Father’s Day Spotlight: Meet David & His Son, Zachary

In celebration of Father’s Day and graduation season, we’re spotlighting a father-and-son duo from the Performance Flight community: David and Zachary Weinrich. David is a longtime pilot and valued member of the PF community, while Zachary recently reached an exciting milestone of his own, earning his Private Pilot License in May. We asked them about getting into aviation, learning from each other, and sharing flying as part of their family life.

David, what first sparked your interest in aviation, and how did flying become part of your life?

Honestly, I don't know when it started. Flew extensively for business, and became addicted to the old Channel 9 on United listening to ATC. Thought about getting my pilot license many times, but it was my wife who encouraged me over COVID.

Zachary, do you remember your first flight or early aviation memory with your dad?

When we toured Exeter and Choate and other boarding schools; my dad flew my brother and myself. I remember asking him questions about the instruments and how it felt to be able to fly. His answer reflected a deep passion for flying. A passion that I felt very drawn by.

David, what has it been like watching Zachary develop his own connection to aviation?

Immense pride. I didn’t push him to get his PPL. He just one day said he wanted to do it. But it’s been fantastic watching him learn, seeing him solo at KPOU, and get it across the finish line with a successful checkride.

Zachary, how has your dad influenced the way you approach flying, training, or aviation in general?

He has always been there to talk about flying and some of the challenges associated with being a private pilot. Specifically, before my checkride he explained how programming a hold could be a useful tool for checkride; it was a simple that I ended up using for my diversion to Oxford.

David, when did you first notice Zachary taking a real interest in aviation?

It was more or less overnight. He just asked to get his PPL. Before that, I really didn’t know he was even thinking of it.

Zachary, what is one thing you’ve learned from your dad that has stayed with you, either in the cockpit or outside of it?

How being a good pilot means both situational awareness and proficiency awareness. I have heard of some very impressive and, from my perspective, advanced flying from my dad. He taught me that it is all a matter of perspective, that despite being a pilot, I have a long way to go before being able to confidently execute those kinds of maneuvers. He also explained that advanced maneuvers depend on the pilot flying them, and that as I grow as a pilot I will be able to appreciate that fact more and more.

David, what has been one of your favorite flights, destinations, or aviation experiences you’ve shared with Zachary?

We actually haven’t flown together (yet) with the purpose of actually flying together. It’s been me flying, and him being the passenger. But with college visits coming up…that will change.

Zachary, what has been the most memorable flight or aviation experience you’ve shared with your dad?

The most memorable aviation experience was probably when he cut my solo shirt at KPOU.

David, what is something Zachary does well as a pilot?

I see his ADM thinking, and I think it's very strong. We’ve talked extensively about the weather, and where to set his limits as a sub 100 hour freshly minted PPL.

Zachary, what is something you admire about your dad, either as a pilot or as a person?

Working a stressful job while balancing aviation was one of the most inspiring things I have personally witnessed him do. Now having juggled school and aviation, to some extent, I understand the challenge that was.

David, what advice would you give Zachary as he continues growing as a pilot?

Since we’re not doing this as commercial pilots, just remember, it’s always safest on the ground. Don’t push your skills or challenge the weather. It doesn’t end well.

Zachary, what would you like to say to your dad this Father’s Day?

Thank you for inspiring me to become a pilot, and a better son!

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