With co-pilot and mentor, Robin Petgrave, Cooper took the two-week, 8,000 mile journey last July. During the trip they hit a rough patch of weather and Cooper landed the plane like an expert.
Cooper learned how to fly at an after-school program for at-risk youth in Compton, called Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum, that teaches kids about aviation and helps them with their academics. Once Cooper started he was totally hooked.
“[Flying is] making him truly believe he can do anything he wants to,” said Robin Petgrave, his flight instructor who accompanied him on the trip.
Apparently so, because his next goal is to be the youngest person ever to fly around the world, at the ripe old age of 18.
Dang, Isaiah. We have some maaad respect for your grit and motivation. Keep it up.
