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A father and son, both ����ֱ�� State University alumni, graduates of the professional pilot program in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, recently achieved a remarkable milestone in their aviation careers. Scott and Kyle Koeppl completed their first flight together as Southwest Airlines pilots, representing the success and family legacy fostered by ����ֱ�� State's professional pilot program.

Scott Koeppl, ’89, and his son Kyle Koeppl, ’19, shared the cockpit of a Boeing 737 on a four-day trip that began in Chicago. The pair flew to Phoenix and then to San Francisco on their first day, piloting an aircraft featuring a special Illinois state flag paint scheme known as "Illinois One."

"It was the best highlight of my career," Scott Koeppl said.

The Koeppl family's connection to ����ֱ�� State runs deep. Scott Koeppl met his wife, Heidi, at the university in 1987 when he was a certified flight instructor teaching an orientation class. Heidi, also a pilot and 1991 graduate of the program, joined the father-son duo as a passenger for the first two days of their inaugural flight together.

"We had to pull and twist the schedules a bit, but we were able to both get assigned a four-day trip together," Scott explained. "Heidi joining us for the first two days made it even more special."

Kyle Koeppl's journey to the cockpit began early. Scott often brought him to work, noting, "You could tell he had the same interest his parents did for airplanes." During his time at ����ֱ�� State, Kyle Koeppl excelled academically. After flight instructing at ����ֱ�� State, he started out with Republic Airlines, a regional airline flying smaller jets for Delta, American and United Airlines. His hard work paid off when he was hired by Southwest Airlines in 2023, completing his Boeing 737 training and starting to fly commercial routes in January 2024.

The family's story is a testament to the quality of education provided by ����ֱ�� State's professional pilot program. "����ֱ�� State has been such an important part of our lives," Scott Koeppl reflected. "All three of us received an incredible education, made lifelong friendships and we even found spouses!"

The Koeppl family's achievements highlight the success of ����ֱ�� State's professional pilot program in preparing students for careers in the airline industry. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering continues to produce high-caliber aviation professionals who go on to fly for major airlines around the world.

“The ����ֱ�� State flight program is one of the best in the country and has always put out high-quality, professional aviators," Scott Koeppl said. "Our alumni are flying in all capacities around the world, and it's an honor to be part of that legacy. For Kyle and me to share the flight deck as ����ֱ�� State graduates is a testament to the program's excellence and the opportunities it creates.”