Nathan Richardson, an eighth grade student at St. Thomas School, is soaring toward his dreams with a passion that has captivated both peers and adults alike. What began as childhood visits to Boeing Field with his dad to watch jets take off has evolved into a deeper commitment to aviation driven by an inspiring moment during a 2022 airshow. Watching the Blue Angels perform breathtaking stunts over the waterfront, it struck Nathan that there were real people flying those planes – pilots with stories, ambitions, and dreams. This realization allowed Nathan to envision himself as a pilot and ignited his desire to learn everything he could about aviation, ultimately leading to the creation of his YouTube channel, That Aviation Nerd. 

On his channel, Nathan shares aviation facts and insights, using it as a platform to fuel curiosity and inspire others. His most notable moment so far was interviewing Scott Kartvedt, a former Blue Angel and stunt pilot for the movie, Top Gun: Maverick. After reading Scott’s book, Full Throttle, Nathan took a bold step—he emailed Scott to request an interview for his channel. To Nathan’s amazement, Scott responded within an hour, agreeing to the interview and sharing that one of the keys to his success was the simple but powerful principle: “Just ask.” 

The interview marked the beginning of an extraordinary connection. Nathan’s thoughtful questions and genuine enthusiasm impressed Scott, who extended an unexpected invitation for a private tour of the Patriots Jet Team hangar in Northern California. The Patriots Jet Team is a group of highly skilled pilots – often retired military aviators like Scott – who perform thrilling aerobatic stunts at airshows. The invitation turned into an unforgettable experience. “I was so excited, I got there three hours early,” Nathan admitted. He and his mom arrived at the hangar where they were greeted by a museum-like display of aviation memorabilia and, eventually, Scott himself. 

“It was super cool meeting Scott in person,” Nathan said, recalling the moment when he saw the pilot across the hangar. During the visit, Nathan was shown around by Scott, who shared stories and gave him a hands-on look at the jets. The most poignant moment came when Nathan climbed into the cockpit of a plane and Scott handed him a fighter pilot helmet to try on—the same one he wore during missions in Afghanistan. “I couldn’t believe it when he told me,” Nathan said. “It was incredible to wear something with such significance.”

Nathan’s experience didn’t stop there. He was given exclusive access to watch the Patriots Jet Team practice in a private airfield. Listening to the pilots’ radio communications and witnessing their precise maneuvers up close offered Nathan an unparalleled view into the world of professional aviation. “It was like a private air show,” he shared. “Seeing them execute their stunts and understanding the preparation behind it all was beyond what I could have imagined.” 

With future aspirations that include attending the Naval Academy and becoming a fighter pilot, Nathan is well on his way to making his dreams come true. His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the simple bravery to “just ask.” For Nathan, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.