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True Blue "Be A Pilot" Club
True Blue "Be A Pilot" Club
Last Updated July 29, 2008
Here's a list of WestWind Pilots
who took the "Be A Pilot" Introductory Flight... Now it'syour turn!
NOTAM:If you take the Introductory Flight and would like your name added to this list,
fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Members of WWAL's
"Be A Pilot" True Blue Club:
Member #1: Brian Hankey - WWAL's Sydney Hub Manager (May 9, 1997)
Flight School: Coleman Aero Club
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Instructor: Tobias Nierth
Current Status: Brian obtained his PPL on Jan 10, 1998.
Member #2: James Cangelosi - WWAL Pilot (May
11, 1997)
Flight School: Executive Flight Services
Aircraft: PA-28 Warrior
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #3: Charlie Schumacher - WWAL Pilot
(May 13, 1997)
Flight School: American Flyers, Palwaukee Airport
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Current Status: Soloed on June 17, 1997 . . .
Member #4: Chris Sobotka - WWAL Pilot (May
29, 1997)
Flight School: Shoreline Aviation
Instructor: Nick
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #5: Denis Gagnon - Former WWAL Pilot (August 3, 1997)
Flight School: Airwest flying club, Broomfield, CO
Instructor: Nissim Levy
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Current Status: Denis Obtained his PPL on December 6, 1998
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the
earth with your eyes turned skyward; For there you have been and there you long to
return"
Leonardo Da Vinci, On Flight of Birds
Member #6: Mike Cameron - New WWAL Pilot
(August 10, 1997)
Flight School: Kansas City Aviation Center
Instructor: Eric Parker
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #7: Don Harrington - New WWAL Pilot
(July 3, 1997)
Flight School: Wings Aloft at Boeing Field
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #8: Kevin Lane-Cummings - Retiring WWAL Pilot (September 29, 1997)
NOTAM: Although
Kevin didn't take advantage of the $35 Introductory Flight, he certainly is a candidate
for an "Honorary" membership in this exclusive club. He has thrown in his real
life job and decided to become a Commercial Pilot.
Member #9: Dean Dubois - WWAL Pilot (October
17, 1997)
Flight School: Air Tutors Limited (St.-Hubert Airport, Montreal)
Instructor: Claude L'Espérence
Aircraft:Cessna 150
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #10: Tim Healy - (December 8, 1997)
Flight School: Toccoa Aviation
Instructor: Tom Weir
Aircraft:Cessna 152
Current Status: Purdue's Aviation Technology program. . .
Aircraft: Beechcraft Sundowner (Couldn't
SQEEEEEZE into a Piper Tomahawk!)
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #32: - Lee E. Smith WWAL Pilot (September 19, 1998)
Age: 27
Flight School: Ray's Flying School, Merced, CA
Instructor: Ray Beverly
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #33: - Marvin Kingma WWAL Pilot (November 30, 1998)
Age: 29
Flight School: Abbotsford Flight Centre,
Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Instructor: Ian Smith & Jon Taylor
Aircraft: Cessna 150
Current Status: PPL 13th October 1999
Member #34: - Scott Erikson WWAL Pilot (February 10, 1999)
Age: 27
Flight School: Windham Aviation, Windham, CT
Instructor: Joe Gauthier
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #35: - Josh Beckett WWAL Pilot (February 10, 1999)
Age: 30
Flight School: Aero Maintenance, Vancouver
Instructor: Tye Brown
Aircraft: Cessna 150
Current Status: Unknown. . .
Member #36: - Bill Teller WWAL Pilot (February 10, 1999)
Age: 50
Flight School: Charlotte Aviation, Charlotte, MI
Instructor: Larry Benjamin
Aircraft: Cessna 150
Continue: Yes
Bill Commented: I had to keep re-scheduling my first flight as
the weather here in Michigan is not the greatest this time of year! Finally this
morning, it was bright, beautiful, clear, but a very cold day. (0 degrees F.)
We had a smooth ride, and I did quite well for my first lesson. Even though it was
obvious I have much to learn, I think my experience with flight simulator was
helpful. I highly recommend to all of you out there who are thinking about taking
the first step, to go for it!
Member #37: - Troy Stevens WWAL Pilot (March 17, 1999)
Age: 27
Flight School: Great Western Aviation, Bountiful,
UT
Instructor: Beau Barrett
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Not Sure
Troy Commented: My instructor let me start the
aircraft and taxi to rwy 34. I then took off and climbed out. We did some sight seeing and
then returned for landing. Since it was an introductory flight he didn't do any real
flight training with me, it was more just a fun flight. I then brought us back around and
lined er' up on final for 34 got er' down to about 100 ft. and let him take over for the
landing. This is actually the second time that I have been in the left seat although I
haven't officially started any flight training. I have quite a few hours in the right seat
of a C172 flying cross country flights with my brother who is a PP and almost done with
his instrument. Maybe I should just stop messing around with the idea and start some
lessons :) Flying is the most fun I've ever had!
