Justin Miernicki Solos in Randolph-Macon Academy Flight Program

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Justin Miernicki soloed an airplane at only 16 years old.

FRONT ROYAL , VA (11/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Front Royal, VA-On October 26, 2011, just days before an unusually early snowstorm blasted the Shenandoah Valley, 16-year-old Justin Miernicki flew his first solo flight at Front Royal-Warren County Airport. Justin is the son of Stephen and Karen Miernicki of Baltimore, MD.

Miernicki came to Randolph-Macon Academy in his eighth grade year for two reasons: to improve his grades and to have the opportunity to fly. Now a junior, Miernicki has found success in both areas. In addition to his solo accomplishment, which is just the first step on his path to the aviation career he desires, Miernicki was named to the Dean's List for the first quarter of the 2011-12 school year for achieving a GPA over 3.3. Both are accomplishments to be proud of, but it is the feeling of flying alone for the first time that Miernicki will remember forever.

"I was nervous on the first landing, really nervous," he said, "but I knew what I had to do, and by the second and third times it was like second nature." In order to complete his solo and be certified to fly alone, Miernicki had to complete three successful take-offs and landings on his own, with no instructor in the plane.

"Justin soloed a Cessna 172 ahead of an approaching cold front," observed Miernicki's flight instructor, Ryan Koch. "He started flying last year and has worked hard to reach this milestone." In fact, Miernicki worked so hard at it that he became the first Randolph-Macon Academy student to solo this school year. Typically about eight students solo each year in the Academy's flight program.

"It's just so fun," Miernicki said of why he enjoys flying. "It's hard to explain. It's something not everyone gets a chance to do. It's pretty unique."

In addition to being named to the Dean's List, Miernicki plays third base for the Randolph-Macon Academy Yellow Jackets varsity baseball team.

Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12. Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA's 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), which is a Distinguished Unit with Merit, and have the option to participate in a unique flight program. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, VA.

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