Ben Pottorf
Ben has lived in Springfield, Illinois, since 2012 and has been dreaming of flight since he was young. Despite having a lazy eye, Ben discovered that it didn’t have to be a barrier to pursuing aviation, which sparked his journey toward becoming a private pilot in late 2020. Although he is still working toward his private pilot rating, aviation remains a central part of his life.
In early 2024, Ben had the opportunity to welcome a 1958 Cessna 172 to the local fleet at KSPI, which has become a regular part of his flying experiences. When he’s not in the air, Ben is deeply engaged in the community, particularly in Springfield’s theater scene. He has built sets for productions at The Muni, Hoogland Center for the Arts, Springfield Theatre Centre, Spencer Theatre, and several local schools.
Ben has also had some memorable aviation-related experiences, including traveling to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the Balloon Fiesta, and journeying to Mount Vernon to witness the last solar eclipse—a moment that deepened his passion for flight.
As an active member of the local EAA Chapter 770, Ben looks forward to connecting with other aviation enthusiasts and supporting the chapter’s events and initiatives. His enthusiasm for aviation, combined with his dedication to the community, makes him a valued member of both groups. Whether in the skies or on the ground, Ben enjoys sharing his love for aviation and inspiring others to follow their dreams.
In addition to his involvement in aviation, Ben has taken on the role of newsletter editor for Chapter 770. With this position, he plans to bring fresh content and exciting updates to the membership. Ben aims to create engaging articles that highlight upcoming events, share stories from members, and showcase the vibrant activities happening within the chapter. His goal is to keep members informed, connected, and inspired by aviation, while fostering a stronger sense of community through each newsletter issue.
