Freshman Ethan Noble always knew that he wanted to be a pilot. Noble’s dad was a pilot, so from a young age he was interested in flying. Since he was five years old he had been doing a variety of aerobatics, including flying upside down, and the love for planes only grew. He graduated from Harding Academy of Memphis in 2023 and was fully enrolled at the University of Mississippi by April, until he visited Harding. “He decided to come visit us and you could tell he felt at home and happy right off the bat,” Steve Lake, the vice president for enrollment services, said. In August, Noble received a text that offered him a position as the student pilot for Harding’s plane. He accepted and began right away. In the fall semester of 2023, Noble went on trips with Harding almost weekly and took two overnight trips. Noble’s most notable flight was the trip to Dallas for Harding’s football teams as they played in the Division-II National Championships. On the longer excursions, though he was excused from classes, it was Noble’s responsibility to take care of his schoolwork. He flew alongside a professional pilot for each trip, including Ken McConnaughhy who was the pilot for over 20 years, and Nicholas Turnage, who was the student pilot at McConnaughhy’s time. Written by Randi Tubbs There had not always been a place for a student pilot on Harding’s plane. Years ago when the pilot flew solo, he had a heart attack while in the air. An aboard passenger had to emergency land the plane, igniting the necessity of a second pilot. Harding seized the opportunity to give students a chance at flying experience. As Harding grew, so did the need for the efficiency that accompanied the plane. “One thing I have enjoyed with Ethan and all of the student pilots is that they become very good friends of ours,” President Mike Williams said. “They become a part of our family and Ethan has been a great addition to the team.” Noble frequently flew with Williams, along with many other people of Harding’s leadership team. “When you have the former and current presidents on board, it can be nerve wracking at first,” Noble said. “Now I feel like I’ve developed a relationship with them.” Noble planned to continue serving as Harding’s student pilot, and hoped it would be just what he needed to set him up for his career. ALTITUDES On the wing | Freshman Ethan Noble stands beside Harding’s plane. Noble was chosen as the student pilot to work alongside a prefessional pilot and assist on every outing possible. Photo by Lauren Simmons Freshman Ethan Noble serves as the student pilot of the Harding plane. 200Freshman
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