Owen Sterner

Reporter

The Jag

Blue Springs South’s Aviation Club is soaring thanks to its passionate students and the dedication of club sponsor and resource officer Jon Mitchell, who uses his pilot certification to help guide the next generation of aviators. Meeting at the East Kansas City Airport, Mitchell works alongside certified flight instructor Joe Rucinski to give students hands-on experience in the cockpit. 

Mitchell says the students’ enthusiasm is what drives the club forward.  

“I run the club with [South Principal Ryan] Gettings. We’ve both been certified for a handful of years now,” he said. “But really, I just get them out there. It’s the students’ aptitude for the hobby that helps them the most.” 

That aptitude shows every time a student steps into the Cessna 172, the four-seat, single engine aircraft they use for training. Rucinski says it’s the perfect aircraft for beginners. 

 “The Cessna really is the ideal jumping off point,” he said. “It offers just enough challenge to keep them on their toes, but enough grace to where I can jump in if they need me.” 

Junior Jesse Mack remembers how intimidating that first flight felt. 

“The first time I held the controls, I think my hands were shaking,” Mack said. “Every flight I learn something new, whether it’s correcting my altitude or just trusting myself more.” 

Senior Jayden Huke joined the club for a different reason, his fascination with how machines work. 

 “I’ve worked on cars and ATVs with my dad for years,” Huke said. “Getting a look at what makes a plane fly, that gets me more excited than the flying itself.” 

Huke now plans to pursue aircraft maintenance after graduation, crediting the club for helping him find his direction. 

“I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do,” he said. “I’m very grateful the club offers the opportunities it does.” 

Rucinski says watching students grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.  

“You never know what to expect when they go up for the first time,” he said. “It’s a small enough group, and I’ve about seen it all with them already. It never gets old.” 

Both instructors agree that aviation teaches lessons no classroom can replicate. 

 “Flying forces you to stay present,” Rucinski said. “They’re learning how to problem solve under pressure, how to communicate, and how to make decisions that matter.” 

Even time spent on the ground is valuable. 

 “We’ll go over the plane piece by piece before flying,” Huke said. “Understanding why something works makes the whole experience so much more rewarding.” 

Mitchell says those moments, on the ground or in the air, shape students in ways that last. 

 “When they’re up there, they have to trust themselves,” he said. “You can actually see the switch flip. That responsibility does something to them.”