Schedule for tower closures released

The FAA has released its three-part phase in period for closing federal contract towers. On April 7, 24 contract towers will close, followed by 46 on April 21, and the remaining 79 on May 5. The FAA is closing the towers based on activity levels, with the first to close having fewer than 1,000 commercial operations in fiscal year 2012. The second group had fewer than 2,500 commercial operations.

Earlier in March, AOPA President Craig Fuller warned FAA Administrator Michael Huerta that the “cuts will have unacceptable consequences for the nation and the flying community.”  Read more...

Women of Aviation Worldwide Week March 4-10, 2013

EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL 'WOMEN OF AVIATION WORLDWIDE WEEK' - MARCH 4-10, 2013!

"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions."

This observation made by American judge Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. in the late 1800s describes perfectly the impact of the Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week initiative.



Not only are we getting ready to stretch the minds of thousands of girls and women during the 3rd annual Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week but we are also getting ready to stretch the minds of many stakeholders in our beloved industry.

When midnight strikes on March 10 2013, no one involved will return to his or her original mindset. Girls and women will know that contributing to the air and space industry is for them too. CEOs of aerospace corporations, presidents of associations, and aviation educators will irrevocably know that girls and women are interested and eager to join our industry and will begin to take steps to assist their inclusion.

The wind of change is blowing. Each one of us is responsible for creating this powerful flow.

Let's never forget that individual air molecules acting together are responsible for the magical lift force that allows us to soar. Our coordinated individual actions are generating a force strong enough to lift our industry and society.

One flight, one community at a time. Worldwide. Together, we are better.

For information about how to organize an event, visit:  www.womenofaviationweek.org/event/organizing-an-event/

To locate an event near you, visit: www.womenofaviationweek.org/event/event-list-registration/

First Solo - Jayne!

Congratulations to Jayne who soloed on November 26, 2012. Jayne was flying a C172 last year, and after a break to go traveling and buy a mountain chalet, she decided to switch to the C162 Skycatcher and fulfil her dream.

First Solo - Robert!

Congratulations to Robert who soloed on November 7, 2012!  Robert was ready way back in June but then had to travel extensively. He is definitely prepared for cross country flight.

Private Pilot - Amanda

Congratulations to Amanda who passed her checkride on November 14, 2012!  In August Amanda received the news that her husband had gotten a new job several hundred miles away which necessitated them to move.  So, while he relocated to the new city, we started on the fast tract to complete her training, while she managed the sale of their home, the move of all of their belongings, caring for their young son, and maintaining a full time job. 

Whew...if that wasn't enough, weather caused her to reschedule her checkride four times, and after already moving to their new home, she made the drive back to the Bay Area to complete her checkride  That is some perseverance!!!

Private Pilot - Scott

Congratulations to Scott who passed his checkride on September 27, 2012!  Scott was very focused and a dedicated student throughout his training.  He was beaming with joy on that special day, along with that look of accomplishment and relief that he had finally achieved his dream.

Private Pilot - Ioan

Congratulations to Ioan who passed his checkride on September 24, 2012!  Ioan enjoyed his training so much that we did several sightseeing flights around the Bay Area.  He was in such awe by the experience that he always had the NFlightcam mounted to the windshield and recorded every flight, not to miss a moment.