Originally published at: Teen Solos 13 Planes On 16th Birthday - AVweb
Project took 4.2 hours of flight time in a wide range of types.
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White supremacist hand gesture!? Cannot believe you published this photo!
From Russ:
I’m not up on my white supremacist hand gestures but that beautiful Meyers was the third airplane he flew that morning and the gesture indicated that and nothing more. Sheesh.
Deriving a white supremacist hand gesture out of this picture requires a certain kind of mindset that is slightly troublesome.
The downright nasty comment section of a publication and its EIC, who finds this sort of comment entertaining. 
From Russ:
Stow the crocodile tears, Jason. You give as good as you get. I have explained my position numerous times and it isn’t going to change. These are tense times and avoiding the uncomfortable topics won’t change that, just distort it.
This story belongs in the “I ate a 1,000 hotdogs in 15 minutes” section.
That’s nice and I don’t care. I fail to see any benefit for aviation and I would have to think it troublesome for anyone who would emulate this sort of accomplishment. Honestly, the whole event flys in the face of safety.
Sullivan didn’t just solo at 16—he did something truly unique. He flew 13 different airplanes in one morning, including several taildraggers that take additional skill. That’s something most pilots, at any age, haven’t done.
I’m sure he’s already looking forward to turning 17—and then 18.
Congratulations to the young man. 
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Most pilots at any age never had, never will, never could have the resources to do what this kid did. Given that alone, his accomplishments are a yawner and I still view them as a slap in the face of safety.
From Russ:
I don’t get the safety argument. What was unsafe? It wasn’t particularly rushed, there was lots of volunteer help and support and the resources were there.
What a great accomplishment, An awesome trained student pilot to be entering the young future pilots in a year. Nicely done and congrats! I for one, am proud of you!
Are you sure he wasn’t just indicating “ok”?
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Are you sure you responded to the right respondent?
I agree Raf and congratulations to this young man on a remarkable achievement. I was fortunate to solo in one airplane on my 16th birthday in the early 70s… and I both celebrate and envy this new aviator. There will always be folk who will find a negative in any event. I would venture to say that the flight experience Sullivan has gained in a multitude of aircraft has taught lessons that only add to his safety skill set. As a rather seasoned CFI (I’m old), I’m certain his CFI was confident in Sullivan’s abilities or the event would not have happened (endorsements!). And if the necessary resources are available, then good on him!
Very remarkable achievement and I wish him well!
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Or gee, I don’t know, maybe that was his solo count up to that point? I would have shown some type of sign after each flight if a camera were present… although the picture might have been blurred do to my jumping up and down, pumping my fists, etc.
Trolls will be trolls… and I shouldn’t feed them.
Not a troll. This hand salute has been recognized as a white supremacist gesture for a while now by the anti-defamation league. The publication should take down the this image. OK hand sign added to list of hate symbols - BBC News
That hand gesture has been recognized as a long time as a white supremacist gesture by groups like the Anti-Defamation League. It’s very unfortunate to see this publication publish an image like that.
I’ve been a long time reader of Avweb. So sad to see what this place has become. The stories and blogs are getting worse and worse. Long gone are the days of Paul Bertorelli, John Deakin, etc.
I miss the thoughtfully chosen content, careful writing and restraint on breaking stories, and intelligent, non-political blogs with data-driven analyses on useful topics. There is just little of value here anymore.
From Russ
We all miss Paul and John and we can’t easily replace them. We are trying to move back to the more technical side of things but it’s not easy. One of the things I realized tonight trying to formulate a response is that during AVweb’s heyday of talent bursting at the seams, we only published twice a week. We now put out five newsletters a week and while I like to think there are flashes of brilliance in there, there’s only so much aviation news and we have to feed the beast every day. Not an excuse, just a fact of life.
Also, I’m curious about the reference about “restraint on breaking stories.” What does that mean? We should have fewer of them, wait until they’re no longer breaking or what? It’s a serious question.
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The Meyers OTW was the third airplane that Sullivan soloed. The gesture was a 3. Those who look for trouble will find it. It is this type of behavior that breeds and perpetuates the hate we find in our society. Young people how have the focus and determination to set goals and achieve them will always find people who are willing to invest in them. I have known Sullivan since he was very young. He has the skill and the maturity to achieve great things and this is only one in a long line of things this young man will accomplish.
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Whether viewed negatively or positively most progress in our world is promoted by zealots. Well done congratulations due to this zealous young man.
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Fantastic and congratulations. I was fortunate enough to have a Dad that was continuing with his love of flying and airplanes when I was of HS age. My first solo, but at age 17, was in his 1935 Aeronca C3 with the E113 36 hp engine. I went on to solo as he changed his fleet his '31 and '37 C3s. Sure would love to do that again. And for the conspiracy folks who see evil in your hand gesture, get a life. I’ve used that thump and forefinger circle gesture all my life. If some nut group wants to call it their invention, they can get a life. No one should find anything but happiness and excitement for you in this article. Just ignore them…as I’m sure you do anyhow.
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Congratulations Sullivan! Yours is an amazing accomplishment that can be appreciated by every teenager who ever soloed an airplane (myself included). I wish you great success in all of your future aviation endeavors.
Please ignore the negative commentary. It speaks more about the character of the folks making those comments.
Ken Howell
1st Solo April 1957, age 17
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“I hope this may inspire other young people to get involved in aviation,“
No, quite the opposite. An example of unlimited funds and loads of available planes to fly will just frustrate any kid in the real world who has to:
- hunt down an airport locally and an FBO
- find someone to drive them to/wait/from the airport every time and
- work a $6/hour job to pay for a $250/hour instructor training flights
How is it “inspiration” for other kids that will NOT have everything(x13) just handed to them? Serious question.
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