Member #38: - Eric Landversicht WWAL Pilot (March 27, 1999)
Age: 29
Flight School: Aviation Works, Newark, OH
Instructor: Wendell Jacobs
Aircraft: Cessna 150
Continue: Yes
Eric Commented: I just took my first flight today 3/27/99 and
it was the best ride of my life. I am still at a loss for words. I would say
the best way to put it is "Total Freedom". My instructor has 30 years in
the cockpit and although I was a little nervous, looking down at the ground 3000 feet
below during the 180 degree turn, he made me feel right at home. Nothing compares to
the feeling of sitting in that plane and looking at the world down under you.
Although this was an intro flight I sure learned a lot. After we touched down I went
in to the school office, signed up, got my flight bag and books, and now I am off to the
blue skies. I can't imagine not learning to fly now. Everyone should
experience the feeling flight. It is "Total Freedom"
Member #39: - Scott Blankenship WWAL Pilot (April 1, 1999)
Age: 29
Flight School: Alpha Tango, San Antonio, TX
Instructor: Don Sykes
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
Scott Commented: I took my intro flight on 1/18/99 and it was
incredible. I really can't describe the feeling of flying without having a Coke, a big
comfortable chair and a little wife yelling at me. I now have 6.2 hours with 5 takeoffs, 8
touch and goes and 5 landings. I can't wait to solo and I can't wait to read about YOUR
discovery flight. So go take it tomorrow and have the time of your life!
Member #40: - John Woods WWAL Pilot (April 13, 1999)
Age: 33
Flight School: Sutton Aviation Inc, Lapeer, MI
Instructor: Barry Sutton
Aircraft: PA28-161 Warrior II
Continue: Yes
John Commented: I took two intro flights in early March 1999
with two different instructors. My second flight was with the instructor that I will be
training with. He let me control the plane from engine startup to shutdown. Fantastic
experience!! My first training flight is scheduled for April 13th.
Member #41: - Gassmann Martin WWAL Pilot (April 23, 1999)
Member #42: - Erick Silva WWAL Pilot (May 1,
1999)
Age: 31
Flight School: Silver Express, Miami, FL
Instructor: Heraclio
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
Erick Commented: I have not gone solo yet.
Member #43: - Thomas Wolff WWAL Pilot (May 14, 1999)
Age: 20
Flight School: Florida Aviation Career Training, St. Augustine, FL
Instructor: Kylie
Savage
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
Tom Commented: I finally took my
very first flight lesson during my FL vacation, and it was a blast! The feeling that you
have when suddenly it's YOU who has the controls of that plane is terrific. With all that
FS experience it was really quite easy and comfortable. Only the rudder pedal coordination
was new to me. My CFI, Kylie -who was very nice- was quite a bit impressed and probably
got a higher respect for the value of PC sims.
I logged altogether 5 hours in about a week! I am continuing lessons
over here in Germany, where I live. I expect to have the Private by fall this year.
Member #44: - Radomir Zaric WWAL Pilot (June 4, 1999)
Age: 26
Flight School: Raceway Flight Center, Concord, NC
Instructor: Marcus
Truss
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Continue: Yes
Radomir commented: I have been waiting for this to
happen for a long time. It was so much fun. My instructor, Marcus, was quite
impressed with my flying considering I never flew a real plane before. He even asked
"Are you sure you never flew before?" Hoping to get the PPL sometime by
the end of this year.
Member #45: - Randall Hook WWAL Pilot (June 16, 1999)
Age: 27
Flight School: Duncan Aviation, Kalamazoo, MI
Instructor: Robert
Newell
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
Randall commented: It was a great experience! The biggest
challenge for me was dealing with the wind. It's not as easy holding a straight and
level course in the real world as compared to FS. FS did however prepare me for
proper instrument reading/scanning and I was able to hold my own during climbs, descents
and turns. It was a definite feeling of accomplishment, and once the wheels touched
the runway, I wanted to go back up!
Member #46: - David Humphrey WWAL Pilot (July 5, 1999)
Age: 36
Flight School: Centennial Flying School, Vancouver, BC
Canada
Instructor: R.
Kwan
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
David commented:This was not the $35 intro, but
a full hour my wife got me for Christmas. Just a hint for any new budding pilots... limit
those negative G manouvers to only a couple on your first time out! One other thing...
rain,rain go away....
Member #47: - Ryan Saylor WWAL Pilot (August 1, 1999)
Age: 16
Flight School: Knoxville Flight Training Center,
Knoxville, TN
Instructor: Oman
Aircraft: Cessna 150/152
Continue: Not sure
Ryan commented:I am 16 and have been dreaming
of flight for as long as I can remember. Like playing soccer at 5 and 6 and stopping in
the middle of the game to watch the planes fly overhead. When I was 14 and in the Civil
Air Patrol (which I have recently left) they got me into a C-172 and let me fly. It was
from that point on that flying was no longer a dream. I learned it could be reality.
