Park City High alumni compete in collegiate aviation competition against Air Force

The Cessna Airplanes, piloted by PCHS Grads Zac Lebwohl and A.J. Sillianoff, in competitions and training at Utah State University. Photo: Jason Lebwohl

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE, Colo. — Park City High School graduates Zac Lebwohl and A.J. Silianoff, both Class of 2023, represented Utah State University’s aviation program at the Western Regionals in the skies above Loveland, Colorado on Oct. 20.

Although Utah State’s program is one of the smaller collegiate aviation programs in the West, it is competitive against larger programs, such as those in North Dakota and Wisconsin. Lebwohl’s mother, Casey, said, “Overall, they felt good about their work as a team.”

While the Air Force Academy again took the top spots at Regionals, thanks, in large part, to its state-of-the-art equipment, Lebwohl and his copilot followed closely in a target-drop event, where contestants aimed to drop an object from the air onto a ground target. They also competed in a speed-based racecourse event, aiming to hit specific marks and speeds.

“Some of the events,” Casey continued, “we are only vaguely aware of as civilians, but they know well as pilots—especially the pre-flight preparations. Those are things Zac learned at Park City High’s Ground School Aviation Class. It opened his eyes to pursuing aviation as a career, and we, as parents, are grateful for that opportunity.”

These two aren’t the only Park City-trained pilots to fly in competitions. The family dentist, Dr. Abraham of Park City Dental Spa, has held titles as National Points Champion and has been on the National Advanced Aerobatic Team, which competes globally as the U.S. aerobatic team.

Dr. Abraham said, “It’s great that Park City High School is teaching students foundational aviation skills. Not only does this training help with national and global competitions, but it also instills the discipline required for success in professional fields.”