After tackling horseback riding, mountaineering, sailing, and many more engaging outdoor activities, the Hoofers have decided to start a new club program: novice airplane flying.
“Hoofers is a place where people of all abilities can learn outdoor skills and enjoy outdoor activities,” said the lead horse of the Hoofers, John Stalin. “ We also realized that we did not truly cover all outdoor activities enjoyed by humans.”
After meeting with the rest of the executive horses, Stalin decided the best way to fill this gap in activities would be to add novice airplane flying as a new option as one of the many outdoor activities offered to UW-Madison students by the Hoofers. The Hoofers have also considered novice race car driving, but found that the exec board got spooked by the noise of the cars. John Deer, the budget management horse, has already purchased 15 Aeronca Champ 7AC single-engine light aircrafts for students to rent out at their leisure. Students are expected to start flying the planes around the city by Fall 2025. In order to be inclusive to all students and staff at UW-Madison no permit, training, or experience will be required to operate any of the vehicles.
“I can’t wait to fly around campus and get as close as I can to the tops of all the buildings! Have I flown before? No. Why is it hard?” Said Krilin Dilan, a finance major and frequent boat sinker with the Hoofers.
John Stalin gave us more information in between bites of hay. “We hope that people will be able to hop in a plane and fly it for themselves whenever they find themselves with a few free hours, we are sure that students will be on their best behavior; there will be no horsing around.”