Now I am 16 and a lifeguard working 40+ hours a week to get the money.
And I just soloed today at 9.9 hrs. With landing pretty much out of the way, the only
other hard part is paying for it. But I have faith that it will all work out. For our
dreams should not and will not be held back by something as simple as money... right ;-).
Well it is time to eat. All of you fellow pilots and simmers - I urge
you to all take to the skies, and take a teen with you. For it will be the best thing you
have ever done for them...
Member #48: - Travis C. Marsh WWAL Pilot (September 27, 1999)
Age: 30
Flight School: Air Care, Warsaw, IN
Instructor: Ron
Brubaker
Aircraft: C-150 (N18115)
Continue: Yes
Travis commented:I printed the ticket and decided to get right
into lessons. Flying on this simulator does give a student an edge. I solo'd on 09-21-99
and that was an indescribable experience.
Member #49: - Andre Smith WWAL Pilot (October 10, 1999)
Age: 19
Flight School: Rand Flight Academy, South Africa
Instructor: Jeff
Smith
Aircraft: Beech Baron B58
Continue: Yes
Andre commented:I 'm sure as heck gonna complete my pilots
license!
Member #50: - Jeff Owens WWAL Pilot (October 13, 1999)
Age: 46
Flight School: Long Beach Flight Center, Long Beach, CA
Instructor: Abe
Paster
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Continue: Yes
Jeff commented:After over 2000 hrs. on the simulator I decided
to take to the skies. It was a super clear Friday afternoon in southern California when I
"went for it". We took off from runway 25L from Long Beach, flew the runway
heading approx. 5 miles to the L.A. river and headed south toward Catalina Island.
Climbing at 500 fpm at Abe handed over the controls to me when we were just about over the
Queen Mary. We headed about 5 miles out over the ocean where I practiced turns, trimming,
climbing and descending. Cruising around at 3,000' Abe was telling me how much of a
natural I was. I really felt at home behind the controls. He instructed me to head back to
the airport and to descend to 2,000'. We were instructed by ATC to fly over the center of
the airport at 2,000'. Abe had me notify the tower when we were over the airport. I turned
right for the downwind leg, pulled the carb heat lever and the throttle to start our
decent from 2,000 feet. At dogleg, Abe took over the controls!
and brought us in for a perfect landing on 25L. It seems to me that taxiing with rudder
pedals and brakes will take some practice but I'm looking forward to it. It was really a
treat to fly and, yes, I am going to continue with my lessons and will become a real
pilot.
Member #51- Dean Lawson, WWAL Pilot (October 20, 1999)
Age: 37
Flight School: AVI Flight School, Turlock, CA
Instructor: Allen
Palmer
Aircraft: Piper Cherokee 140 (Pa28-140)
Continue: Yes
Dean commented:I didn't actually take the
$35.00 introductory flight mentioned here, but after much talking and cajoling from fellow
LAX Hub Member Lee Smith (now also a licensed Private Pilot) I decided to go for it. I
took my first lesson on 3-27-99 at Merced, CA (where Lee Smith took lessons out of, and
flies out of) and wasn't able to get another lesson there until 4-28-99! Needless to say I
was unhappy with that! I went across the valley a ways to Turlock airport and signed up
the next day for lessons and flew a lesson THAT night right after work! I was impressed!
I flew lessons, solo, etc.. there at Turlock for the next three and a
half months and on 7-10-99 the BIG DAY Came! My checkride! Don't let anyone tell you
you're not nervous for THAT event! Well, long story short I PASSED! and have been a
licensed Private Pilot ever since.
I've done quite a bit of flying this summer and am now back taking
frequent lessons again and am working on my instrument rating.. <not alot of fun>..
Don't ever let it be said that you can't do it <fly for REAL that
is>! WestWind is really good training and practice for REAL world procedures, habits,
planning and practices. Every time I fly for REAL, I use planning and procedures that I
first started using while flying many hundreds of hours for WestWind Airlines!!
Dean Lawson - Hub Manager LAX HUB
WestWind Pilot# A4535
Member #52: - George Harrington, WWAL Pilot (October 24, 1999)
Age: 24
Flight School: Alpha Aviation, Bellingham, WA
Instructor: CJ
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Continue: Yes
George commented: I love to fly. It's so much freedom. The fun
is endless.
Member #53: - Shigeki Okazaki, WWAL Pilot (December 11, 1999)
Age: 50
Flight School: Air Accord, San Jose, CA
Instructor: Yuzo Wakita
Aircraft: Cessna 152, N757UF
Continue: Eventually. . .
Shigeki commented: I have done the first flight in real
world at San Jose, California, last Saturday (11th/Dec/'99).
It was so exciting event for me that never experienced in my long life and would like to
say "many thanks" to WWAL which keeps reminding me "Why don't you try
Be-A-Pilot program?".
I used to be disappointed the situation that there is no Be-A- Pilot program available
in Japan. But a few days before the business trip to Sanjose, I fortunately found
Air Accord flying school managed by the Japanese instructor is also the program member in
there.
The chief instructor, Mr. Yuzo Wakita, president of Air Accord recommended to take not
$35 Demo Flight (15min Ground, 15min Traffic pattern), but San Francisco bay cruise flight
since the weather is rarely fine day and I may not have the next chance to fly soon.
I agreed to take his idea as he promised me to have control partially during the
flight.:-)
At the pre-flight check, I do not know what is the procedure on the other demo flight
though, Mr. Wakita taught me how to check the aircraft, C152, to ensure she can fly above
99% reliability during the ground inspection. We checked any of rusting, loosing,
cracking, damaging of screws, rivets, hinges of moving parts, propeller on visual and also
checking the fuel amount in tanks to double check the fuel gauge indicator is
correct. I also practiced to drain the garvage, water from the fuel
tanks. I found no water in the glass gauge then he treated me to the water supply
beside the hunger showing what will be happened if includes water. He also
carried out the oral examination to check my knowledge of aviation and equipment principle
as well during ground inspection. I was so impressed his performance and stressing
me to enjoy flight by touching my favorite technical environment.
The most exciting and challenging stuff started once I sit on the left seat with the
headphone.
I started engine and practiced before take off checklist. I really enjoyed to
check the motion of rudder, elevator, aileron in visual that I would have liked to do by
myself as the airline pilot do during taxing. :-) The
instructor allowed me to taxi to Hold/Short position at RWY31L. After the
Tower's clearance, I was listening ATC, he said " Line up and
Take-off". I was relaxing until hear "You have control and take-off
immediately".
Wow!! After the deep breath, I started the take-off roll as usual in FS and kept 10
degree attack angle with 500~700fpm climb rate. Once established the initial climb
to 1500ft and level off with proper trimming, you can imagine what he told me.
"Relieve your shoulders". I was too much concentrating to keep the climb
rate, speed, heading, engine RPM. I understand now that the real Cessna 152 does fly
stably by itself.
The VFR tour course was flying from San Jose Reid Hillview airport to Oakland, Bay
Bridge routing the right side of San Francisco bay and then to Golden Gate Bridge, flying
over the San Francisco city . The return course was, passing just west side of San
Francisco Intl along the highway 101 while the big jets are flying, then Moffett Field,
and across the middle of San Jose Intl at 1500ft to get 45 degree angle joining into
RWY31L left downwind.
After joined into the downwind leg, the instructor told me that " You can try to
land with descending traffic pattern landing". I asked him "Are you
serious?"
At the end of the downwind, he instructed me a lot of things, engine power setting,
mixture setting, descend rate, flap timing, etc. I was so busy to control
them, while watching outside to find the turning point to base and
final. I actually made a little early turn from base to final though, I
was not surprised since it is the ordinal recovering process on FS. :-)
At short final, once Cessna 152 was aiming the touch down zone with Red/White VASI
indicator, Mr. Wakita was taking the picture for me. I succeeded to
Round Out to get the actual touch down point by pulling yoke 1 inch and pulled 2 inches
further at 10 ft for flare. But, while I was waiting the response, she has touched
down with a little shock. Although I regretted, he covered me with the comment
that it is still better than pulling yoke too much.
I flew 1.6 hours totally including VOR navigation and the instructor only took the
control for the emergency separation at Oakland and for my smoking break. I
really appreciate Mr. Wakita's patient allowing me to control whole flight as well as his
warmfull personality as the true airman.
Finally, I convinced that WWAL's flying concept "As Real As Possible" is
true. Otherwise I could not complete the first flight. The correct
manner of simulation and image training to real world must be the short way to be a pilot
and the great fun in FS world.
Member #54: - John Miller, WWAL Pilot (February 14, 2000)
Age: 28
Flight School: The Flight School, Lawrenceville,
GA
Instructor: Bryan Streetman
Aircraft: Cessna C-172
Continue: Yes
John commented: I went for the intro flight and was able
to do the preflight and taxi-takeoff with some assistance from the instructor. Once
we were up it was just too fun and we ended up flying for an hour. I actually came
away with my first lesson and .9 hrs in my logbook. I've started regular lessons now and
am planning to keep right on going.
Member #55: - William B. Foster WWAL Pilot (March 6, 2000)
Age: 33
Flight School: Mercury Flight Center, Chesapeake,
VA
Instructor: John Holden
Aircraft: Cessna 150
Continue: Yes
William commented: Intro flight 1-27-99. Check Ride
1-8-00. After that first flight there was no way to stop.
Member #56: - Greg Yankow WWAL Pilot (March 30, 2000)
Age: 28
Flight School: Seamans Airport, Factoryville, PA
Instructor: Steve Barnick
Aircraft: Cessna 152, 172
Continue: Yes
Greg Commented: I actually took the introductory flight on Jan
26, 1999. It was so addicting that 6 months later I was a licensed pilot. I
would recommend 'real world' flying to anyone who flies a PC simulator - it is one of the
most peaceful and beautiful experiences a person can have. If you're thinking about
it - feel free to send me questions/concerns via e-mail.
Member #57: - Doug Hoefle WWAL Pilot (May 10, 2000)
Age: 24
Flight School: Aero Prep, Medford, NJ
Instructor: Steve Koza
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
Doug Commented: I actually took the introductory flight back in
December, but really didn't have the money to start training at that time. I logged
about 6 hours when I was 16, but had to discontiue for money reasons. Now I am back
into it and plan to keep going! I'm so excited. Among other things, flight
simulator 2000 and WestWind have helped to remind me what a thrill it is to fly.
Nothing like being in the real aircraft. Can't wait to solo, and eventually to get
licensed!
Member #58: - Walt Schroeder WWAL Pilot (May 26, 2000)
Age: 35
Flight School: North Florida Flight School,
Jacksonville FL
Instructor: Scott Adams
Aircraft: Piper Warrior II
Continue: Not sure
Walt Commented: What a thrill to sit in the
"REAL" left seat. The weather was a bit choppy but very enjoyable.
The flight didn't last nearly long enough for me so I immediately scheduled a follow-up
flight. We went back up the following Friday morning. Beautiful weather.
Several helos were performing flying out of Mayport N.A.S. It looked really cool
from above. I was in complete control of the aircraft from takeoff to touch
down...including a touch and go at Jacksonville International Airport (WOW!!!). I'm
not sure of my plans to get my PPL due to unforeseen financial hardship (it's always
something!). But I would love to give it a go. So if anyone out there would
like to donate to the cause, let me know.
Member #59: - Paul Zakian WWAL Pilot (June 16, 2000)
Age: ?
Flight School: West Valley Flying Club, San
Francisco, CA
Instructor: Ronen Flat
Aircraft: C152/172
Continue: Yes
Paul Commented: Haven't spent much time on WestWind over the
past year. After the first intro flight last June, it was six months before getting
my PP license on December 28th, 1999. Despite 15-20 kt winds in the Bay Area and an
FAA examiner who was determined not to let me see any of my checkride (kept me "under
the hood"), I passed. Thanks WestWind for a great start in flying!
Member #60: - Andy McSunas WWAL Pilot (July 10, 2000)
Age: 40
Flight School: Pacific States Aviation, Concord,
CA
Instructor: Michael Mork
Aircraft: C152
Continue: Yes
Andy Commented: What a thrill! I've been in the right seat many
times with friends but never given full control of the aircraft. The most fun, oddly
enough, was being able to communicate with a "real" tower. After the initial
"mike-fright," I felt as if I were at home using RW. Credit goes to Satco and
the great ATC training. I will have to wait until the summer of 2001 to start (cash flow
being the hurdle, as always), although I have already started shopping for a school and
CFI. I highly recommend checking out at least three different operations, if you can. My
observation is that CFI styles and flight school policies vary greatly and finding the
right combination is critical.
Flight School: Lincoln Park Aviation, Lincoln
Park, NJ
Instructor: Neil Tucker
Aircraft: Not specified
Continue: Not specified
Larry Commented: The Austrailian Flying Wonder from the Land
Down Under...
Member #62: -Maurino Brown WWAL Pilot (February, 2001)
Age 15
Flight School: The Ohio State University (OSU),
Columbus, Ohio
Instructor: N/A
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Continue: Yes
MaurinoCommented: The whole experience was marvelous! As soon
as we got off the ground I took the controls and did some basic turns, and climbs. I
regretted that it only lasted for 30 minutes though. Everything else was great, and thank
you Be A Pilot Program for helping me almost reach my goals!
Adam Commented: I am currently in ground school and flying up
to three times per week. I hope to finish my private license in 6 months and then start on
my instrument rating.
Flight School: Bergstrom Aircraft, Pasco
Washington
Instructor:Tyler Holm
Aircraft: BE-77 Beachcraft Skipper
Continue: Yes
Alex Commented: The sim really helped. I actually got to
takeoff and land the airplane. I didn't bounce the landing either.
******UPDATE 10/16/2002******* Alex reports that he now has his private pilots
license and works for an airport!
Flight School: Miami Dade Community College -
Comair Flight School
Instructor: David Diaz
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
Joel Commented: I took it at Tamiami Airport, with the Miami
Dade Community College - Comair flight school. We flew for more than hour and a half. We
took off and went all the way up to common traffic pattern altitude (within 1,500 and
2,000 ft.) flew along Miami Beach coast, passed below a 727 which was departing from Miami
International Airport, practiced slow flight, regular turns, climbing and descendings. I
had a tremendous time, when we were back at the airport, I landed the aircraft (of course
with the help of the instructor the first time) made a go around, flew a left traffic
pattern and then landed by myself...... Of course I am going to continue and go for my
private license, as soon as I can afford it and put enough time aside for it. Thanks to
WestWind Airlines for having helped me this much and take me closer to my biggest dream...
flying.
Flight School: Flight Training
Australia, Brisbane, Australia
Instructor: Chris Hartley
Aircraft: Cessna 152
Continue: Yes
Dan Commented: Your never to old, I have enrolled to
complete my commercial license as well as ATPL and an Instructors rating. Never
let anyone tell you your to old. You gain about 20 years of your life back
the day you start.
Flight School: Wright Flyers
Aviation, San Antonio, TX
Instructor: Darren Murphy
Aircraft: Cessna 172R
Continue: Yes
Skip Commented: May 5th, 2002... finally took the plunge, but told them I didn't want the scenic tour. So, the flight turned into an hour and I successfully completed taxi, takeoff, straight and level, slow flight, stalls, steep turns and a landing with winds gusting to 20 knots. I even handled the communication. He tuned the radios. It was great. When we landed the instructor got out one of those freebie pilot flight logs and made an entry for 1.1 hours with all the info. I hope to continue when real world stuff allows me time.
Boyd Commented: Well, I was too big for the 150 so
off in the 172 we went. I had the entire flight from climb-out to landing and
taxi. It was awesome. Now let's see if the latest addition to the Barker family
(it's a boy) will allow flight school in the budget. (Editor's note:
Congratulations, Boyd, for both of your accomplishments!)
Ed Commented: After preflight check, my instructor,
Nick Hodge had me taxi to dep rwy after engine sparkplug check, Nick in the
right seat said "with all your knowledge of VA flying over the years with
WestWind VA, I am going to let you do the flying" we set radios, contacted
ATC for clearance to take off rwy 7 for Red Rock Canyon, nose on the horizon,
right turn to 030' I trimmed out at 5000 ft and had a ball enjoying the bumps
near the canyon. I also met a celebrity, Justin Tranz renowned Hipp-Nosis of the
Las Vegas Strip, who, by the way, is a licensed private pilot and owns both a
Barron 58 and a piper Cherokee of which I had the pleasure of both.
Ian Commented: Took off from rwy 23 at KMMU on a
beautiful day. Climbed to 2500ft and headed west, over the town I work in and
used to live in. As of today, after a long pause, I am in my 8th hour of
training and now going about 3 times a week.
Flight School: Airline Training
International, Toronto, Ontario
Instructor: Vince
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Mark Commented: Although I'd been on a number of "sightseeing" flights in the right seat of smaller aircraft over the past ten years (including a one-hour flight in a Beaver on floats last summer), I'd never had control of an aircraft outside of the virtual world. For my birthday this year, my wife decided to change that situation and booked me on a familiarisation flight with Airline Training International based at Toronto City Centre airport (CYTZ) through beapilot.com.
On July 28, 2003, after two cancellations: - one because of weather that was below VFR minimums and the other because someone on their first cross-country flight had lost the keys to the 172 we were to fly! - we took the short ferry ride (50yards) to YTZ - Toronto's version of Meigs Field - and met Vince.
During the pre-flight briefing, I made mention of the knowledge of aviation basics and communications procedures I'd picked up through my experience with WestWind as well as subscriptions to a number of aviation-related publications. When I told him that I also had a yoke and pedals in my FS set-up, he smiled, said that FS was a great learning tool and that he was going to introduce me to the "third dimension" of flying.
Together we did a full pre-flight of the aircraft. Vince showed me what to look for as he inspected the port side of the aircraft and then I inspected the starboard side with Vince's supervision. According to Vince, I did very well. I even got a pre-flight "baptism" - a little 100LL on my hand while checking one of the thirteen (!) fuel drains on the 172. After a little clean-up, Vince informed me that I'd be taking the left seat and I'd taxi to the "active" - with his assistance (if needed) of course.
After the pre-start and start-up checks, we checked the ATIS and as we heard the barometric pressure Vince said, "You were about to reach for the altimeter setting knob, weren't you?" I said that he was right and he replied, "Well, go ahead then!" - and I set the Kollsmann knob for 29.95.
Start-up was normal, and with all gauges "in the green", it was time to contact ground for permission to taxi. The wind was 220/12 and we were cleared to runway 24 with instructions to hold short of runway 26. Time to roll!
Vince had told me that with the exception of landing and the radio calls, we'd conduct the flight as if I was "pilot in command" unless either of us thought it better that the plane was "his".
