Bryan Turner's journey from the plains of Oklahoma to the skies above Texas encapsulates a lifelong passion for aviation, a legacy deeply rooted in family and aspiration. From an early age, Bryan was immersed in the world of flying, with regular trips to Louisiana and a family lineage of pilots providing the backdrop to a destiny seemingly preordained. Initially taking to the skies in his dad's Cirrus SR22 and his own Grumman Traveller, Bryan's evolving life and expanding family recently prompted a switch to the more spacious Piper Comanche 250 to accommodate his wife Eren and his children.
Holding both instrument and commercial pilot licenses, Bryan is diligently working towards his Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, laying the groundwork for a future that extends beyond his current profession as a software engineer. His ultimate ambition is to navigate the skies as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, a goal that reflects both his passion for flying and his commitment to reaching new heights in his aviation career.
Proud Owner of: Piper Comanche 250
Customer of 67 Designs Since: 2023
67 Designs Products Used:
- Aviator Suction Cup G4 Pack
- GoPro® Magnetic Quick-Connect Camera Mount
- Suction Cup G4 - Sentry ADS-B Mount
- EFB Kneeboard for Pilots
Flight Hours: Just clocked 1240 hours
Early Inspiration For Flying: From the earliest days of his childhood, Bryan Turner's fascination with flight knew no bounds. His younger years were spent soaring through imagination and reality alike, piloting toy planes, kites, and paper airplanes with a zeal that only hinted at his future aspirations. Captivated by the concept of flight, of being airborne and floating effortlessly through the sky, Bryan harbored a deep-seated desire to become a pilot—a dream that, once initiated, became a relentless pursuit. Upon achieving flight, Bryan found himself perpetually astonished by the physics of aviation, marveling at the privilege of living in an era where the skies are not just a frontier but a domain where he could truly belong and thrive.
Most Memorable Flight: In the life of every pilot, two flights stand as unforgettable milestones: the exhilarating leap of the first solo flight and the profound responsibility of the first passenger flight. For Bryan Turner, the decision of who would share the cockpit with him on that first passenger journey was made with heartfelt certainty—his mother. Her unwavering support, demonstrated through countless Saturdays spent at the park with Bryan, guiding electric planes through their aerial paces, made her the unequivocal choice. As they ascended together, the emotional weight of the moment became noticeable, marked by his mother's tears of pride. These were not just tears for the flight itself, but for the culmination of years of dedication, of shared dreams, and the countless crossword puzzles that filled the waiting periods.
Among the myriad of flights that Bryan Turner, an experienced pilot, has undertaken, none holds a more special place in his heart than the final flight of his father. In the world of aviation, a pilot's last flight is an inevitable chapter, often arriving unannounced. However, Bryan's father approached this inevitability with a unique foresight and a desire to choose his moment, a testament to his life's philosophy of achieving milestones on his own terms, rather than being dictated by circumstances.
In a deeply symbolic journey, Bryan and his father embarked on a flight from Texas to Detroit, Michigan, to hand over his father’s plane to its new owner after nearly 10 years of ownership. This flight was more than a mere transfer; it was a ceremonial passage, a final homage to a lifetime in the skies. The trip was filled with the exchange of stories, a shared legacy between father and son, with Bryan's father piloting the first leg and Bryan taking the second.
The culmination of this journey was marked by an exceptional landing executed by Bryan's father, described by Bryan as the best he has ever witnessed. It was a landing that encapsulated a career's worth of skill and passion, under ideal conditions that seemed to conspire to offer a perfect farewell. This moment was more than a technical feat; it was a profound statement of grace, skill, and a peaceful conclusion to a lifelong journey of flight.
Reflecting on his father's last flight, Bryan contrasts his own future final flight, anticipating a more emotional departure from the skies. Yet, amidst the personal reflections and the bittersweet nature of such milestones, Bryan finds solace in knowing his father retired from flying on his own terms, content and at peace with his decision. This shared experience, bridging generations through the love of aviation, underscores a mutual respect for the skies and the personal journeys that define a pilot's life. Discover more of the amazing stories Bryan and his father share in the video tribute to his father's final flight here.
Lessons Learned in the Sky: Bryan Turner's aviation journey is punctuated with moments that distilled invaluable lessons, particularly during his formative years as a pilot. One such instance occurred when he inadvertently left the alternator off, leading to a loss of power mid-flight, a situation that necessitated a prompt return to the airport. Another moment of learning came on a grass runway, where the reduced friction compared to asphalt almost resulted in a dire outcome as he underestimated the additional distance needed for takeoff and just missed the tree-line with his wife in the copilot seat. These experiences taught Bryan a crucial mindset for aviation: always anticipate the unexpected and be prepared to identify and address issues as they arise.
From these close calls, Bryan distilled a guiding principle for both himself and fellow aviators, especially novices: the importance of patience and thoroughness. In the rush of excitement or under the weight of expectations, it's easy for new pilots to feel pressured to match the pace of their more experienced counterparts. Bryan's advice counters this impulse, urging pilots to take their time, meticulously review their checklists, and choose the safest course of action. He emphasizes that flying, while exhilarating, is a privilege that should be approached with respect and care, prioritizing the joy and privilege of flight over any need to prove oneself. "Fly because you love it, not to prove a point," he suggests, advocating for a perspective that sees aviation as a lifelong journey rather than a series of achievements to tick off.
Places Traveled: Bryan Turner's passion for flying has not only defined his career path but has also taken him on an expansive journey across the United States, allowing him to experience the rich tapestry of aviation culture and history firsthand. One of the highlights of his travels is the annual trek to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, an event often dubbed the "Woodstock of Aviation." This gathering, which attracts over 10,000 planes and 60,000 attendees, epitomizes the spirit of the aviation community, offering a unique blend of camaraderie, innovation, and celebration of flight.
Beyond the bustling grounds of AirVenture, Bryan's aviation adventures are deeply intertwined with family traditions and explorations of historical significance. Every Labor Day, he and his family would take to the skies, bound for a quaint small town in Michigan, a place of just 50 people, offering a stark contrast to the massive gatherings at Oshkosh.
Upcoming Trips: Bryan plans to attend Sun & Fun in Lakeland, Florida this upcoming April. As a content creator on YouTube and a writer, Bryan has extended his enthusiasm for flying into a platform that educates, inspires, and connects and is looking forward to getting to spend time with his friends that he connected with over the years from all over.
Aviation Community Involvement: Bryan's journey from engaging in forums to cultivating a successful YouTube channel has allowed him to construct a vibrant community filled with individuals he now considers friends. It is to no surprise that Bryan's involvement on the Pilots of America forum laid the groundwork for a thriving aviation community, culminating in an annual gathering in Kentucky where the pilots rent cabins on a runway. Now in its seventh year, this event has blossomed, attracting many pilots who fly together and sit around campfires swapping flight stories.
Fun Facts: Another thing to know about Bryan is that when he was 13, he and his family survived a lightning strike while driving. Maybe, this event sparked a profound respect for the power and unpredictability of the weather that would give Bryan a necessary understanding that would become invaluable in his aviation career. Although the full extent of Bryan's journey in aviation might remain a mystery to us, we're heartened to see his profound reverence to the field. We are more than grateful that Bryan provided us the chance to share his story.
Connect with Bryan: Check out more of Bryan’s humor and funny flight adventures on the his socials: