If you stop by room F332 on a Thursday after school, you’ll find a group of students who love everything related to aviation. These students enjoy their time together, often laughing and joking while simultaneously focused on learning about the aviation industry. All this is done in a club known as Tim’s Flying Club.

As much fun as students have each week in the club, Tim’s Flying Club has a tragic beginning. In 2014, Trinity student Tim Hardesty approached Mr. Chittissery Mathai (CM) with the idea to start a flying club. Despite already leading four other clubs, Mr. CM eventually agreed to sponsor another. Shortly after his graduation, Tim was involved in a deadly car crash. To honor his memory, the club was renamed Tim’s Flying Club, making it the only club at Trinity to be named for a person.

Mr. CM has been passionate about aviation since childhood, when his father served in the Indian Air Force. Mr. CM originally wanted to become a pilot, but finances made that dream unattainable. He enjoyed flying aviation simulators long before moving to Louisville and teaching at Trinity High School.

The club’s first simulators were brought in from home by Hardesty himself. Then, the club purchased four small simulators, which are still in use today. One high-quality simulator was later donated to the club by a graduate, and it is the most realistic of the club’s simulators. These simulators provide students with a low-stakes opportunity to learn to take off, fly and land a variety of aircraft, including entry-level two-seaters, airliners and even military fighter jets.

In addition to flying simulators, students learn about all aspects of the aviation industry and have the opportunity to learn from aviation professionals. Recent guest speakers include a retired UPS aviation mechanic, a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and a current UPS instructor pilot. Before the pandemic, the club would frequently take field trips to the airport to visit the UPS ground building and the air traffic control tower.

Several club members are planning to pursue careers in the aviation industry. Jack Windhorst, a junior, is planning to pursue a career as an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic. He says, “I’ve found my passion for A&P and flight club with the help of Mr. CM… it has helped me understand the planes while having fun with my friends.” Tim’s Flying Club member Will St. Croix, a sophomore, hopes to pursue an aviation career in the U.S. military as a helicopter pilot.

No prior flight or aviation experience is required to join Tim’s Flying Club. Stop by anytime to get information from Mr. CM in Room F332.