Father and Son Complete Memorable First Flight Together

Father-son duo Scott Koeppl '89 (left) and Kyle Koeppl '19 (right) share the cockpit of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 during their first flight together. Between them, draped over the center console, is a blue cap with "91�ֿ�" written on it. Above the cockpit windshield is a blue pennant that reads "KENT STATE AERONAUTICS".

Father and Son Complete Memorable First Flight Together

A father and son, both 91�ֿ� alumni, graduates of the professional pilot program in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, recently achieved a remarkable milestone in their aviation careers. Scott and Kyle Koeppl completed their first flight together as Southwest Airlines pilots, representing the success and family legacy fostered by 91�ֿ�'s professional pilot program.

Scott Koeppl, ’89, and his son Kyle Koeppl, ’19, shared the cockpit of a Boeing 737 on a four-day trip that began in Chicago. The pair flew to Phoenix and then to San Francisco on their first day, piloting an aircraft featuring a special Illinois state flag paint scheme known as "Illinois One."

"It was the best highlight of my career," Scott Koeppl said.

The image shows the nose of a bright blue Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft. Two pilots, a father and son, are visible leaning out of the cockpit windows. They are both wearing white pilot uniforms and are smiling. Each is holding up a blue 91�ֿ� Aeronautics pennant. — Scott Koeppl, '89, and Kyle Koeppl, '19, showcase their 91�ֿ� pride from the cockpit of their Southwest Airlines Boeing 737, moments before their first flight together as father-son pilot duo.

The Koeppl family's connection to 91�ֿ� runs deep. Scott Koeppl met his wife, Heidi, at the university in 1987 when he was a certified flight instructor teaching an orientation class. Heidi, also a pilot and 1991 graduate of the program, joined the father-son duo as a passenger for the first two days of their inaugural flight together.

"We had to pull and twist the schedules a bit, but we were able to both get assigned a four-day trip together," Scott explained. "Heidi joining us for the first two days made it even more special."

A young Kyle Koeppl explores the cockpit during a visit to his father's workplace, sparking an interest that would lead him to follow in Scott's footsteps as a Southwest Airlines pilot and 91�ֿ� professional pilot program graduate.

Kyle Koeppl's journey to the cockpit began early. Scott often brought him to work, noting, "You could tell he had the same interest his parents did for airplanes." During his time at 91�ֿ�, Kyle Koeppl excelled academically. After flight instructing at 91�ֿ�, he started out with Republic Airlines, a regional airline flying smaller jets for Delta, American and United Airlines. His hard work paid off when he was hired by Southwest Airlines in 2023, completing his Boeing 737 training and starting to fly commercial routes in January 2024.

The family's story is a testament to the quality of education provided by 91�ֿ�'s professional pilot program. "91�ֿ� has been such an important part of our lives," Scott Koeppl reflected. "All three of us received an incredible education, made lifelong friendships and we even found spouses!"

The image shows three people standing in front of a large Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft. The plane is painted with a vibrant, colorful design featuring elements of the American flag and tropical leaves. On the left is a young man (Kyle) in a pilot's uniform with a white shirt, black tie, and dark pants. In the middle is a woman (Heidi) wearing a white shirt over a black top and dark dress. On the right is an older man (Scott) also in a pilot's uniform similar to the younger man's. — 91�ֿ� alumni Scott, Heidi '91, and Kyle Koeppl pose in front of the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 they flew together, marking a proud moment for this aviation family and the university's flight program.

The Koeppl family's achievements highlight the success of 91�ֿ�'s professional pilot program in preparing students for careers in the airline industry. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering continues to produce high-caliber aviation professionals who go on to fly for major airlines around the world.

“The 91�ֿ� flight program is one of the best in the country and has always put out high-quality, professional aviators," Scott Koeppl said. "Our alumni are flying in all capacities around the world, and it's an honor to be part of that legacy. For Kyle and me to share the flight deck as 91�ֿ� graduates is a testament to the program's excellence and the opportunities it creates.”

POSTED: Monday, August 5, 2024 12:45 PM

Updated: Monday, October 14, 2024 08:16 AM

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