ABOUT

Jeremy’s Journey

Jeremy Sam is an 8th grade student living in Alberta, Canada. He has two loving parents, two sisters, and one big love of aviation. In 2008 Jeremy logged his first hour, making him what is believed to be Canada’s youngest student pilot. Today, Jeremy is a member of the Edmonton Flying Club where he works each week toward a personal goal of completing his first solo flight on his 14th birthday. Under the careful watch of his instructor Jeremy’s dream of someday becoming a commercial airline pilot gets closer each day.

Jeremy’s journey has not been an easy one.  His older sister has had a long and involved medical history, suffering extensively in her earlier years.  Growing up in a home where daily life centered around the ongiong needs of another was difficult.  What it has given Jeremy however, is a profound sense of clarity.

We hope you enjoy Jeremy’s website,

Daryl & Birgit Sam (Parents)

The Beginning

  • Jeremy’s earliest memories are sunny afternoon road trips to the Edmonton International Airport. Eager faces pressed against chain-link fences … the family would watch aircraft land and depart for hours at a time.
  • En route to Disneyland at age 7, Jeremy takes his first commercial flight on board a Bombardier CRJ 700.
  • His fascination with planes is seeded as he starts his collection of commercial airline collectables.
  • As his early fascination turns to interest, Jeremy begins to amass a collection of books, magazines, and, yes, more collectables. Air shows, museums, and chain-link fences are not enough to hold his growing interest, and in the fall of 2006, Jeremy begins an Introductory Course to Ground School at Storm Aviation Academy at Edmonton International Airport.
  • With two more commercial flights to the USA, multiple general aviation flights, special invitations from Canadian North Airlines, and several visits into NAVCANADA, Jeremy’s interest turns to passion.
  • After a thorough search process and careful consideration, on February 11, 2008 Jeremy begins work on his Private Pilot’s Licence at the age 11 years old at the Edmonton Flying Club.

 The Early Months

  • On March 18, 2008, Jeremy gains extensive media attention when he logs his first hour aboard a Diamond DA-20 making him, what was believed to be, the youngest student pilot in Canada.
  • The following day Jeremy’s story appears on the front pages of the Edmonton Journal and The Edmonton Sun. The Windsor Star, Times Colonist (Victoria), Global, CFRN, and CBC Radio One, all run his story that same day.
  • On April 28, 2008, Jeremy is invited to City Council in Spruce Grove, AB where Mayor Stuart Houston presents him with an Outstanding Achievement Award.
  • As he prepares for his next flight in early May 2008, Jeremy’s in-class instruction continues – current studies: meteorology.

 Since Then

  • On December 15, 2008 Jeremy is issued his Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification.
  • Early on April 13, 2009 Jeremy spends 15 minutes on the flight deck of a Boeing 737-800 – thanks WestJet.
  • In late September 2009 Jeremy proudly works his first shift as a part-time dispatcher at the Edmonton Flying Club.
  • On the evening of November 6, 2009 Jeremy gives a brief speech where he is honoured at the Aviation Alberta Conference and Trade Show dinner.
  • Two days later, Jeremy is shown the latest in crime-fighting technology when Tactical Flight Officer, Constable Murray Maschmeyer of the Edmonton Police Service gives him a thorough briefing of  the AIR 2 Eurocopter.
  • The following week Bruce Sinclair of Morning Star shows Jeremy modifications currently underway to retrofit a Learjet 31/ER for Medivac.
  • On December 19, 2009 Jeremy logs his first hour of IFR training in a Cessna 172 simulator.
  • On a balmy winter afternoon (December 29, 2009), Jeremy spends 4.5 hours at WestJet’s new campus in Calgary, AB.  He receives a comprehensive tour of the Operational Control Centre and a thorough briefing from Captain John Mulder before a successful simsession in a Boeing 737 flight simulator – again, thanks WestJet. Here’s to the first of many successful take-off’s & landings! 
  • On January 30, 2010 BubbleUp Marketing develops and launches a website (www.onceuponaflyboy.com) where Jeremy can chronicle his ongiong  journey.
  • On February 19, 2010 Jeremy is received as the 100th associate member of the Aviation Edmonton Association.

What’s Next

  • Dave Mcintosh of NAIT (Aircraft Skin and Structure Repair) invites Jeremy to attend a day course at the Edmonton campus.
  • Jeremy continues to work toward his first solo in early November, 2010.

When He’s Not Flying

   When Jeremy’s not in the air you will find him on the ground:

  • Playing street hockey with friends.
  • Biking with dad.
  • Swim lessons at the Rec. Centre
  • Cooking with mom.
  • Hanging out with friends.
  • Volunteering at Summer Camp.