First Solo Flight of Student Elaiza Marielle Padilla Manuel, Dante Emilio Gabriel Nayve Guererro and Aron Benedict Carlos Orosco

Heavy downpour continuously affected Northern Luzon provinces as a result of the annual southwest monsoon rains commonly known as Habagat. However, by virtue of fortunate phenomenon or maybe by Divine intervention this month of June 2018, flight training operations during the scheduled block time between 8 am up to 4 pm have so far not been significantly affected by this unwelcome weather disturbance. Thus, this morning on a TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday), 3 more very lucky pre-solo student pilots successfully hurdled the most memorable episode in their early flying careers, their 1st Solo Flights in succession. On a clear but cloudy Friday morning, June 29, 2018, a lady’s first started today’s successive soloing with 20 year old charming lass from Imus, Cavite, Student Pilot Elaiza Marielle Padilla Manuel, a graduate of BS Biology, De La Salle University, Manila soloed on board RP-C8249 on or about 1010H courtesy of Capt Vladimir Evangelista in just 11.4 flying hours, clearly an outstanding feat as far as flying proficiency and skills are concerned. Obviously flying runs in the blood of Marielle, who’s the dotting daughter of Capt Egay Manuel, a member of PAFFS Aviation Cadet Class’95, a former seasoned fighter pilot of the 5th Fighter Wing, PAF and currently with Cebu Pacific Air A320 PIC. While on or about 1050H, flying RP-C7530, SP Dante Emilio Gabriel Nayve Guererro, a 27 year old Sta Ana, Manila resident and a product of iAcademy Makati, BSCS Software Engineering graduate became the 2nd Soloist for the day courtesy of Capt Philmer Powao in just 11 flying hours, also a sterling feat. Last, but not the least is SP Aron Benedict Carlos Orosco, a 26 year old Santolan, Pasig resident and a product of Philippine State College of Aeronautics, making it on or about 1110H, flying RP-C6923 courtesy of Capt JC Asuncion in just 12.4 flying hours. Incidentally, all of the three (3) brand new 1st Soloists for the day are members of Batch Charlie 2018 and were apparently assessed to be sharp, outstanding and Safe where they were able to gain the required confidence, performed smooth touchdowns during landings for them to get the outright release for solo by their assigned checkers within the higher standard level of flying hours before solo. During this period of unpredictable weather condition, a “Go-no-Go Policy” or suspension of flight training in case of inclement weather by the school will always prevail and Safety as well as Standards will at all times, never be sacrificed in attaining the programmed set goals and objectives. Be that as it may, effective immediately, the latest batch of young and daring eaglets who successfully made their 1st Solo Flights with flying colors are now officially cleared for takeoff to safely explore and conquer the infinite vastness of the horizon as well as the clear blue skies of San Fernando Airport, La Union, the home sanctuary of the Eagles’ Nest of the LEIAAI flyboys & flygirls!
Once again, congratulations to the brand new 1st Soloists this TGIF, Student Pilots Marielle Manuel, Dante Guererro and Aron Orosco for achieving the most memorable event of your early flying careers, the unforgettable 1st Solo Flight! Kudos as well goes to the proud and very supportive parents! Have a Happy & Safe flight always! Cheers and God bless!