Bashore Completes First Solo Flight On His 16th Birthday

October 21, 2019

John Bashore took to the skies and completed his first solo flight on his 16th birthday earlier this month.

Bashore and his flight instructor Bill Weaver flew from the Brewton Airport to Atmore where Weaver exited the aircraft and Bashore completed two solo flights.

Bashore and Weaver met at a Byrneville church and formed an immediate bond. Both love aviation, and Bashore said he has been a blessing and a great mentor in his life.

Weaver trained as an Army pilot during the Vietnam War. He also operated a flight training school at the Milton Airport in the 1970s. Weaver is now retired with 35 years of service flying for oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico.

Bashore and Weaver have flown together since 2011.

Over the past year, they have worked hard training so Bashore could complete his solo on his 16th birthday. Over the next year he will continue the training need to complete 15 hours of solo flight and 10 hours of instructional flight and pass the FAA exam.

Bashore said he looking forward to obtaining his private pilot license on his 17th birthday. He hopes to one day attend the U. S. Air Force Academy and fly the F-22 fighter. He attends Northview High School where he is a member of the NJROTC.

Pictured: John Bashore and instructure Bill Weaver on the day of Bashore’s first solo flight from Brewton to Atmore. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

20 Responses to “Bashore Completes First Solo Flight On His 16th Birthday”

  1. Patrick Niven on October 27th, 2019 2:41 pm

    You’re in good hands, young aviator. Bill Weaver is a great instructor and a wealth of knowledge.

  2. Ivy Harper on October 26th, 2019 12:00 pm

    You could not have found a better instructor! Congrats and Blue Skies.

  3. Linda Stabler on October 21st, 2019 8:36 pm

    Congratulations, John! Awesome accomplishment!

  4. Matchbox on October 21st, 2019 4:06 pm

    This is such a wonderful and refreshing story of a young teen aspiring to be something of themself other than a hoodlum….my congrats go out to the parents you have done a fine job..dream big and fly high John…happy birthday

  5. War Eagle on October 21st, 2019 4:05 pm

    If the USAF Academy doesn’t work Put the Auburn shirt to use and continue you ROTC adventure and still get to flight school and be a War Eagle 2nd LT in the Air Force.

  6. bruce hall on October 21st, 2019 2:54 pm

    Well done! Your solo pic is a Hoot. The door slammed seat belt, Bill couldn’t have? lol.

  7. bruce hall on October 21st, 2019 2:41 pm

    Well done. Your solo pic is a hoot! Door slammed seat belt will turn up again in your military adventures lol.

  8. The Baggetts on October 21st, 2019 2:11 pm

    Congratulations, John. It is wonderful to see young people find their passions early in life! Good luck on this venture!

  9. Beegee Ryals on October 21st, 2019 11:48 am

    Soar,John,Soar!!!! If it belongs to a Bayshore,it will fly high!!!! Wonderful family!!!

  10. just sayin on October 21st, 2019 9:27 am

    This world needs many more young people just like John. Awesome achievement young man. Thank you Bill for taking this young man under your wing.

  11. Jackie Johnson on October 21st, 2019 9:17 am

    Congratulations! Maybe one day you can meet Nathan Robbins a 1996 graduate from Northview who flies with military. He still has family in the Bratt Community.

  12. Nice on October 21st, 2019 9:09 am

    Congratulations!

  13. Albert E Melvin on October 21st, 2019 8:55 am

    Well done Bill! Long time no see.

  14. Gayle Weaver on October 21st, 2019 8:42 am

    John is an exemplary young man in so many ways. As some of us grow older, it is indeed confronting to know that John, and others, like him, will be safeguarding our country’s future. Congratulations to his parents and sister for their support. Love them all!

  15. Theresa on October 21st, 2019 8:27 am

    Great article! Congratulations, John! Thank you Mr. Wesver for mentoring!

  16. Willene & Preston Bryan on October 21st, 2019 8:12 am

    Congratulations John!!

  17. The Prestons on October 21st, 2019 7:27 am

    Significant accomplishment!! Congratulations John.

  18. RASHEED JACKSON on October 21st, 2019 7:01 am

    Congratulations to an awesome young man. Of course awesomeness usually begats awesomeness and his parents are pretty awesome people.

  19. Angela Killam on October 21st, 2019 4:54 am

    Congratulations John Bashore !!!!! Best wishes for you in future.

  20. Mike McCall on October 21st, 2019 3:19 am

    That’s awesome John….Happy Birthday.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News