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First Solo Flight – Thao Do
Jul 03 2017Solo Date: May 27, 2017
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Instructor: Dick Chang
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
A big shout out to Thao, who successfully completed her first solo flight in Cessna N12234. Instructor Dick Chang watched like a proud papa as Thao flew 3 takeoffs and landings on Runways 31R and 31L without him sitting next to her.
Thao came to AeroDynamic for an aerobatic thrill ride with our Chief Instructor, Jen, and she has become a cheery face at our school. She is an incredibly accomplished woman who is quickly adding “pilot” to her list of capabilities.
Thao filmed her flight to share with all of us, prospective and experienced pilots, her incredible experience. Click here to see her YouTube video.
First Solo Flight – Kelsie Zhao
Mar 10 2017Solo Date: March 6, 2017
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Instructor: Batelle Rachmian
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Congrats to Kelsie and her instructor Batelle for this momumental achievement in pilot training. In her own words, “Reason into aviation: Aeronautics major; didn’t get to design an airplane so think I probably should fly one 🙂
Like the idea of just me and beautiful view outside, more or less inspired by the book West with the Night.”
It’s looking to be a banner year for Cessna 61637! This Cessna 172M takes yet another student pilot, Kelsie, on her first solo flight around Reid-Hillview Airport’s traffic pattern. Soon this beloved airplane will also add Kelsie to her distinguished list of pilots who have earned their pilot wings in her white, red and gray airframe.
First Solo – Paul Weller
Jun 06 2016Solo Date: May 31, 2016
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Instructor: Jamie Redding
Location: Monterey, CA (KMRY)
Paul grew up in the backseat of his father’s C190 and later Navion. He started his private pilot training 20 years ago, but discontinued due to life events. Now retired, Paul plans to finish his Private Pilot License, get his glider rating, as well as maintain currency flying a Cessna 172. He flies because it’s fun!
First Solo – Craig Reid
May 25 2016Solo Date: May 24, 2016
Aircraft: Citabria 7ECA
Instructor: Jason Brown & Batelle Rachmian
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Craig completed his first solo flight today in Citabria 9091L. He flew the pattern at Reid-Hillview (KRHV) with his instructor supervising from below, landing on runway 31R.
Craig used to be afraid of G forces but now loves the feeling. He is a geological engineer and starting flying so that he can go places more quickly. He wants to “go see geology where you can’t normally get to.”
First Solo – Samantha D’Costa
May 23 2016Solo Date: May 20, 2016
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Instructor: Jim Grant & Batelle Rachmian
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
We love to see a family of aviators! John D’Costa received his Instrument rating with us about a year ago and passed on his love of aviation to his daughter. Samantha is well on her way to earning flight privileges in her dad’s Cirrus, as she soloed one of our Cessna 172P aircraft on a slightly windy and cloudy Friday afternoon. You’ll often see Samantha studying diligently in our Reid-Hillview classroom with one of her instructors, learning the intricacies of systems, aerodynamics, regulations, and all the details that go into earning a Private Pilot License. How very cool it is to share something you love with someone you love. Kudos to dad and daughter!
Vote in AOPA’s 2016 Flight Training Poll
May 23 2016You trusted us to help you achieve your dream of flying. Now we’d like you to tell us about your flight training experience. We are participating in the AOPA Flight Training Poll and your feedback will help shape the flight training experience for future students.
The AOPA Flight Training Poll is based on extensive research into the optimal flight training experience. Your participation will give you the opportunity to tell us about your experience with us so that we can see how we stack up to the industry. We want to hear it all – the Good, the Bad and the AWESOME!
BONUS! Enter the 2016 Flight Training Poll Sweepstakes!
By participating in the Flight Training Poll, you will be eligible to enter to win on of the sweepstakes prizes provided by Jeppesen, Sport’s, Pilot Workshops and Aircraft Spruce.*
- An Aircraft Spruce $150 Gift Card
- Your choice of a Jeppesen Part 61 Private Pilot or Instrument Pilot Kit
- A Pilot Workshops Real World VFR online course
- Your choice of a Sporty’s Learn to Fly or Instrument Rating online course (two of these will be awarded)
*NO PURCHASE OR REGISTRATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE OR REGISTRATION WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.
Participation in the poll is not required to enter the sweepstakes. If you don’t want to submit valuable feedback to help the aviation industry and would like to just enter the sweepstakes, you can do so here.
First Cirrus Solo – Dan Schmidt
Apr 19 2016Date: April 18, 2016
Aircraft: Cirrus SR20
Instructor: Jen Delp-Mallet
Location: Monterey, CA (KMRY)
Congrats to Dan for taking his new baby around the pattern solo at Monterey! Despite numerous aircraft inbound on the parallel runway in this class C airspace, Dan kept his cool and flew 3 beautiful patterns on runway 28R. We look forward to seeing you holding a pilot’s license next!
First Solo – Kate Born
Mar 04 2016Date: March 2, 2016
Aircraft: Cessna 172P
Instructor: Anton Salameh
Location: Monterey, CA
Student Pilot Kate Born departed Monterey’s runway 28L for her first solo flight. Proud instructor Anton watched, listened and videoed her 3 full-stop landings in the pattern. Grey skies and overhead clouds didn’t stop this brave woman!
Kate is also Monterey’s newest part-time office staffer. She’s working two jobs to pay for her training and we wish her all the best in her flying career. So glad we get to be part of your story, Kate!