There is no stopping LEIAAI in it’s momentum and accelerated thrust to a grand take-off and airlift to the many wonders of flight training at San Fernando Airport, La Union, the Eagles’ Nest, home-sanctuary of Leading Edge. Maybe again by Divine Providence, the school have miraculously recovered from stall in it’s flight training operations as a result of more than 2 weeks of continuous monsoon rains brought about by the unwelcome weather disturbance commonly known as Habagat. Just like today, September 5, 2018, for 10 consecutive days, the clear blue skies of SFLU was evident and the reverberation as far as releases for 1st Solo Flights became the normal day to day trend. Likewise, the century mark in terms of total flying time in a day resumed with the optimum flying capacity attained, a very commendable feat indeed. Apparently, it is also a very memorable event for five (5) lucky pre-solo students, four (4) of whom are members of Batch Echo 2018 and one (1) from Delta 2018 who earlier today made their respective 1st solo flights in succession. First to be released for 1st solo flight, flying RP-C7530 on or about 0905H is Student Pilot Karina Patricia de la Cerna Opeda from Parañaque City and a graduate of Centro Escolar University, Pre-Dentistry courtesy of Capt Philmer Powao. Twenty (20) minutes later, on or about 0925H, flying RP-C7512, SP John Angelico Maliwat Melad from Tarlac City, an ACDI Scholar and a graduate of BS Air Transportation from PATTS College of Aeronautics was released for solo by Col Arnel Borres. The 3rd Soloist is a product again of PATTS, SP Suyen Paderes Halipa, who soloed flying RP-C7669 on or about 1020H courtesy of Capt Retz Moon Briones. The charming Suyen is incidentally not only the batchmate but also the elder sister of SP Rasser Halipa who earlier successfully soloed yesterday. Next to solo is 20 year old SP Sean Francis de la Torre Rabor, from Quezon City and a BS AMT graduate again of PATTS College of Aeronautics flying RP-C8054 on or about 1130H courtesy of Capt Elcid Tolentino. Last, but not the least of the Lucky 5, flying RP-C7843 on or about 1340H, is 20 year old Las Piñas City resident, SP Lennard Sam Maganito Perez courtesy again of Capt Elcid Tolentino. The latter is by the way the son of Col Samson L Perez PAF, member of PAF Flying School Class ’90, a seasoned chopper pilot. Obviously, flying runs in the blood of the very young Lennard Perez. The Lucky 5 successfully achieved the most significant event of their early flying careers and will be officially counted in the elite short list of future commercial airline pilots and eventually fulfill their dream of a lifetime! Lately, the school is experiencing a sustained mode as far as flight training is concerned due to the unusual upsurge of enrollees for Calendar Year 2018 alone which have already reached a record of 137 new student pilots and counting. Moreover, this latest trend translated to the rapid turnover of graduates who have already finished the complete course (PPL-CPL-IR) and are projected to proceed to the airlines as well as the general aviation.
Once again, congratulations to the five (5) brand new 1st Soloists for the day, Student Pilots Trish Opeda, John Melad, Suyen Halipa, Sean Rabor and Lennard Perez for achieving their unforgettable 1st Solo Flights! Kudos as well to all the proud and very supportive parents for a job well done. We hope and pray for your success in strengthening your fragile wings and eventually fulfill your cherished dreams of a lifetime, becoming full-blooded Certified Commercial Pilots! Have a Happy and Safe Flight always! Cheers & God bless!✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