GERMAN PILOT MAKES SPECIAL US FRIENDS THANKS TO AIRFIELD GUIDE

Philipp Kureck from Memmingen, Bavaria stopped by the Hartzell rooftop for RAF donuts and coffee during this year’s AirVenture. Several RAF volunteers gladly accompanied the 22-year-old around the event and learned about him, and his grand experience flying around the US two years ago.

Philipp started flying gliders at 16 and got his glider license at 17. He thought about flying for a living and added his powered private license at 19. But to earn the ratings he needed, he said, “I started thinking to add flight hours in the US, where you can fly more cheaply than in Germany.” 

“I wrote a general inquiry to the RAF with my plan, they directed me to Colorado Liaison, Tom Haefeli,” he began. “I also had a huge printed map of the Lower Forty-eight, and had marked a few interesting airports using the Airfield Guide.” Sarah Tamar, then-RAF New York Ambassador had recently done a similar trip, and gave him tips on the Guide and “flamping” in general. 

Philipp flew commercially to Denver and spent ten days in a hotel near Centennial in order to train with a local flight instructor. “I profited a lot from that instruction. It was incredibly valuable,” he said.

It was a struggle finding an airplane but he had success with a flying club at Centennial, renting an old but reliable Cessna 172. “I had a small selection of tools and oil, and several liters of water,” mindful of the southwestern deserts, and the possibility of unplanned time there. Now he was ready to begin his major US cross-country, “One regret was that the aircraft was not insured for unpaved airports which obviously limited my options. But that information was in the Airfield Guide. It was an amazing planning tool for me to find airfields where I could camp, take a shower, maybe use a car, find food.” Philipp relished the way pilots must adapt to the uncertainties flying GA aircraft. But one constant was the warmth and helpfulness of everyone he met, he said.

That trip accumulated about 100 flying hours for Philipp. 

This summer, Philipp decided to attend AirVenture. He reconnected with the RAF, and Director Jeff Russell put him in touch with some Wisconsin folks who volunteer at the international camping area – the perfect place for Philipp to pitch his tent for his first time in Oshkosh, and his last bit of free time before University and the military.

Of all his experiences, Philipp says his most memorable is, “Definitely the people. Connections with all the RAF guys. It’s been unbelievably amazing. Outstanding.” 

Even someone from as far away as Bavaria can get ”The RAF Way.”

Images from Philipp’s trip, courtesy of Philipp Kureck: