MARC SIMES

Marc Simes received his Private Pilot certificate in November 2009 . Marc intends to own an aircraft at some point, and also expects to continue his training toward an instrument rating.  He confessed after the check ride that there was really nothing to be nervous about, and the examiner was complimentary of his check ride performance. Congratulation to Marc on this significant achievement.

TOM MADISON

Tom Madison earned his Private Pilot certificate in January 2009 after several decades of procrastination. He has already started with the instrument ground school and may end up owning an aircraft of his own at some point. Tom tried to make his check ride interesting by volunteering to do another “no flap” landing. However, everything worked out well and Tom is to be congratulated on earning his license.

PAUL TAYLOR

Paul Taylor earned his Private Pilot certificate in December, 2009 after going through the syllabus in nearly the minimum time required. Paul's excellent performance was marred only briefly when he actually asked the examiner to ask harder questions.  He probably won't try that again, but nevertheless did extremely well on the check ride. Paul will likely begin his instrument training this spring.

MIKE HARVEY

Mike Harvey completed his instrument check ride on 19 June in his personal aircraft, a C182. Mike graduated from our instrument ground school class in the spring this year, then began taking his instrument instruction. He plans to use the rating to fly to Florida and during times he would perhaps not be otherwise able to complete the flight safely under visual conditions. Congratulations to Mike and his instructor, Rex Taylor.

WADE SMITH

Wade Smith earned his Private Pilot License on 29 July in N61954. With about 40 hours of flight time with JLS Aviation, plus some time credited from years ago when he first started, Wade had no problem with the practical test. He has recently taken several trips and has also started training toward his complex endorsement. He also has indicated a desire to being instrument training as well. Congratulations to Wade, and to his instructor, Malachi Gray.

JACK HILDENBRAND

Jack Hildenbrand, pictured here on the right, earned his Private Pilot's License on Labor Day, 2008. He is standing in front of his own aircraft, a C172S, which he purchased in May of this year. It has been a lifelong dream of his to own and fly his own aircraft for both business and pleasure, and he plans to make trips to North Carolina and other locations. He also intends to complete his training by starting toward an instrument rating sometime later this year. Congratulations, Jack.

JASON GOSSETT

Jason Gossett earned his Private Pilot's License on July 13 th this year. There are several aspects of this event, including that fact that Jason is only 18 years old, that he started and completed his training in less than two months, that he completed his training in with less than 45 hours of total flight time, and the fact that he had not had any previous flight training. He did this by flying as often as he could and studied for each lesson. Best of luck to Jason as he heads off to college this year. Also, congratulations to his instructor, Malachi Gray, for the job he did guiding Jason through the process.

VINNIE PUGLIESE

Vinnie Pugliese completed his Instrument rating on 13 May in his personal aircraft, a Cessna 182. He plans to continue his aviation experience by now working toward his Commercial Rating while continuing to maintain his hard earned instrument proficiency. Congratulations, Vinnie!

DAVID SULLINS

David "Sully" Sullins earned his instrument rating on 26 January. Sully is a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy stationed at Dahlgren, VA. He completed his training in less than three months in N61701. Congratulations to Sully.

JAMES MCDONALD

In late April James "Mac" McDonald completed his first solo in an Ercoupe. He purchased the aircraft serveral months ago and has restored it to working condition. This specific aircraft falls under the category of light sport aircraft and Mac is our first student working toward his LSA rating. He continues to work toward his license and clearly has enjoyed his experience with flying.

KEVIN GENTILE

Kevin Gentile recently earned his Private Pilo Certificate after what must have seemed like playing musical chairs with airplanes. He was finally able to link up with the examiner ins N61954 and succesfully complete his rating. Congratulations Kevin!