First Solo - Scott!

Congratulations to Scott who soloed on April 17th, 2012!

As Spring arrived this year, so arrived the winds.  It seemed that every time Scott showed up for a lesson, the winds provided a challenge with either high velocity, gusts, or shifting direction.  Although this was great experience, it was not what the new pilot wants when learning how to land.

Scott, being the weekend flyer, persisted, and then with the weather forecast for relatively manageable winds for the coming week, I suggested an extra lesson during the week to take advantage of the great conditions.  This also provided for a repeat lesson close together to have those muscle memory skills stay in tact.

Even though Scott had to take a day off work, I think he was very pleased with the outcome, as evidenced by his grin from ear to ear.

First solo - Ioan!

Congratulations to Ioan (John) who soloed on Mar 21, 2012! 

Ioan grew up with aviation in his family, with his father flying in the Romanian Air Force.  Wanting his son to be diversified in his skills, his father insisted that Ioan learn the piano and accordion instead of learning to fly.  It wasn’t until much later that Ioan realized he could actually learn to fly an airplane.

With a 10 kt headwind, Ioan accomplished his requisite 3 landings and became a proud new solo pilot.  After the flight we went out to dinner to celebrate.  The waitress asked us if we were celebrating anything and I said “Yes, Ioan just soloed.”  She said “congratulations on being single!”  Ha!  I tried to explain what soloing meant, but I could tell she really didn’t get it.

First Solo!

Congratulations to Masha who soloed on February 22nd, 2012! 

As we were practicing landings in anticipation of Masha's first solo, the wind was increasing.  You really want that perfect day for a first solo as you want everything to go just right.

I was glad that her landings were turning out well so we could do this before things changed too much.  She dropped me off at the instructors bench, which had recently been removed at Palo Alto :-( , and she was off for her memorable experience.  

Sure enough the winds picked up but mostly down the runway and she handled it beautifully.

What Really Happened Aboard Air France 447?

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/aviation/crashes/what-really-happened-aboard-air-france-447-6611877

This is a really great article about pitch and power and their mismanagement, about CRM - Crew Resource Management - and the lack thereof, and also about a possible design flaw by one of the two largest aircraft manufactures in the world.  I was truly amazed after I read this article.

Read the comments section also.  One in particular about flight deck procedures which clarifies who should have been in charge.

This article demonstrates a series of incidents and causal factors which led to the final outcome.  As we all have heard and possibly know, it is not just one thing that leads to a disaster like this.

What do you think?

Pratul - The newly minted Private Pilot

Congratulations to Pratul who passed his checkride on Friday Dec. 2! 

Pratul was determined to finsh at the beginning of the year.  But with unforeseen weather delays and then his wife having a baby in March , he found staying up nights with the little one and then going to work left little time for flying, much less sleep.  But Pratul persevered, and when things were stabilized at home he came back and finished up with the examiner saying he did a very good job.  Way to go Pratul!




(PS  did I mention he and his wife did this as a joint committment with first her getting her license, then it was his turn.  What teamwork).

First Solo!

Congratulations to Will who soloed on Nov. 26th.  There was barely enough light left in the day, but he was determined.  Will's solo was over due as weather and scheduling had postponed it a few times.  But he must have been fairly sure this would be the day as his friend/professional film maker and photograper joined us on the flight!  He was able to capture the entire first solo on video.

Mike passes his Checkride!

Congratulations to our newest Private Pilot!!! Mike passed his checkride on Nov. 8th with flying colors. After a reschedule due to weather, he was happy for a sunny, calm wind, perfect day to arrive. During his training he transitioned from the low wing Piper to the Cessna 152, then upgraded to the Cessna 172. Mike has some added aircraft experience that most other newly minted Private Pilots don't have. 

He also enjoyed his freedom as a solo pilot so much that I had to convince him that he really didn't have to visit every airport around the Bay Area.  There would be plenty of time as a Private Pilot and it was time to prepare for his checkride.