July, 2005
Brad Jackson Passes Private Pilot Checkride!
After three months of hard work, Brad Jackson's intense training came to an end when CFI Karina Holstad signed him off for his Private Pilot checkride. On July 28, 2005, Jackson passed his checkride and was handed his temporary Airman's Certificate.
Becoming a pilot has been a life-long dream of Brad's, and to finally reach that goal has been extremely gratifying. Despite his already full schedule as Kosciusko County Commissioner, running T.L. Jackson Construction, and spending time with his wife and two boys, Brad skipped lunch three times a week to pursue his love of flying. His dedication and hard work has helped him achieve his goal in only three short months.
Not one to dwell too much on a moment, Brad Jackson is already recovered from the relief of such a huge accomplishment and is planning on purchasing his first airplane with current Warsaw Flying Club members and student pilots Ron Truex and Mike Miner. They are closely eyeing a Piper Archer already based here in Warsaw. Warsaw Flying Club's Jon Fussle is assisting in the search for and purchase of their airplane.
Once Brad has his own airplane, he plans on beginning training for his Instrument Rating through the Warsaw Flying Club. This rating will allow Jackson to fly in any weather, and with visibility as low as half a mile. The Instrument Rating is a must for those seeking the most utility out of their Private Pilots License. Congratulations Brad, on your recent accomplishment and all that lies ahead for you!
Erik Fussle Becomes an Instrument Instructor!
On
Thursday, July 21, 2005, Erik Fussle took his Instrument Instructor, also known
as the CFII and passed with flying colors. While the FAA's Robert Koneful
sat in on his oral exam, Erik made checkrides look easy with his knowledge and
insight to teaching students to fly.
Marek Tipton Goes Solo!
On July 3, 2005, Marek Tipton celebrated his own independence as he took to the sky as the sole occupant of an aircraft. Marek made three take-offs and landings at the Warsaw Municipal Airport to ensure that his first flight without instructor Karina Holstad was more skill than luck. With the typical crowd of local pilots known as "the round table" looking on and making observations, Tipton executed the three landings nearly perfectly.
This
marks Tipton's completion of his first stage in three steps toward getting his
Private Pilot's License. In the next few lessons, Marek will begin
cross-country training, where he will fly away from the Warsaw area and learn to
navigate using instruments in the aircraft, maps, and checkpoints on the ground.
Shortly thereafter, he'll have a checkride with an examiner and, upon
completion, will be a certified Private Pilot. The Warsaw Flying Club
congratulates Marek on his accomplishments!
Jon and Karina Watch Winona Lake's Fireworks From the Air
If you have never seen fireworks up-close from the air, you have to ask Jon Fussle or Karina Holstad about it. This year, the two took off from the Warsaw Municipal airport at 9:00pm as the fireworks shows across the state begun. At any given time, the fireworks from Wawasee, Columbia City, Goshen, Winona Lake, and even Valparaiso were visible at one time. It wasn't quite as spectacular until they descended to 1000' above the ground and circled the late show on Winona Lake. There were fireworks being set off at three stations along the lake. The most exciting point of the night was when the southern-most station quit setting off fireworks until the two pilots were flying along the southern shore of the lake and a red ball of fire exploded off the nose of the aircraft. They made sure to remain well south of the shoreline from that point forward. Outside of that momentary excitement, the show was spectacular and beautiful. If you haven't ever seen fireworks up close from the air, it is definitely something to try.
