Freedom. According to juniors Varazdat Petrosian and Sevak Sargsyan, this is exactly what inspires them to pursue knowledge in aviation. Since freshman year, Sargsyan and Petrosian knew they both had interests in all things flying. However, it wasn’t until this year that they started an aeronautics club advised by chemistry teacher Loussik Kassakhian. “When I was small, I always had a passion for aviation,” said Sargsyan, who first discovered his interest in flying from a pilot and then went on to research this field of science. At 17, Sargsyan finally took his first long-awaited flight during flight training. “This world down here—it’s all problems and stuff; but up there—it’s like a different world—no problems.” Petrosian also sees flying as a way to get away from the unavoidable burdens in society. “Once you’re up in the air, you’re pretty much alone for like miles and miles,” Petrosian said. Despite their passion for aviation, neither Sargsyan nor Petrosian are quite sure if and what they want to purse in this field. While Sargsyan is considering helicopter mechanics, Petrosian is contemplating becoming a commercial pilot. Both know the commitment and time it takes to fly. However, they have taken a new step in advancing their experience by starting their club, which, according to Sargsyan, already has about ten members. “To tell the truth, I thought it was going to be all guys,” Sargsyan said, “but there’s actually two girls there, so it’s awesome.” Petrosian says that he is hoping to order model planes to fly around school and study rocketry, but he also understands it’s a matter of time and permission. For his part, Sargsyan said he has invited JPL employees to lecture the club members as well as two of the most recognized flight instructors in the world, John and Martha King, who came to Kassakhian’s room yesterday. According to Petrosian, member space is limited, but they are trying to increase membership. For the time being, they are looking for students who are passionate about flying and—getting back to their source of inspiration—have a love of freedom.