sport pilot
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New Sport Pilot – John DeRuiter
Nov 30 2021Sport Pilot Checkride: November 3, 2021
Instructor: Sergey Kataev
Aircraft: SportStar N712MF
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
“I come from a flying family that has 2 retired KLM pilots and 1 KLM flight engineer and now a cousin that is also a pilot at KLM. I always wanted to fly and do have a paraglider rating but actual powered aircraft never seemed possible. Then a few years ago I decided to give it a go. I started at a school in Livermore and the plane I was learning in was a 1946 Champ, it broke and was taking forever to fix so I found Serge and started sport pilot training with him and the Aerodynamic team. It has taken me longer (not Serge’s fault) and has been more of an effort than I ever imagined it would be but it is an accomplishment that I am very proud of. I have a lot more respect now for people that go through pilot training especially when you figure out it’s not about being some hot shot in a plane but it’s about a whole lot more, actually you will be humbled and can leave the hot shot attitude at home. Also I have a lot more to learn. So I want to thank all of you for helping me get to this point in my flying adventure and am sure you’ll be seeing more of me at the school.” ~ John D.
New Sport Pilot – Bob Kotcher
Jul 17 2021Sport Pilot Checkride: June 17, 2021
Aircraft: SportStar N712MF
Instructor: Sergey Kataev
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Congrats to CFI Sergey for making Bob’s dream of becoming a pilot a reality! Bob earned his Sport Pilot certificate in our Evektor SportStar, a 2-seat light sport airplane. We hope you are enjoying your newfound freedom in the sky!
First Solo Flight – Kat Smith
Aug 22 2020Solo Date: July 15, 2020
Aircraft: SportStar N712MF
Instructor: Sergey Kataev
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Congrats to Kat and CFI Sergey on a hard-earned first solo flight!
First Solo Flight – Gary Romel
Mar 31 2020Solo Date: March 21, 2020
Aircraft: SportStar N712MF
Instructor: Sergey Kataev
Location: Hollister, CA (KCVH)
New Sport Pilot – Dylan Gorman
Nov 13 2019Date: October 21, 2019
Certification: Sport Pilot
Instructor: Sergey Kataev
Aircraft: SportStar N712MF
“Dylan has wanted to fly ever since he was a kid. His dad was a CFI and he spent most of his summers at the airport or flying around in a Cessna 150. In the immediate future, he plans to continue to grow his aviation skills by flying as much as possible. He intends to eventually upgrade his certification to Private Pilot and obtain an Instrument rating, but for now he is excited to be able to explore the country through aviation!” ~ Dylan
New Sport Pilot – Gary Petrakovitz
Apr 07 2018Date: March 31, 2018
Certification: Sport Pilot
Instructor: Adam Sciupac
Aircraft: SportStar N188EV
Gary is our latest Sport Pilot! Although he began training with Instructor Tom, it was CFI Adam who helped Gary cross the finish line. They all worked hard to achieve this goal and we are proud of a job well done. Time for some fun summer flying under that big bubble canopy! Congrats 🙂
New Private Pilot – Greg Seibert
Feb 01 2018Date: January 26, 2018
Certification: Sport Pilot
Instructor: Logan Wright
Despite a few weather delays, Greg was able to complete his Sport Pilot checkride at Lincoln Airport. Greg’s interest in aviation began with RC airplanes. Now that he flies the full-size version, he’s planning to continue on to earn his A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) mechanic’s license. We definitely need more mechanics who fly, if nothing else so they don’t always think it’s the pilot’s fault 😉 Congrats on a checkride well done!
Examiner: Jim Hensen
Aircraft: SportStar N62244
Checkride Location:
Lincoln, CA (KLHM)
New Sport Pilot – Martin Ellis
Jul 03 2017Date: June 22, 2017
Instructor: Jason Brown
Certification: Sport Pilot
Way to go, Martin! Despite life’s chores (why do we have to have jobs?) getting in the way of scheduling, Martin put in the effort to complete his Sport Pilot certification with instructor Jason. His checkride with Scott including have the FAA sit in during the oral portion. Talk about pressure! But Martin handled it like a champ and earned his license on the first attempt. We are so happy for him! Congrats on all the hard work and have fun trolling the skies in the light, fun Evektor SportStar.
Examiner: Scott Rohlfing
Aircraft: SportStar N188EV
Checkride Location:
San Jose, CA (KRHV)
First Solo Flight – Greg Seibert
Dec 05 2016Solo Date: November 22, 2016
Aircraft: Evektor SportStar
Instructor: David Waksberg
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
Congrats to Greg on his first solo! Greg flew 3 takeoffs and landings at Reid-Hillview (KRHV) in the SportStar with Instructor David watching carefully.
“I’ve always been fascinated by things that fly. Becoming a pilot was on my ‘bucket list.’ On the first flight with David when he said, ‘Take the controls,’ I was forever hooked. Major Awesomeness ensued. It was the first time I was sitting in something that I was flying.
I’ve been flying various model aircraft using radio signals for over 30 years. Last year when the FAA announced its rules for piloting drones professionally, it finally gave me the justification for spending the time and money to become a pilot.
I’ve been an engineer for 36 years and am looking forward to doing something different. My Dream Retirement Job would be to fly UAS for a public safety organization. Getting my pilot’s license is the first step toward realizing that dream.
First Solo Flight – Martin Ellis
Nov 28 2016Solo Date: November 22, 2016
Aircraft: Evektor SportStar
Instructor: Jason Brown
Location: San Jose, CA (KRHV)
He’s rocking out his flight training toward a Sport Pilot Certificate. On fair-weather Tuesday, Martin passed the solo mark on his way to that coveted license-to-fly! With the checkride not far off, he’s well on his way to realizing a life-long dream 🙂
“I’ve wanted to fly for almost as long as I can remember…. over the years though the timing never seemed right…. too busy at work, not enough spare cash, weather too unpredictable (I lived in London for about a decade…). About a year ago I moved to the bay area, and thought ‘it’s now or never’. One flight with Jason, and I was hooked! I find that from the moment I arrive at KRHV, to the moment I leave, all the stresses of life are gone and I’m 100% focused on flying, and love every minute of it!” ~ Martin