Continual Living, Loving and Learning Maple Wings Flight Centre by Peri Hayes
Nurse Next Door
Dave Hertner began his flight training at the age of 14, practicing at age 16 as a student pilot from September ‘81 through May of ‘82. Dave has been involved with Maple Wings Flight Centre (MWFC) since October of ‘23, having since become their Operations Manager/AP and more. Formerly a Dispatcher, he has transitioned to operating their versatile flight school: “I jumped right in!” Asked about his personal inspiration, Dave recounts, “When I was a kid, I was watching a show called 240-Robert following a female helicopter rescue pilot; I decided the path that I would pursue.” Throughout his career, Dave has built and flown his own airplane before proceeding to sell. “I’ve had my toe in aviation all the way through,” he passionately shares. “My son wants to be a pilot, and we have purchased an airplane that we are using at the school.” As an Approved Person (AP), Dave signs student pilot permits and performs as a proctor during balloon, private and recreational examinations. Recommending this oppor- tunity to the senior community, Dave enthuses, “This is not a tremendously physically taxing endeavour. Being intellectually challenging, this also keeps you sharp. Still, there are many 80-year-old pilots keeping at it and exercising their brains.” Moreover, Dave voices with delight, “The pilot community is a very good community. We host barbecues throughout the summer, embracing the social component. There is always something to talk about. Sometimes pilots will fly to an airport to experience lunch and conversation in another environment.” About this Flight Centre, Dave elaborates, “We run a modular school compared to an integrated school, offering private, commercial, multi-engine endorsement and more. With the private pilot course, this is a very strong online ground school; you register and can take lessons for up to nine months. Following practice tests and meeting the requirement, you come see me and complete the written test. To pass, you need 60% in four different categories. You can practice the modules in flight, and this concurrent process goes quicker.” Dedicating about a year to earn your private pilot license, pilots can then look online for available timeslots to fly before phoning their dispatchers to book them. These dispatchers have access to their records, and can notify renters when something is due. Dave further expresses his pride in their active group of renters and owners, as they have doubled their flight hours this year. As Dave warmly concludes, “Our flavour of school is different from the others in the area. We have a collegial atmosphere
here. In a relaxed environment, you can learn how to fly, have a coffee in the lounge, view the maps on the table, have a seat in front of the windows and watch the airplanes fly. Anyone is invited to come in, sit and soak it up.” Those with inquiries are welcome to phone the MWFC office at 519-637-8359.
Boomers and Beyond Elgin December 2025 cover St. Thomas Seniors Got Talent 3 Winner Tom Martin poses with his new hardware! Photo by CVD Photography.
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • December 2025 Page 11
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