first solo and checkride moments

Friday photo: mountain wave cloud formation

The moment: Mountain wave cloud formation The pilot: anonymous The…

Friday photo: first solo Vedu Ruia

  The moment: First solo The pilot: Vedu Ruia The place:…

Friday photo: practicing social distancing at a grass strip

  The moment: Practicing social distancing at a grass…

Friday photo: first flight after 23 years in the US Air Force

The moment: First flight after 23 year in the US Air Force The…

Friday photo: Sam Stauss CFI checkride

The moment: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride The…

Friday photo: helicopter solo, airplane solo and Private Glider all in the same day

A special congratulations on behalf of Sporty's and Student Pilot News to Frankie Fremont who celebrated a memorable 16th birthday by soloing a helicopter (R22), airplane (C172) AND earning his Private pilot glider all in the same day. Congratulations Frankie on an amazing feat!

Friday photo: Colin McGilvray commercial pilot checkride

Obtaining my commercial certificate was a big moment for me. Suddenly it seemed as if doors were opened for new opportunities and experiences. I look forward to the adventures and certifications still ahead.

Friday photo: autumn sunset over Kentucky

The moment: picturesque autumn sunset The place: northern…

Friday photo: Dave Meere first solo

The moment: First solo The pilot: Dave Meere (right) The…

Friday photo: special flight with dad

After my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I made it my goal to earn my private pilot's license and take him as my first passenger for our last adventure together. The day after my successful checkride, I flew him down to see family near Colorado Springs. It was one of the last weeks he could leave the house, and he passed away a few months later.