First Solo Flight
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First Solo Flight – Henry Jessel
Apr 12 2019Solo Date: March 24, 2019
Aircraft: Cessna 172 – N54102
Instructors: Christian Burton
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Henry has sought to fly ever since he could first point to the Southwest 737s on approach to San Jose. For many years, he would only fly on flight simulators and take any opportunity to visit the airport to watch the commercial jets land at San Francisco. Every time he would fly, he would look up to the captains with reverence for their awe-inspiring jobs. He is excited to proceed with his career in aviation, and pursue at job at the commercial airlines.
First Solo Flight – Yongzhen Qiu
Apr 09 2019Solo Date: April 1, 2019
Aircraft: Cessna 172 – N12234
Instructors: Adam Sciupac & Christian Burton
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
“It feels so cool to fly an airplane by myself! Starting from a g2g aviation 101 course and a discovery flight, Aviation has become an important part of my life! Thank you very much Adam and Christian! Looking forward to my solo cross country!” ~ Yongzhen
First Solo Flight – Heather Hayden
Feb 28 2019Solo Date: February 28, 2019
Aircraft: Citabria 7KCAB – N11681
Instructors: Jason Brown & Jen Watson
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
You rock, Heather! After taking a few months off due to a broken wrist, Heather came back with a vengeance to tame the taildragger. Boy, did she! After nailing all her landings, Heather’s instructor signed off her solo endorsement and stood by the runway to proudly watch as Heather completed her 3 solo full-stop landings in the pattern at Reid-Hillview Airport. You’ll never forget the feeling, realizing it’s all on your skill to safely land an airplane, of your first solo flight. Well done on a hard-earned solo!
First Solo Flight – Robert Curtis
Feb 28 2019Solo Date: February 23, 2019
Aircraft: Cessna 172 – N737ZD
Instructor: David Waksberg
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
“Growing up in the Air Force, I always wanted to be a pilot. I chose a different career, but now I get to fly for fun! Looking forward to sharing aviation with my wife and son.” ~ Robert
Congrats to Robert and instructor David for a successful solo flight at Reid-Hillview Airport!
First Solo Flight – Erik Castellanos
Feb 22 2019Solo Date: February 11, 2019
Aircraft: Cessna 172
Instructor: Travis Mills
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
“I grew up building scale airplanes, then moved on to remote control aircraft that I built myself, never really thought sitting in the pilot seat would be real. Now I can’t wait for my first cross country flight.” ~ Erik
First Solo Flight – Edgar Xiong
Dec 17 2018Solo Date: December 3, 2018
Aircraft: Citabria N9091L
Instructor: Grainne Gilvarry
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
“Aviation has been in my life since day one from frequent overseas travel. Flying was always the dream, but I was hesitant to chase it due to a medical condition. After encouragement and help from fellow friends and CFI’s, I’ve got my medical and am pursuing that dream! After my PPL, I’m eager to go for a Commercial License so I can continue to explore the vast azure skies.” ~ Edgar Xiong
First Solo Flight – Adam Jansen
Dec 07 2018Solo Date: December 2, 2018
Aircraft: Citabria N2508Z
Instructor: Scott Holland
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
“I grew up about 50 miles from Oshkosh, so my family used to check out EAA AirVenture every year. Once I took a discovery flight during college, it became a goal to earn my PPL. I’m looking forward to making it happen!” ~ Adam
Way to make it happen in a taildragger! We tend to think it’s a good thing to solo in a Citabria 😉
First Solo Flight – Nick Oliver
Dec 05 2018Solo Date: November 27, 2018
Aircraft: Cessna N12234
Instructor: Kat Hanlon
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Who’s that in the pattern at KRHV? Kat’s solo student, Nick! You know it’s a good flight when even tower commends you on a nice job. Congrats on keeping it cool!
First Solo Flight – Randy Rerucha
Nov 26 2018Solo Date: October 27, 2018
Aircraft: Citabria 9091L
Instructor: Scott Holland
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
“This is my second solo since soloing years ago at the age of 17, but this time it’s in a tailwheel aircraft. I’m looking forward to earning my PPL and continuing my flight training beyond.” ~ Randy
Flying solo is an incredible experience too few people ever realize. To get the experience twice is remarkably lucky. Go, Randy!!!
First Solo Flight – Bill Reed
Nov 08 2018Solo Date: October 30, 2018
Aircraft: Citabria 9081L
Instructor: Batelle Rachmian
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
With a family history steeped in aviation roots, Bill decided it was time to buy an airplane and learn how to fly it. Years ago, he learned to fly an Aeronca Champ off a grass runway. On Oct 30, his solo dreams came true as he flew his Citabria 7GCAA around the pattern at Reid-Hillview Airport. Bill’s wife, a licensed pilot, has also been flying his plane to get current again after years of not flying. We are excited to see what kinds of adventures these two get up to soon!
