It was the morning of the eclipse, and Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport was just starting to swarm with activity. Suddenly, there was an outbreak of cheers from a group of family members waiting next to the fence separating the parking lot from the runways.
Ben Jones, only 17, and his mother Selene walked to greet the group from a cornflower blue 1964 Cherokee 180 airplane.
“This flight was particularly special,” he described.
Jones had just taken his mom on a flight to remember from Malden to Poplar Bluff. At 60 flight hours, he is just starting his flying career with aspirations of becoming an airline pilot.
Jones earned his private pilot license at 16-and-a-half years old and is currently in the pipeline for the commercial rating.
“The most fascinating thing about aviation is getting a big metal tube to fly,” Jones remarked.
Originally from Gideon, Missouri, he attends Lively Stones Church and hopes to study an aerospace-related major at Missouri University of Science and Technology when he graduates from high school.
On his way to show his plane to family members, Kyle Aubuchon, Chief of Staff for State Sen. Jason Bean, surprised him with a citation.
“I do believe you’re a role model for other young men and women,” Aubuchon said.
Jones, overwhelmed, thanked everyone who helped him in his journey, “I’m lucky to have such a great support base.”
After viewing the eclipse with his family, Jones was set to fly his mother back to Malden, capping off an unforgettable day.
“We’re very proud,” Jones’ parents said.