2009 Sweepstakes Winner Stephen Brenneke Picks Up His New Aircraft
June 22
Batavia, OH
Dr. Stephen Brenneke, Sporty’s luckiest customer in 2009, along with his wife Marge visited Sporty’s this week to pick up the Sweepstakes Skyhawk. Although scheduled to arrive at Sporty’s Monday morning, Dr. Brenneke could not wait to see his new bird and drove out to the airport Sunday evening to sneak a peek and let the understanding of his luck soak in.
The keys to N1320P were handed over by Sporty’s president, Michael Wolf, in a brief ceremony in the delivery hangar after the required FAA registration process was completed. The rest of the day was spent in training to ensure the Brennekes could take advantage of the features afforded by the Skyhawk’s G1000 avionics, complete with the GFC700 autopilot/flight director.
At the evening meal Dr. Brenneke likened the day’s training to "drinking from a fire hose" and thanked Hal Shevers, Sporty’s founder and chairman, who attended dinner with his wife, Sandy.
"Your welcome, but thank you" replied Hal, "It is loyal customers like you that has allowed us to stay in business for nearly 50 years."
After another brief training session Tuesday morning, the Brennekes headed out on a cross country, in this case nearly across the entire country from Batavia back to Oregon. Along the way they plan to stop and visit Mrs. Brenneke’s family in North Dakota and enjoy the sights from 8,000 feet.
