Inspiring Journey: Cole Terpstra’s Path to Aviation
Cole Terpstra, a passionate young pilot from Listowel, Ontario, was not born into aviation, but his journey began in earnest when he was just a child.---When a family vacation flight to Florida captured his imagination at the tender age of five, he knew that he wanted to soar through the skies. Tragically, shortly after that trip, Cole experienced a life-altering event with the sudden passing of his father.---His mother became the cornerstone of his support, nurturing his growing fascination with flying.
Fast forward to age 11, when a trip to Guatemala transformed Cole's dream into a tangible goal. After experiencing a cockpit visit at the end of the flight, he felt the sensation of holding flight controls for the first time. That moment crystallized his aspiration to become a pilot. Through research and the encouragement of mentors, Cole cultivated his passion, devouring aviation books and experimenting with remote-controlled airplanes. His involvement in the community brought him into contact with Don Martin, a fellow pipe band member who introduced him to actual flying in a Beech Sundowner. As Cole described it, "I experienced the surge of excitement that only comes when you touch the controls of a machine that flies.”
Navigating Challenges Toward a Clear Destination
Before pursuing his aviation dreams, Cole balanced a full-time job in IT and customer service at a local hardware store while simultaneously teaching at a small Christian school. Each day brought its own set of challenges, yet his resolve to fly never waned.---At 17, he finally began his flight training at Stratford Air Services, where he took the first significant step toward realizing his ambition. That’s when Cole learned about the EAA Chapter 115 and the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. Excited about the opportunities this presented, he reached out to the local chapter and got involved in club activities.
The application process for the Ray Aviation Scholarship was straightforward yet impactful. After answering a few questions and writing an essay on how the scholarship would benefit him, Cole waited anxiously for the results. His heartfelt response upon receiving the news is one of gratitude and determination, reflecting how much reaching his aviation goals meant to him. "I feel blessed to be where I am in my aviation journey," he shared.
Aviation Dreams Turned Reality
Cole got his Private Pilot License (PPL) in June 2024 and shortly after, completed his night rating. He is now on the verge of earning his commercial pilot license and has big aspirations to follow a career in mission aviation, aiming to blend his passion for flying with his desire to help others. In the spring of 2025, Cole even acquired a 20% share in an RV-6, a pivotal move that has further fueled his total immersion in aviation culture.
Memorable Experiences: Making Connections at AirVenture
One of Cole’s standout moments occurred during the AirVenture event in 2025, where he flew in alongside chapter member Rod Bell in a Cessna 150. Their week spent camping with fellow Canadians in Camp Scholler's Little Canada was not only a break from routine but a vibrant celebration of aviation passion. The event also served as a platform for networking as Cole met other Ray scholars and engaged in seminars and workshops.
Shifting Perceptions: Understanding Safety in Aviation
Reflecting on safety awareness, Cole emphasized that many people perceive good pilots as uneventful, noting that a skilled pilot often makes judgment calls that prioritize safety over displays of skill. “A skilled pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations that require the use of superior skill,” he stated. Often hidden behind this careful approach to flying is a reality many passengers fail to acknowledge: the inherent risks and the necessity of responsible decision-making.
Cole also urged aspiring pilots to consider scholarships like the Ray Aviation Scholarship as invaluable opportunities that can democratize access to aviation, making flying attainable without a prohibitively expensive price tag. "There are still many avenues to enter this field today, like homebuilding or experimental aircraft,” he said, pointing to practical options available for young enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Keep Dreaming and Flying
With a bright future ahead of him and a commitment to turning his passions into purpose, Cole Terpstra is a shining example of how determination, community support, and the right resources can set one on a path toward fulfilling their dreams. If you also have a passion for aviation but feel overwhelmed, remember Cole’s words: "Stick at it, even when it feels overwhelming. Think about the end results. Even the best pilots were there at one point.”
If you're inspired by Cole’s journey and wish to explore your own aviation dreams, connecting with local EAA chapters and engaging in scholarship opportunities is an excellent first step.
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