Former Big Bend student flies in for visit

Sister pursuing aviation

MOSES LAKE — Former Big Bend Community College student Anthony Ball visited Moses Lake Tuesday after parking his airplane at the Grant County International Airport.

Ball, 35, hoped for some time to fly in for a visit to the college he graduated from. His plane was parked just outside the college's Flight Training Center.

"Finally I was able to work it out," he said.

The Washington National Guard pilot and Alaska Airlines pilot graduated from Big Bend's flight program in 1993 and from Gonzaga University in 1995.

He flew into Moses Lake on a U.S. Air Force KC-135 on his way back to Spokane. The airplane is a tanker, designed for refueling other planes.

Ball and the rest of the flight crew flew from central Oregon. They intended to meet two planes for fueling but the planes could not meet them due to poor weather conditions. Instead of turning back right away, Ball and others in the crew participated in tactics training.

They planned to return to Spokane after spending a few hours in Moses Lake. Students had an opportunity to board the plane when it came in.

Second-year pilot student Nicholas Van Dyke said Tuesday was his first time on a military plane. The plane included more space for seating than he imagined and the plane was bigger than he anticipated.

"It's pretty cool," said Van Dyke.

Amy Sherlock-Ferg, a pilot student in her second year, said it is amazing how the plane holds 6,500 pounds of fuel.

Ball's sister and current aviation student Rebecca Ball boarded the plane with the other students. Rebecca Ball plans to join her brother's crew as a pilot after finishing her four-year degree.

Rebecca Ball said her brother influenced her to pursue aviation.

"He's just always excelled in everything and that's sort of inspired me to do the same," she said.

Flight Instructor Lew Mason said as a major for the U.S. Air Force, Ball's next step up is likely going to be to the position of first officer. Mason said he would not be surprised if Ball gets his own squadron.

"He works hard and does a really nice job," Mason said.

Mason was Rebecca Ball's flight instructor last quarter, and he spoke well of her capabilities.

"She studies hard, really sharp young lady," he said. "I enjoyed flying with her."