I released the parking brake as the tach read 1,000 RPM and we were rolling. It very quickly became apparent what he meant when Vince referred to the "third dimension". In the real world, taxiways are not smooth - and when you're rolling on tires about half the diameter of most car tires - you feel every bump, tar-strip and surface irregularity there is. I managed to keep us on the taxiway centreline and got us to the run-up area adjacent to the threshold of runway 26 uneventfully.
As we completed the run-up checks, Vince called the tower and we were given the choice of either runway 24 or 26. With a "rookie" at the controls and 12 knots of wind at 220, a "no flaps" takeoff on runway 24 would be our choice. After being cleared to take off, I lined us up on the 3000ft. runway and slowly advanced the throttle.
With a little help from Vince on the rudder, we rotated at 55 knots IAS and were airborne less than halfway down the runway. We set the trim for a 700fpm climb at 80 knots. About 30 seconds after lift-off, ATC alerted us to traffic at our 11 o'clock, advising that we follow them out of the traffic pattern and we made our first turn to a heading of 130 with just 15 degrees of bank. That made it pretty easy to keep the ball centred on the turn and bank indicator.
After a minute or so, we initiated another turn to a heading of 060 and followed the Lake Ontario shoreline about one mile offshore. We levelled off at 2,400ft and trimmed for 110 knots. Being over the water made the ride fairly smooth in spite of scattered cumulus at 4,800 and 6,000 on a relatively windy day. Of course, the tail wind was helping us to achieve a ground speed of 125 knots.
All too quickly, it was time to turn back. As we turned north toward the shoreline, Vince reminded me that we might feel a few bumps as we reached the shore because land heats up much more quickly than water. Just as we turned to a heading of 240 over my old high school, we got the thrilling combination of a big updraft because of the high school's large flat, black roof as well as a 30knot gust right on our nose. The VSI jumped to +1,500 for about ten seconds. Vince's voice came through the headset, chuckling, "Now, THERE'S your third dimension - glider pilots would love that."
We had obtained permission from ATC to circle the downtown area about 1nm north of the CN Tower with a caution to stay within 3nm of YTZ while circling. Why? Because runways 23/24 were active at YYZ, 7 miles to the northwest - and we didn't want to stray into the path of a 777 on downwind!
As we descended to 1500ft, we experienced more of the third dimension while flying over the flat roofs of the downtown office towers. We announced that we were turning base and I set the flaps for 10 degrees. Again, ATC gave us the option of either of runways 24 or 26. The winds were now 230/08 and runway 24 was our choice - despite the fact that it's the more challenging of the two approaches because it brings you into fairly close proximity to the lakeside hotels and condo towers. (Try it sometime in FS). As we passed by the rotating rooftop restaurant of one of the hotels at 500ft, I set our second notch of flaps and Vince took over the plane for landing.
When we were about three feet off the runway, the stall warning sounded. I was quite surprised that it didn't sound like the warning I'd heard in any other small aircraft I'd been in - or like the 172 stall warning in any version Flight Sim. It sounded like the squeaking noise a dog's toy would make!
The plane was "mine" again and we were cleared to taxi to the ramp via runway 33 and taxiway Bravo. With about 1,800 feet of runway ahead of us, braking was not an issue until we had to turn onto 33. As we approached the hold point for crossing runway 26, the tower cleared an Air Canada Jazz Dash8 into position on 26 and cleared us to continue our taxi. It's a sobering sight to see the lights of a 50-seat turboprop turning toward you through your right window as you cross a runway - even if it's 2,800 feet away and not yet cleared for takeoff!
We taxied to the tie-down area, shut down the aircraft, set the control locks and secured the tie-downs. As we walked toward the terminal, Vince said that it was one of the best "beapilot" flights he'd been on (I think he was just being a nice guy) and I'd obviously learned a lot with WestWind and Flight Sim. My wife was waiting for us in the terminal and Vince gave her a verbal report of our flight as we headed for a short debriefing session.
As I write this less than 24 hours later, my wife has yet to tire of hearing me re-live my flight - or she's a very good actress. But it's the best birthday present any virtual pilot could ever receive. Even if you don't have a birthday coming up in the near future, every WestWind pilot should log on to beapilot.com and enjoy the gift of the "third dimension" of flight.
My only regret is that I didn't do it five years ago.
Sean Commented: I had a couple of lessons back in
1988 in the Navy Memphis Flying Club but money and world situation worked
against me. Now that I'm retired from the Navy and have a job where a Private
pilot Certificate would be a benefit, I decided it was time to start back up.
Real flying is as fun as I had remembered it was but also a little more
expensive now
Jean-Louis Commented:I already have my 4 hours of
flying with the instructor. I'll probably do the full circuits by my own on the
next 2 hours and be soloed soon after.
