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Myron Yoder: The classroom in the sky

by | Apr 2025

FLYING FOR the first time is an experience like no other. Reluctant but optimistic, you step into a Cessna 172, a sleek, unassuming aircraft that promises freedom. Chief Flight Instructor Myron Yoder, calm and experienced, sits beside you, his voice steady and affirming. As the engine starts and the propeller spins, a rush of nervousness fills you.

Then comes takeoff. The runway blurs, and with a gentle tilt of the yoke, the ground falls away. You’re airborne. The sky stretches endlessly, with hills and lakes below. The plane sways lightly, and you feel the controls under your fingertips. For the first time, you feel weightless, truly free. The rush of nervousness begins to fade.

Wright Base Flight Training was built to offer these endless possibilities. Founded by Myron Yoder, Wright Base Flight Training is dedicated to making aviation accessible to everyone with the dream of soaring. With a team of seven knowledgeable instructors, the academy serves as a gateway to the skies, helping people of all ages and backgrounds achieve their flying aspirations.

Yoder’s love for aviation began in childhood, inspired by his father, a private pilot. On his 16th birthday, his sister gifted him a flight lesson with his father’s instructor. By 17, Yoder had soloed, eventually earning a degree in flight science.

Photography by Ashleigh Newnes

He worked as a flight instructor, mechanic, and charter pilot in Indiana before running a boat rental business. His passion for aviation led him back to the skies, where he started teaching at Winchester Airport.

Recognizing a need for structured, accessible flight training, Yoder founded Wright Base Flight Training. His entrepreneurial mind and aviation expertise have turned a promising local operation into a successful flight school.

“Most people who are learning to fly are pretty nervous about coming to the airport. They feel like they’re about to commit a crime just by showing up,” Yoder explained. “But private aviation is incredibly welcoming, and I wanted to create a place where people could see that.”

Learning to fly can feel intimidating. Potential pilots are often discouraged by the fear of the unknown, the complexity of aviation, and the imposing nature of airports. Yoder designed Wright Base Flight Training to address these concerns by offering a welcoming, straightforward experience.

He does this by implementing discovery flights using the training center’s Cessna 172 aircraft. These low-pressure, onehour experiences give beginners a taste of what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat.

During the flight, participants receive hands-on experience with the controls while Yoder or another instructor guides them through the process. By the end, many discover that flying isn’t as daunting as they imagined.

Photography by Ashleigh Newnes

Whether you’re a high schooler chasing a lifelong dream or a retiree ready to embrace a new adventure, Wright Base Flight Training is committed to making flying accessible.

The academy’s team of instructors helps every student feel comfortable and confident, breaking down complex requirements and guiding them step by step. This structured, approachable method has attracted many students and helped the academy grow.

“Once people connect with someone in aviation, they usually get comfortable within a few lessons and realize, ‘This is something anybody can do,’” Yoder said.

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, now is the time to take the leap. Wright Base Flight Training invites you to book a discovery flight and experience the joy of aviation firsthand. With Yoder and his team by your side,
you’ll see that flying is for anyone ready to embrace the adventure. GN

Visit https://www.wrightbase.com or call (931) 588-0211 for more information.
Address: Tullahoma Regional Airport
807 William Northern Blvd., Tullahoma.

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