SU quarterback Garrett Shrader checks the engine of a Cessna 172 at Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport before he takes it for a flight Saturday, May 28, 2022. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

Monroe, N.C. — Out here in this gated community, an airpark about 90 miles from where Garrett Shrader learned to fly, he glides his hand across the wing of his grandfather’s plane.

He must have been 6 years old when he sat right seat in the Piper Aztec, affectionately dubbed “The Az-Truck” for its reliable hauling of everything that fits inside the door.

Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).

© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.