Joshua McCreary is an Aviation Systems Technology Program student at the College of the Albemarle in Eastern North Carolina. As a President’s List student maintaining a current 4.0 GPA and a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, he continues to achieve academic excellence across the disciplines, with significant strengths and passion for aviation, math, and science. In addition to his educational pursuit as an aviation maintenance technician (AMT), he is in flight training with the career goal of becoming a Professional Pilot. His other interests and hobbies include model aviation, exploring the outdoors and enjoying nature, as well as various forms of music and art, particularly piano and drawing. Joshua loves spending time with his family and dear friends. While he fell in love with model aviation at the age of 10, he continues to be an active member of Hampton Roads Radio Control Club. Since 2012, he has volunteered in the Suffolk Toys for Tots Fly- In held each November. By participating and assisting in various festivals, he enjoys promoting Model Aviation to the local community. He loves helping and mentoring other pilots in the aeromodeling hobby. A Parkzone T-28 was his first model aircraft and he has built and flown numerous models throughout the years. Some of his favorites include an Aeroworks P-51D; Goldwing 50cc MX2; Extreme Flight 64” MXS; JTEC 2.8 m MX2; PAU 60” Extra 300SP; Extreme Flight 94” MXS; Eflite PA-36 Pawnee; T-28 1.2 m; and Maule M-7 1.5 m and a Diatone Crusader GT-200. His passion for precision aerobatics began at Triple Tree Aerodrome’s Youth Masters in 2013. Then he immediately became an International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) member. In 2015 Joshua was titled the AMA Scale Aerobatic National Champion in Sportsman Class. Flying his first precision aerobatic plane, a FAGEN Goldwing 50cc MX2, he also placed 3rd in Bennett’s Cup Points and earned 2nd Place in the NATS Regional Team Championship. The following year was primarily focused on building the JTEC 2.8 m MX2. Nevertheless, he accomplished four 1st place contest wins in Intermediate Class flying borrowed aircraft of fellow pilot friends. Once the build was complete, he had another exceptional year in 2017. Placing 3rd in the AMA Scale Aerobatic National Championships in Advanced Class, he earned a well deserved place on the 2018 IMAC World Championships U.S. Team. In September 2018, he placed 4th in the AMA Scale Aerobatic World Championships in Advanced Class and is a proud member of the U.S. Team as the reigning World Champions. In the spring of 2016, Joshua took to the cerulean skies through the lens of full-scale flight. Thus far he has obtained his Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, High Performance Endorsement and Tailwheel Endorsement. With nearly 250 flight hours logged, he is within arms reach of earning his Commercial Pilot License. He has trained and flown in multiple general aviation aircraft, yet has a marked interest and passion for aerobatic and warbird flight. He is a member of the International Aerobatics Club (IAC) and the local IAC Chapter 133. Learning the basic in and outs of IAC Competition while training brings him great joy. He has also become a ground coach for other pilots. Logging flight hours in a Vans RV-7, American Champion Citabria 7KCAB, Mudry Cap 10B and Boeing PT-17 during aerobatic, tailwheel and warbird training brings a memorable, unique smile which illuminates his face each and every time. After obtaining his commercial pilot license, Joshua intends on becoming a CFI and CFII to assist other pilots and further the blueprint of his career path. His career plans and aviation goals are to fly for the airlines, corporate, freight, turboprop and/or med-evac sectors, initially seeking smaller companies. His desire is to build hours and experience with the long term goals of flying for FedEx, UPS, or Atlas Air. Subsequent to becoming an aviation maintenance technician he plans to obtain a Welding Technology Diploma. Additional education plans include obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Aviation Science. As an avionics technician and welder his abilities to maintain and repair aircraft will further his career pilot capabilities and knowledge of aviation systems. However, these goals and plans are flexible according to where the doors open and opportunities knock. He has plans of owning personal aircraft for aerobatic competition and airshows one day. Ultimately flying IAC Competitions and airshows will allow him to influence and encourage other young aviation enthusiasts to pursue their dreams as well. Through hard work, focus and dedication the sky is the limit! Joshua is continuing his advanced studies in music with an interest in piano performance. He has played the piano since the age of five. His repertoire ranges from well-known advanced Classical pieces by various composers to Latin and Contemporary works, as well as Christian Hits and Hymns. He is employed part-time as a dispatcher at Epix Aviation, which allows him to financially provide his own flight training. As a second year AMA scholarship recipient, Joshua is profoundly grateful for this assistance in the pursuit of his diverse goals and plans in aviation. Joshua expresses, “A heartfelt thank you to my parents for their encouragement, guidance, love, support and wisdom as I continue on my educational and career path. I would like to extend my gratitude to those in the aeromodeling, IMAC and full-scale communities for their friendship, mentorship and support! I am thankful for this scholarship to assist in these educational pursuits, which facilitate my plans, goals and dreams in the aviation field. Enchanted by aviation as a young child, for me personally, it will forever be a passion and way of life. Thank you AMA!”
