Chloe Miner, all things aviator: ‘2017 Young Eagle of the Year.’ Robotics team member.

Feb. 5, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 55 of Mason announced Miner’s selection as one of two “2017 Young Eagle of the Year” recipients. Pictured (L-R): Cal Hayslette; Margie Clark, Chapter 55 Young Eagles Coordinator; Chloe Miner; and Drew Seguin, Chapter 55 President. Photo credit: EAA, Chapter 55.

revised 2/15/2018

By Patrice Johnson

To describe 16-year-old Chloe Miner as having “keen interest in all things aviation” is an understatement, a big one. Those words of Robert Richards, Miner’s characteristically understated robotics and business teacher, gain even more depth in view of a recent day in her life.

Feb. 5, this quiet, high school junior arrived in New Orleans to help present findings from her robotics team’s project last summer. The 5-foot-6-inch Miner had participated in her team’s successful search for missing aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during training missions in World War II.

The announcement from EAA Chapter 55 stated, “Miner and McAllister (Cal) Hayslette of Lansing were chosen based on their enthusiasm and interest in aviation.” Each was presented with a commemorative certificate, a complimentary membership in Chapter 55 and other gifts. Pictured (L-R): Cal Hayslette and Chloe Miner. Background: Margie Clark, Chapter 55 Young Eagles Coordinator. Photo credit: Miner Facebook page.

Also on Feb. 5, Mason’s Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 55, announced that Miner was one of two people to receive the “2017 Young Eagle of the Year” award.

The announcement from EAA Chapter 55 stated, “Miner and McAllister (Cal) Hayslette of Lansing were chosen based on their enthusiasm and interest in aviation.” Each was presented with a commemorative certificate, a complimentary membership in Chapter 55 and other gifts.

“Chloe Miner, of Stockbridge,” the announcement read, “discovered a love for aviation that led her to attend the Wilson Talent Center’s Aviation Academy (formerly Capital Area Career Center). She is also a member of the Civil Air Patrol-Jackson Squadron where she has earned the rank of Airman First Class. Chloe intends to pursue a career as a commercial pilot.”

When asked what gave rise to this passion for flight, the smiling and athletic-built Miner recalled that a school career day had prompted her to start thinking about her future. “Ever since American Airlines came to my school in fifth grade,” she said, “I knew I wanted to be a pilot. Out of all the different career paths, aviation has always sparked an interest for me.”

Chloe Miner at scuba certification training for her underwater robotics team project in Lake Huron and the St. Claire River, June 2017. Photo credit: Robert Richards.

Miner was fortunate to find a mentor and wasted no time in pursuing her dream. “I met Deanna McAlister,” she said, in reference to the woman mechanic and co-owner of Stockbridge Auto Care. Deanna McAlister and husband Don McAlister are pilots and airframe and power plant mechanics, Miner explained, and both are part of the EAA Chapter 55 program in Mason. “I knew I had to join as well.”

Determined to become as involved as possible, Miner “volunteered to help with anything I could during fly-ins,” she said. “I was introduced to many pilots and heard their stories about how they became pilots and part of Chapter 55.” This past summer, she took airplane rides at Mason Jewett Airport as a part of EAA Chapter 55’s Young Eagle Aviation Days, a program that has provided more than 4,400 free airplane rides to local youngsters since its launch in 1992. These experiences increased her love for aviation, Miner said. “It’s something I want to stay a part of forever.”

Miner holds more than a passing interest in robotics. In fact, she is a member of the MIT-award-winning InvenTeam. Richards claims Miner’s fervor for flight makes her “a perfect fit for our team.” Not only did her interest motivate her to spearhead the robotics team’s research into the missing aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen, Richards credits it for propelling her to “lead the effort to design and create the team’s aircraft recognition books, which were used to identify wreckage at the bottom of Lake Huron.” In addition, Richards said, “Chloe assisted with the digitization of several aircraft identification books for the BentProp Project.”

A robot’s eye view of the wreckage of a “P-39Q”, “Airacobra” flown by Tuskegee Airman 2LT Frank H. Moody.  The plane crashed in 1944. Second lieutenant Moody was killed in the crash. Photo credit: Robert Richards took the photo while diving with the student’s ROV (remote operated vehicle).

As part of the nationwide BentProp Project, SHS robotics teams have traveled to Pacific-island Palau and helped locate downed planes and American pilots lost during World War II.

On top of to her involvement in EAA Chapter 55, SHS robotics, and Civil Air Patrol, Miner volunteers weekly in the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program. She plays on the Varsity bowling team. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society.

It comes as no surprise that Airman First Class Miner envisions a career in aviation and is actively working toward her pilot’s license.

Whether soaring into the blue yonder or navigating a ROV along the other-worldly floor of the Great Lakes, the sky appears the limit for this energetic youth with a can-do attitude.

Richards credited Miner’s interest in aircraft for propelling her to “lead the effort to design and create the team’s aircraft recognition books, which were used to identify wreckage at the bottom of Lake Huron.” Richards added, “Chloe also assisted with the digitization of several aircraft identification books for the BentProp Project.” Photo credit: Robert Richards.