
When Sean Datcher was 7 years old, he took his first flight as an unaccompanied minor to visit an aunt in Ohio. “After I boarded the plane, the pilots invited me to stand in the cockpit. I marveled at the myriad of buttons, controls, and switches. They pointed out numerous instruments, and I was profoundly intrigued,” he says.
When he returned home, his interest was thoroughly piqued. After some research, his interest took on a life of its own and turned quickly into a passion. He began building model planes, and by the age of 12, he was learning to program and run flight simulators. While in college, Datcher began working as a software developer for Continental Airlines.
“After 30 years as a technology professional, I began taking flight lessons. At that time, I had over 3,000 hours logged into flight simulators,” says Datcher. In 2017, he and his wife Zakia purchased their first aircraft – a 1971 Piper Cherokee.

“It’s really the perfect trainer airplane. It is forgiving and economical on gas,” says Datcher. “However, recognizing we needed more space and speed, we purchased a 1981 Piper Saratoga Turbo SP. The Saratoga is referred to by many as the Suburban in the sky, and with six seats, it’s great for cross-country trips. We can fly as high as 20,000 feet, and the turbo allows the engine to perform as if it were at sea level.”
While the Datchers enjoy flying for the shared experience it offers, they also seek out other ways to give back to the aviation community. They are especially interested in young aspiring pilots who may feel as though learning to fly and acquiring their own aircraft is merely a pipe dream.
“We partnered with Azure Flight Services in Cleveland to provide our aircraft for their flight school. Many students have earned their private pilot certificate and instrument rating in our Cherokee,” says Datcher.
In addition to teaming up with the local airport for flight school, the Datchers are also participants in the Angel Flight SOARS program where they transport patients in need of medical care who aren’t able to afford commercial travel.
“Flying forces you to focus, to concentrate, and to push all distractions aside. The mental challenge of planning a flight, executing the plan, communicating with air traffic controllers, and seeing other aircraft in flight is an amazing experience,” says Datcher. “Flying combines my passion for technology and engineering with my desire to share a hobby with my wife, which also satisfies our need for speed and adventure.

When our personal passion is combined with mentoring cadets, providing for the sick, and strengthening relationships with fellow aviators, life becomes very fulfilling.”