April 8
Weekend of April 8
We would like to start this out with an appreciation of thanks for those who made the first solo flight of Keegan Heagerty possible. Thank you to Zack, Tiphani Tolan, and Patrick Nightingale for being the best instructors in the business. Thank you to Matt Nightingale for the 150 and helping facilitating Keegan into this awesome acheivment.
Keegan's aviation journey started over a decade ago and Friday April 8 he completed his ritual three laps around the pattern. Keegan volunteers for us and at Oshkosh every year, and has dedicated countless hours to learning to fly over 10 years! As is ritual, upon landing Keegan was hit with a bucket of ice water three times for each solo landing. We can't wait to see Keegan become a private pilot, but until then we have a brand new student pilot amoung us. You make us proud Keegan!
Saturday started with Dave taking another lesson in the Chipmunk from Tiphani. Tiphani earned her tailwheel in the chipmunk and is honored to be passing on the privilege to another talented pilot.
Work continues on the Aeronca Champion with us sanding for paint, servicing the wheels and brakes on the plane, and cleaning more components of desert dust. Keegan also led work on varnishing the floorboards.
The highlight of Saturday by far was meeting with Chino Tower. The controllers were extremely welcoming and professional and took our group up for a very valuable and informative session. Everyone got something valuable from the meeting. We are all better pilots, instructors and students thanks to the generosity, instruction and professionalism of Chino tower. Having the perspective of what happens on the other side of the mic key helps us tremendously. Thank you everyone!
Of course no day at the airport is complete without flying. Jeff and Zack both had the opportunity to fly the stearman in some challenging conditions, while Bailey and Keegan both took the 150 out of the pattern on their own for the first time. The Luscombe went up to give some particpants their first ride experiences.
As always we have tremendous appreciation for our volunteers sponsors and donors if you would like to be a part of what we do, visit calaeroacademy.org
