First Solo Flight
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![solo, C172](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Paul-Weller-3.jpg)
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!
![citabria, 7eca, solo](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Craig-Reid.jpg)
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.”
![father daughter pilots](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Screen-Shot-2016-05-23-at-4.34.03-PM.png)
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!
![lsa, sportstar](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_0221.jpg)
First Solo – Ryan Desharnais
May 17 2016Solo Date: May 10, 2016
Aircraft: Evektor SportStar
Instructor: Jason Brown
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Ryan is a drone operator getting his Sport Pilot license in order to fly drones commercially. His instructor, Jason, said he was afraid of flying at first, terrified on his first lesson. Ryan was able to conquer his fear and is now soloing the airplane. We are all inspired by his attitude toward challenges and new-found love of aviation.
Way to go, Ryan!!
![RHV, Cessna 172](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Jason-O-485.jpg)
First Solo – Jason Orlic
May 03 2016Solo Date: May 1, 2016
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Instructor: Eric Curtis
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Whoot whoot! Congrats to Jason who soloed Cessna N98485 on a beautful Sunday afternoon at Reid-Hillview. Instructor Eric could not be more happy for you, and a big high five from all the AeroDynamic gang! Onward and upward to your next achievement…Private Pilot License.
![](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mary-M-solo-2.jpg)
First Solo – Mary McEnroe
Apr 16 2016Date: April 1, 2016
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Instructor: Tom Morley
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
April Fool’s! No, really, Mary did solo Cessna N12234 at Reid-Hillview airport with Instructor Tom Morley watching happily from the ground. We love to see Mary’s smiling face when she comes into the office. She has such a good attitude toward flying, safety and having fun. Congrats on all the hard work!
![LSA, UAV, light sport](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-26-at-6.17.23-PM.png)
First solo – Zak Freedman
Mar 26 2016Date: March 22, 2016
Aircraft: Evektor SportStar
Instructor: Casey Walker
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
UAV pilot and photographer, Zak Freedman, began Sport Pilot training in Monterey and recently soloed the SportStar out of our Reid-Hillview location. Zak came to us as a drone pilot but seems to have fallen in love with flying. After he finishes his Sport Pilot License, he plans to continue on with his Private Pilot License and possibly more. We tried to warn him – Aviation is Addicting! His instructor Casey did an excellent job teaching him the skills to fly solo and soon pass his checkride. Way to go, Zak & Casey!
![](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Stanley-C7ZD.jpeg)
First Solo – Stanley Cheng
Mar 19 2016Date: March 19, 2016
Aircraft: Cessna 172N
Instructor: Jen Delp-Mallet
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Congrats, Stanley! You flew an airplane by yourself 🙂 Such a momentous day for a pilot as your instructor, Jen, watched happily from beside runway 31R while you flew 3 takeoffs and landings without her. Thanks for all your hard work and efforts to reach this milestone. To many more happy landings!
![](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Matt-Fall.jpeg)
First Solo – Matt Fall
Mar 19 2016Date: March 17, 2016
Aircraft: Cessna 172M
Instructor: Batelle Raichmian
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Matt flew his first solo in Cessna 61637, with his first landing on 31L and second & third landings on 31R. CFI Batelle watched her newest fledgling leave the nest on another sunny California day. You’ll often see Matt behind the counter at our Reid-Hillview location as he works part-time to help support his flying habit. Keep on truckin’, Matt!
Matt was introduced to flying by a friend in Incline Village, who let him fly his Mooney around Lake Tahoe and from Truckee to Auburn. His goal with flying is to become an airline pilot and travel the world.
![](https://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Kate-Anton.jpeg)
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!