Tyler Commented:I've flow MSFS
since I can remember. I've always been obsessed with planes and flying. It
wasn't until the most recent versions of MSFS (2k2, and 2k4 especially) that
made me really want it. I wouldn't have done it had the simulator not given me
such a great idea of what to expect. The sim checkrides and lessons were great
and tempted me even more. I kept telling myself that I'd do it when I was 30 or
35 years old when it was more economically feasible but it couldn't wait. SO I
went for the intro and i'm hooked. I have 8 hours (started in late 2003) and am
just paying as I go. I thought joining Westwind would tide me over for a bit but
that just made it worse! They say a lesson here or there will cost more in the
long run but I just practice in MSFS after I come home from the lesson. I hope
to prove them wrong. The instructor has been very impressed with my knowledge
and ability so far and I'm probably only a few hours away from my solo. The only
problem is I get too focused on the instruments. The first thing I wanted to do
when I got in the plane is see if the VOR needle actually worked! After this
it's straight onto IFR. Stop Dreaming - Start Flying is right!
Flight School: North Air Flight
School, Prescott, AZ
Instructor: Trey
Cottrell
Aircraft: Cessna 172SP
Continue: Yes
Kevin Commented:Like many before, I have been flying
simulation for quite some time. The only explanation with real life is surreal.
Although I've a few hours, the biggest difference in the simulation and real for
me is my seat staying the at ground level when I'm turning. After my 2nd flight
I did manage to land, on my own, but I have this habit of taking a huge death
grip on the throttle, which I'm sure the Instructor pilots of WWA can understand
with. :)
Flight School: Cabair College
of Air Training, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK
Instructor:Ayden
Mitchell
Aircraft: Grumman
AA5-A & B
Continue: Yes
Robert Commented: I did not take up your offer,
however since March this year I have been persuing my PPL aspirations and today
I passed my PPL Skills Test. So I thought I would let you know.
Dale Commented: Earned my Private Pilot ticket
on 12/11/04. Winds were 30 knots at 3000, so it turned out to be an interesting
ride. I'm sure flying for "WestWind" helped with the instrument
portion. My instructor commented on my instrument work the first time he had me
try. But it can't prepare you for real world turbulence - 100 foot drops and
lifts within a few seconds. Even trying to tune the radio becomes a difficult
task.
Joe Commented: Went
up on a sunny day in August. I got to do most of the flying. Flew over my
house and school and it was a blast. Have since been taking lessons, soloed on
November 7th for the first time and I can't wait to get my license!
William Commented: I am
thrilled to be taking lessons. I took a few several years ago but now I am going
to complete the lessons. I am planning on going all the way to ATP.
Jon Commented: I've been
in love with flying ever since i was about 6 years old and I just found out that
my Dad use to work with the owner/founder of Atkin Air, a charter company based
out of Lincoln Regional (KLHM). With my huge fascination with flight, I
immiediately jumped at this chance to meet him. He told me that I should just go
up and take a flight with an instructor so I can get "hooked" with
flying.
So on 6/9/06 at 12:30pm I climbed into a Cessna 150M with my instructor and
taxied out to RWY 33. The wind was 30 at 07 and I pushed that throttle forward
and lept into the air. The whole time up I was grinning like a fool and saying
"Wow" over and over into the headset. After a few left and right
standard turns at 1,500 feet Beau asked me where the airport was...Being so lost
in all of the excitement of flying an airplane I lost track of my surroundings,
I was like "uhhhhhh thats a good question.." little did I know that it
was already 10 miles away off of the left wing...Was amazing I went so far, so
fast, so high. we finally came in for the approach onto RWY 15 and started our
downwind leg a 1/4 mile from 15 flyng west to east.
Turning onto the base leg it started getting busy in the cockpit as Beau was
telling me we have about a 45 degree crosswind at about 7-10mph it was amazing
watching Beau land working the rudders the throttle and the stick all with
precision. Touching down nice and softly on 15 we taxied back into the parking
position where we first started and shut down the airplane thus ending my first
adventure out into the wild blue yonder.
I intend to start my flying lessons with Atkin Air as soon as possible...the
owner was even nice enough to give me this intro flight for free since he knew
my dad from 20 years ago (how nice of him) so that will help with the costs of
lessons (ha...barely).
I'm extremely happy to now be apart of those chosen few that have ventured
skyward.
Flight School: Flight Services of Medina (Medina Municipal Airport, 1G5)
Instructor: Rick Taylor
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Continue: Yes!
John Commented: I took the intro flight and loved it. I got to takeoff and
vastly do everything in the airplane except land it..I am taking them still now and have about 10.2 hours in. We are working on
landings now and going into a controlled airspace. My instructor says that I am probably one of his best students and I am only 14.
He says I should go into airline aviation. I am working on getting my PPL now.
Member #83: -Jared D. Kelly WWAL
Pilot (July 2008)
Age: 20
Flight School: Crosswind Aviation, Casper, WY
Instructor: Ryan Zimmer
Aircraft: Cessna 172... N733FF
Continue: I am.
Jared Commented: I loved it so much, it was 100 times better than the sim, I love
it so much I have decided to continue, I have my student certificate and am working on my private.
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