September 2016 was really a very lucky month as far as flight training operations is concerned, as we recorded the highest flying hours achievement for one month in the almost 9 year history of the flight school. It was also the month where a significant number of pre-solo students made their individual first solo flight one after another that was sustained up to the last flying day of September due to daily uninterrupted flight training operations despite the earlier declaration of the rainy season. Likewise, it was also the month where two (2) young Senior Flight Instructors, Capt Nathan Castrence and Capt Michael Angelo Bacquir, were able to confidently release for solo for the 1st time as Senior FIs their respective assigned pre-solo student pilots for the month of September.
Incidentally, this morning the last flying day of the month, September 30, 2016, two (2) 1st soloists were convincingly released and be officially counted among the elite list of the young and daring eaglets cleared to explore and conquer the vast horizon and the clear blue skies of San Fernando Airport, La Union. First of the two (2) 1st soloists, flying RP-C7857 was SP Edgar Regan Medel, who was released on or about 0900H by his look-alike Senior FI, Capt Mike Bacquir. While on or about 0935H, SP Carl Vincent Masmela on RP-C7293 followed suit and was released by Col Arnel Borres, Head of Pilot Training. Both of the brand new 1st soloists made safe and smooth landings which convincingly compelled both of their respective flight instructors to release them without an inkling of doubt.
With a sense of pride and honor, we are profoundly grateful to all the hardworking men and women of Leading Edge for the team effort in attaining the highest flying time in one month, a record setting historical feat. Likewise, congratulations to the two (2) new 1st soloists for the month of September 2016, Student Pilots Edgar Medel and Carl Masmela for achieving the most significant accomplishment of their early flying careers, “1st Solo Flight”. The same goes to the proud parents for your all out support! Happy flying and have a Safe Flight always! God bless and Cheers!!!