their own shadow symbol to communicate and belong to something bigger than themselves. Sort of a White Rabbit Supreme Shadow.
Of course, some loser humans have tried to make it their own. SAD!
*Congrats Sullivan on your accomplishment.
Congratulations to Sullivan. I have never met him but I would bet that he is better than 90% of the Commercial flight test candidates
Yet here you are.
Stepping on the joy of accomplishment of one of our upcoming, passionate leaders, using AVweb for precisely the reason you bemoan. In that regard, I too am sometimes ‘sad to see what this place has become.’
Mr Sensenig, you nailed it. Your skill with wordsis excelled only by Sullivan’s passion and skill for aviation.
From Russ
Doug, I didn’t see this coming but I think the right thing is happening among most of the commenters. My best to Sullivan.
Russ - Thanks for replying to my comment. I reread my comment and it certainly came out a little more scathing than I meant it to, I could have worded more kindly with first acknowledging a congratulations to Sullivan. He and all involved should be proud, I did not mean to detract from that. I just don’t think the story fits into the context of what Avweb used to be. I still visit Avweb regularly but it certainly has changed, and, in my opinion, not for the better. Your feedback does help put this in perspective.
What I meant by my comment regarding restraint was geared towards breaking stories (like major incidents or accidents, for example). In the past, these seemed to be published with very brief, factual information, updated with facts as they became available. This set apart Avweb from other mainstream media outlets (hence my use of restraint). It could be my perception, but it seems these stories lately seem to contain more conjecture than they might have in the past and seem like they are coming from just another aggregate news site. I always came to Avweb first for these stories, but now not so much. On top of this, there is some political bias happening too. That really is disappointing to see.
From Russ:
I had reservations about including the story because AVweb has a long standing policy of not promoting “youngest pilot” stories because of safety concerns. The people involved and the level of planning and support that went into this effort set it apart and I thought it warranted an exception. I don’t think it was offensive, though, or contrary to our broader mandate.
I think what you’re seeing in our reporting of breaking news is our access (and everybody else’s) to a lot more information largely due to the availability of ADS-B tracking and doorbell cameras. While we do report on the facts presented by those tech leaps, we don’t try to interpret them but sometimes the picture they paint is unmistakable. We can’t ignore them. So it’s not conjecture. It’s the instant availability of more factual information.
As for political bias, I think it’s the same kind of thing. When you report the facts as they are, they inevitably seem biased depending on the reader’s own bias. We are constantly criticized for allowing political discussion here but I argue that it is fundamental to so much of what goes on in aviation that avoiding it would be simply dishonest.
The world has changed since John Deakin and even Paul Bertorelli held court and AVweb, like any other media that prides itself on accuracy and credibility, is reflecting that. We try to do it in an even handed way.
If you want something mind boggling look up Al Bennett who soloed his two VERY young children, one in Cuba and one in Mexico IIRC. Bennett was a VP of Taylorcraft.
That is the number 13 in sign language. Where did you see that as a white supremacist gesture
Congratulations Sullivan, always enjoy seeing you and your family at Oshkosh and hope to see you this year.
I too was like Sullivan. My Dad flew in WW2, and continued flying after. I grew up spending weekends at the airport, started washing airplanes and pumping gas at age 12. I soloed several airplanes on my 16th birthday, mostly local pilots that I knew letting me use their planes to solo in exchange for many wash and wax jobs. I came up with a solo plan that was blessed by AOPA safety department. Call it what you want, I was fortunate, however I used this experience to mentor many young folks into learning to fly and still do to this day, cfi for 54+ years.
I’m appalled at the politics and obvious jealousy of the accomplishments of a 16 year old. Sure he had an advantage but if he uses this to promote aviation and mentoring new pilots the GA community is better off.
No, at least not in American Sign Language (ASL) where it is the number 9. (13 is more of a two finger beckoning sign.)
It ironically became one as a result of an internet prank in 2017, is now listed as a hate symbol - with a caution that context is hugely important.
I guess the video I watched is wrong then. I know Sullivan and his family and he is not anywhere close to being a white supremacist.