Published by Tom Thinnes on Fri, Nov 29, 2013
Aviation is a unique industry. On a macro level, the industry has united a world in ways never conceived. Through the magic of flight, the world has shrunk: cultures, countries, and customs brought together, separated only by the time required in flight. However, every so often, aviation can be viewed on the micro level when the fantasy world of flight brings together two individuals. Their passion for aviation is only rivaled by their passion for each other.
Although they both grew up in different states, Megan Linnen and Adam Turner were energized by aviation in childhood. As a resident of Granger, Ind., Megan was inspired particularly by her aunt. Both her aunt and uncle were involved in aviation and would often fly into a small air strip when coming to visit Megan and her family.
Occasionally, Megan would take to the skies with her pilot aunt, experiencing the wonder of flight firsthand. According to Megan, “in a predominately male-dominated industry, having my aunt as a role model and pilot was incredibly important. Her influence and inspiration was very important in developing my interest in aviation all through my younger years.”
In addition to Megan, her aunt was also instrumental in infecting the “aviation flu” in other young girls. “My aunt regularly worked with various Girl Scout troops, bringing simulators for the girls to fly. She exposed a lot of them to the thrill of aviation.”
Adam grew up in Southwest Michigan and attended St. Joseph High School. Similar to Megan, Adam was also introduced to the wonderment of flight at a relatively early age. A friend of the family was a pilot and offered to take Adam for a ride. The two loaded into a Cessna 172 and took off for a ride that would change young Adam’s life. Over the course of their journey, the pilot and his young prodigy flew over Michael Jordan’s house. As Adam stated, “That was the coolest thing ever. I was hooked.” The sight of Air Jordan’s home elevated Adam to a new level of consciousness. Being a pilot was the key to unlock the door – it provided an opportunity to go and see whatever you wanted. The freedom of flight meant no boundaries, no limits and the ability to see the world.
The two young aviation enthusiasts were still far apart. Adam graduated high school in 2007 and enrolled at Western Michigan University, choosing to major in Aviation Flight Science. Meanwhile, Megan was still a year from college. However, fate played a role when Megan also decided to enroll at WMU. Arriving on campus in the fall of 2008, she was eager and ready to begin her studies as an Aviation Science and Administration student. Little did the two scholars know, fate wasn’t done with them yet!
Megan and Adam met during one of the “usual aviation social gatherings” at Western Michigan University. Luckily for them, they crossed paths in a college environment. Had they met in high school, both admit their relationship would have never worked. As Adam admits, “It was love at first site. I saw Megan and said, ‘That’s the one!’” With a little conning, Adam eventually convinced Megan to go on a date. And the rest they say “is history.” Their passion for aviation brought them to WMU; in return, WMU brought them together!
Graduating in 2010 with a degree in Aviation Flight Science, Adam has been on a whirlwind path. Finishing his degree in three and half years, Adam experienced a passion for Megan that paralleled his drive to succeed in the aviation world. As a student, Adam completed all of his flight training in 13 months – normally completed in two years – and soon began work on his career. Understanding the importance of networking and making connections, he sought and obtained work at WMU’s College of Aviation while working on his degree.
Not unlike many of his fellow graduates, Adam found the outlook for flight jobs challenging during the spring of 2010. As he looked for opportunities, he worked as a substitute teacher. Knowing this was only a temporary situation, Adam continued moving forward with his career ambitions. Within a short time, an opportunity opened up at Paragon Flight Training as a Certified Flight Instructor. With Megan still in school, this move could add a complicated layer to their relationship. With a firm understanding of the aviation world and lifestyle, Megan and Adam pushed forward and Adam took off for the Sunshine State.
With Adam “soaking up the rays” in Florida, Megan focused on her studies. Graduating in 2011 with a degree in Aviation Science and Administration, she too finished her program in three and a half years. As a student, Megan also understood the importance of career development and networking by participating in multiple student organizations. She was a member of Women in Aviation, Alpha Eta Rho, and the Aviation Student Council, where she served as the Public Relations Officer. More importantly, Megan had the foresight to understand the importance of an internship. Over the course of her last year at WMU, Megan was chosen for an internship with Northern Jet Management in Grand Rapids, Mich. Not only did the internship provide her with a wealth of experience and contacts, it also led to her first job in the industry. Upon graduating, Northern Jet Management hired Megan full time as a scheduler and concierge representative.
With their careers in motion, it was only a matter of time before the two reconnected both in matrimony and residence. With enough flight hours under his belt, Adam was ready to enter the next phase of his life. In 2012, he took a job with Air Services Inc. in Traverse City, Mich., as a charter pilot. It was also during this year that he and Megan chose to make the biggest move of their lives: the two got married! Megan also took a job with Air Services as a Flight Coordinator – a job that would literally allow her to tell Adam where to go!
However, much like many in aviation, the ground under their landing gear changes often. Megan has recently taken a job with L-3 Communications in Grand Rapids serving as a Customer Support Administrator and Adam has accepted a job at Northern Jet Management.
Both have worked incredibly hard, both personally and professionally. As Megan said, “As humble as (Adam) is of his accomplishments, I have no shame in telling everyone that I am so proud of all he has done! He has flown his butt off the last few years, he is always going above and beyond for his passengers and co-workers, and I am so excited for him to receive this opportunity!”
The legacy left at Western Michigan University by the Turners’ is one of connection, networking, and hard work. Both have been involved with the West Michigan Business Aviation Association (WMBAA) and have embraced the close relationship between WMU and the WMBAA. Since graduating, Megan has volunteered as a coordinator of the WMBAA scholarships and works closely with WMU to help promote the scholarships to current College of Aviation students. As a recipient of the Second in Command Scholarship from WMBAA, Adam benefited as exemplified by his promotion through the ranks to captain of a Lear Jet 31 at Air Services.
Additionally, Megan and Adam love the ability to share their passion for corporate aviation. There are many options in aviation, with many going unexplored. Adam believes “It is incredibly important to gain exposure to the various career paths that exist in aviation. Find your path by finding where your passions lie.” Commercial aviation is not the only route that exists for aviation students. Adam was able to find his passion for corporate aviation by taking advantage of a jump-seat program with Steelcase while he was a student. Experiences like this, and their subsequent work with WMBAA, helped establish Adam and Megan as corporate aviation ambassadors.
Attending Western Michigan University for Megan and Adam was a life-changing event. Their time was filled with great memories, and great friends. Not only did they have an opportunity to learn about aviation and pursue a dream, they were also able to establish life-long friends, none of whom can forget the squadron of aviation students living at Copper Beach, an apartment complex near the WMU campus. But most importantly, the two were able to unite themselves in two passions: aviation and each other.