Testimonial

07/12/04

Hi Dave,

I want to report that like you predicted, the first home solo was anti-climatic! I was very lucky in that the check pilot and I had the field to ourselves. We could not get the buddy box connection to work, but as I had absolutely no apprehension at all I decided to forget it and fly the plane like you taught me. I had Ken take her up for the first flight, and after checking the trim, he handed me the transmitter and said “I’m right here so “when” you get into trouble or feel as if you are going to lose it, just yell and hand me the box.” I took the plane and flew the pattern a few times. After a few circuits I started to lower the pattern and he said “you had better keep some safety altitude or I won’t have time to help you.” I told him I was ok and was going to fly a low pass or two and land her if it looked right. He said “you don’t want me to land it for you?” I told him I was ok. On the second low pass I cut the power and brought her in for a pretty uneventful landing. I made two more takeoffs and landings on Friday and just had fun. NO problems at all.

I went back out to the field yesterday, (Sunday) and had it totally to myself. I made 3 good flights and all were fun. Like you said, losing an airplane is unacceptable and by paying attention to what I learned, I have had no problems. The check pilot was unhappy about me having coupled controls, but after flying my plane he changed his tune and told me “you go ahead and keep it couple, this plane flies really well.” He found it difficult to believe me when I told him that my total experience was one week and that I soloed in three days but, he said “you don’t need my help at all.”

I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your instruction and guidance, I learned much more at the school than I ever realized.

I’ll be contacting you for an aerobatic spot next year.

Thanks A LOT!

Bill Voss
Grand Rapid, MI