Thanks to the Aviation Club at Central Oregon Community College, one lucky student will soon be flying high.

At the club’s monthly meeting, on Dec. 6, COCC student Blake Zolezzi received a certificate for a free helicopter ride.

“I’ve never been in a helicopter before,” Zelozzi said, “this will be my first time.”

Zolezzi, who is in his first year at COCC, entered his name in a drawing put on by the Aviation Club at a club fair earlier in the year.

Darwin Ikard

The Broadside

A free flight in a fixed wing plane or helicopter would be awarded to the raffle winner, according to Aviation Club President, Jeremy Groth.

Zolezzi’s name was chosen.

“I was so surprised,” Zolezzi said, “I didn’t even remember I signed up.”

The discovery flight was provided free to the club as a donation from Leading Edge Helicopter Flight School out of Bend Municipal Airport, according to Groth.

During the discovery flight Zolezzi will get the full experience of pilot training.

“He will get to take the controls of the aircraft,” said Galit Miller, Director of Admissions at Leading Edge Aviation, “to see what it’s like to be a pilot.”

Groth is excited to share his passion for the sky with anyone who shows interest.

“Everybody, at some point, says they would love to fly,” said Groth. “We do the raffle to help draw people in.”

This seems to have worked with Zolezzi, who is working toward a business marketing transfer degree, and did not know much about the club before he won.

“I’m definitely interested in attending more of their meetings,” Zolezzi said. “This is awesome.”

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