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Breitling contest winner earns his pilot’s license

By Janice Wood · August 12, 2012 ·

Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling is congratulating Facebook photo contest winner Jeremy P. Hampton from Overland Park, Kansas, on completing his 11-month training program necessary to officially receive his pilot’s license, the grand prize for the contest the company sponsored just over one year ago.

“Aviation has always been a big part of Breitling’s history, our goal with this contest was to celebrate that history with fans, both old and new,” explained Breitling USA President Thierry Prissert. “With Jeremy’s winning picture being of his son so intrigued by an airplane, and now Jeremy earning his pilot’s license, this competition has come full circle in inspiring aviation not only in past generations, but also futures generations. We sincerely congratulate Jeremy on this achievement.”

Breitling launched the Facebook competition to encourage fans to submit photos that best captured the spirit of aviation. Hampton’s photo, “Future of Flight Meets the History of Flight” was chosen by Breitling fans on Facebook as well as actor and pilot John Travolta, famous air-to-air photographer Katsuhiko Tokunaga, aviation pioneer Yves “Jetman” Rossy, Tony Velocci, editor-in-chief of Aviation Week, and other highly acclaimed aviation enthusiasts from over 5,000 pictures originally submitted for the contest. The photo featured his young son marveling over an older plane, capturing the moment of those that dream of aviation at such young ages.

After completing just less than 50 hours of actual flight time, 20 of them spent with a CFI and 10 hours of solo flight time, Hampton also passed his oral exam and other tests to make him eligible to receive his pilot’s license.

“Thanks to an unbelievable amount of support from Breitling, I became a licensed private pilot,” said Hampton. I can’t thank them enough for making this dream come true for me.”

Jeremy Hampton receiving his watch from David Martin

On-hand to congratulate Hampton upon receipt of his pilot’s license was Breitling Sales Representative Patrick Cawthorne and Breitling Aerobatic Pilot David Martin. In addition to capturing yet another special moment on-camera, Breitling also surprised Hampton by presenting him with a Breitling Centennial Naviation Limited Edition Airwolf for him to use on future flights.

For more information: Breitling.com

About Janice Wood

Janice Wood is editor of General Aviation News.

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