Scanners' Aviator Spotlight: Ben "Benzo" Baumgardner @ben_baumgardner1
August 2022
This month's Aviator Spotlight shines its light on Ben "Benzo" Baumgardner. Ben is a prime example of why Scanners™ shines its spotlight on individuals in the aviation community. Hear his story, told in his own words.
Ben's Story
Hello! My name is Ben Baumgardner. I am currently a Sophomore at Minnesota State University Mankato and am working for my Commercial Single-engine add-on. Being able to fly planes has been a dream for me ever since I was in early middle school. I watched Top Gun, played GTA V and fell in love with planes and flying ever since. Unfortunately, I did not act on this love because I was told by peers that I would never be able to fly because of my poor vision when uncorrected. It was also at this same time that I was also unhealthy. At the start of high school I got into shape, lost weight and started holding myself to a higher standard. Start of junior year I met an Air Force sergeant and asked him if I could actually fly planes even with my condition. Turns out I could. So of course I started looking into flight schools near me.
"Unfortunately, I did not act on this love because I was told by peers that I would never be able to fly because of my poor vision when uncorrected."
Later that year of high school, I started flight training at Lake Elmo Aero. This was also the year that the Covid-19 outbreak happened, which actually helped.
