Story and photography by Todd, EAA 1571783, and Kelley Whitaker, EAA 1571782
A young man’s dream began at age 14 after his first ride in a T-6 Texan. Under the guidance and support of his father, Marine Corporal Tim Matheny, Tanner joined the Civil Air Patrol shortly thereafter to be around like-minded kids that had the same passion for flight. He first soloed in a glider on May 27, 2007, and received his glider certificate on his 16th birthday before his driver’s license. By age 17, he had his powered pilot certificate, and the career path was set.
Joining EAA, Tanner, EAA 849319, was an EAA Air Academy attendee in 2008 and came back in 2009 as a counselor/intern and mentored camp attendees. After high school graduation in 2011, Tanner found his way into the Merchant Marine Academy, graduating in 2015. After graduation, the U.S. Navy came calling and commissioned him as an ensign, sending him to Pensacola, Florida, for flight school. He spent time in VT-10 and VT-86, earning his wings in 2017. Soon after, he was sent to VAQ-129 at Whidbey Island as a student electronic warfare officer. From 2018 to 2021, Tanner was at home with VAQ-134 as an electronic warfare officer. In 2021, Lt. Matheny returned to VT-86 in Pensacola as an instructor naval flight officer. Recently transitioned into the Navy Reserve, Tanner is a T-45C contract simulator instructor at NAS Pensacola.
When Tanner is not spending time with his wife and son, he is busy working on his North American Aviation Navion, Olivia. This navy blue beauty recently celebrated its 78th birthday on November 7. Under its cowling is an IO-550B which greatly increases its takeoff performance. Polished and well-maintained, Olivia graces the sky above Pensacola, Florida. Tanner and Olivia can be seen at the summer Red, White, and Blues air show over Pensacola Beach and again in the fall at the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming air show.
Tanner has not forgotten about his dreams as a young boy back in Arizona. He works with the Young Eagles at EAA Chapter 485 at Roscoe Field in West Pensacola and is always willing to help. EAA has provided more than 2.4 million flights to kids 8-17 since 1992, and Tanner is doing his part to keep this program alive in the Florida Panhandle.