The skies around Minot High School are changing as a new chapter begins. The Minot High School aviation technology teacher, Mr. Meric Murphy, is preparing to close a long chapter of his life. After decades spent around flight, first as a pilot, then an air traffic controller, and later as an instructor, Murphy is retiring. He will leave behind not just lessons about aviation, but a philosophy shaped by a lifelong connection to the sky.
“I cannot remember when I wasn’t thinking of airplanes and flying,” Mr. Murphy said. For him, aviation was never a passing interest or any career choice; it was something that defined him from the beginning. “[I have] always wanted to be a pilot and nothing else.”
The desire to see the world from above followed him into the Air Force in 1973, where his experiences deepened his understanding of responsibility and service. Looking back, Murphy said his time in the military as an air traffic controller reshaped how he now views freedom and duty. “The military allowed me to respect freedom,” Murphy said. “I am grateful for those who serve. I am also grateful to be a civilian.”
Like many careers in aviation, his journey included moments that strengthened the seriousness of the field. He described flying planes as a craft that demands discipline and preparation because danger could always be nearby. “It is dangerous,” he explained. “Some of the best pilots that I have flown with have died in aircraft. Respect the danger.”
For Mr. Murphy, preparation was everything. He described how high-pressure situations in aviation are managed through both repetition and training. “High pressure moments can be prepared for by developing muscle memory to prepare for the emergency,” he explained. “Practice, practice, practice… and you will win whatever the airplane throws at you.”
Over time, Murphy’s path shifted from active flying to teaching, a transition with its own type of challenge.
At Minot High School, he found himself learning not just how to demonstrate aviation concepts, but how to connect them to students with different motivations and perspectives.“[There are] three levels of students,” he explained. “First, [some] do it because they fear getting a bad grade. Second, [other students] do it because they want to please their parents. Third, [some students] do it because they love flying.” He continued to explain how the latter is always a joy to find as a teacher. “It’s a rare student who really loves their education, and what a wonderful life it promises them!”
That understanding shaped Murphy’s teaching philosophy. For him, education isn’t about delivering information. It’s about discovering a student’s potential. “Every student has their own genius,” he said. “Teachers just need to look carefully to find it.”
Beyond aviation and teaching, Murphy is also working on writing a novel. “It is a love story about flight,” he said. Writing, for him, is less about instruction and more about reflection. “Writing is inspirational,” he added. “I allow my mind to address each subject the way the flying gods would.”
As he steps away from teaching, Mr. Murphy reflected not only on what he has done, but on what remains. One of the most meaningful parts of his career has been the people; especially his students. “The classroom exposes me to a lot of different characters,” he said. “I will miss the treasure trove of stories it offers.” His next chapter will still be tied to reflection and storytelling as he continues his goal of becoming a published author. “The rest of my life will be remembering and writing about the stories of life,” he said.
There is one message he hopes students and readers carry forward: “Love God. And whatever career you choose, love it.”
After decades in aviation and education, Murphy leaves behind a legacy that is not only built on knowledge, but on perspective. A perspective shaped by flight, refined in classrooms, and now preserved in stories.
And when asked if he would change anything about his journey, his answer is immediate: “My love for life. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
