Air show inspires Moline native to pursue aviation studies

The weather was bad this weekend, he said, but nothing could stop him from sitting outside and watching. The Thunderbirds played last and he spent the whole day waiting for the big moment to arrive.

Eventually, they appeared in the sky, making their stealthy passes, which Glass called “the most exciting thing I’ve ever seen.” He still remembers feeling the vibration of the plane and the ringing in his ears afterward.

This experience only fueled what he knew since his first show at age 3: he was born to be a pilot. Glass initially wanted to join the Air Force and work his way up to Thunderbird level, but decided to become a professional pilot instead.

During a year at the air show, he spoke to a representative from Southern Illinois University’s aviation program and decided to follow his dreams.

Glass is now a senior at SIU and will be at the airshow this weekend to represent his school, providing information about the programs offered and allowing kids to sit on the plane and dream about their own futures as as pilots.