Most kids dream about getting their driver’s license when they turn 16, but the son of country star-slash-pilot Aaron Tippin had loftier pursuits. And Ted Tippin fulfilled them on Dec. 15, when he completed his first solo flight. Making the milestone even more special was who signed his logbook upon landing, making the solo flight official: "Dad" Aaron.

County music star Aaron Tippin completed his certified flight instructor rating at Murfreesboro Aviation. Owner Jim Gardner says Tippin received his rating on his first attempt, and soloed his son the following weekend.

“It was a big day. He’s the first Tippin to solo since I did, and then my cousin soloed a couple years after me. Teddy is the first one in the Aaron Tippin clan to continue the tradition of aviation,” says Aaron, whose own father, also a pilot, signed his logbook after Aaron’s completed solo flight on his 16th birthday.

Gardner says that Tippin finished his certified flight instructor rating in record time, thanks in large part to his serious dedication to the craft.

“It was great having Aaron train at Murfreesboro Aviation,” Gardner says. “He’s the nicest, most hardworking guy you’ll ever meet. He came prepared for his lessons everyday and he also brought donuts, which never hurts.” 

Ted took up the family’s Cub plane, which sports a modest 85 hp engine. “If you tell an airline captain that you soloed in J-3 Cub, that’s highly impressive,” Tippin says.

“Before the solo, we were flying four to five days a week to get ready for that,” Ted says of his training. He’s looking forward to getting back up in the air as soon as possible. “I still want to fly at least once a week. I love it. It’s just a passion.”