First Solo Flight of Student Pilot Jim Andrei Benavidez Cabading and SP Leo Isidro Francisco III,

Lately, PAGASA has repeatedly cautioned the public of Super Typhoon Mangkhut locally named Ompong, which has accelerated and remains on track to pummel northern Luzon this weekend. It is expected to enter the Philippine Area Of Responsibility (PAR) this afternoon. However, our Supreme God and Lady Luck must have really been on the side of LEIAAI, as flight training has been uninterrupted for 15 consecutive flying days as of this date. Thus, once again, on a clear weather condition this Wednesday morning on or about 0915H and 0925H, September 12, 2018, two (2) student pilots namely SP Jim Andrei Benavidez Cabading and SP Leo Isidro Francisco III, both members of Batch Echo 2018 attained the most significant events in their early flying career, the unforgettable “1st Solo Flight”! Flying RP-C7530 and RP-C7669 with Senior Flight Instructors, Capt Philmer Powao and Capt Retz Moon Briones as Solo Check Pilots, the lucky duo, respectively soloed and proved that this rainy season of bad weather days is not in any way an obstacle to their burning desire to be certified commercial pilots anytime soon. Incidentally, the brand new 1st Soloists for today who reported sometime early August, personally worked very hard in getting the most coveted feat of a lifetime for aviators, receiving their Pilot’s Wings after their 1st Solo Flight one after the other. Actually, majority of their batchmates are already on the process of completing their PPL course, which comes as a motivation for them to rally, catch up and fly high. Apparently, the 25 year old SP Jim Cabading, resident of Quezon City is a product of University of Santo Tomas, BS Entrepreneurship, while, 21 year old Pasay City resident, SP Leo Francisco III is a graduate of San Beda University BS Marketing Management, a proof that flying is not a monopoly of aviation related courses, but the more vital criteria of skills, guts and sheer interest. Hence, effective immediately, both brand new 1st soloists for today will now be officially included in the elite short list of the growing number of the young and daring flightless eaglets ready for takeoff, with the point of destination of safely exploring and conquering the infinite vastness of the horizon as well as the clear blue skies of San Fernando Airport, La Union, the Eagles’ Nest, home sanctuary of LEIAAI’s flyboys!
Once more, congratulations to the two(2) brand new Ist Soloists for the day for attaining the most memorable feat in your very early flying careers! This is just the beginning of your thrilling adventure to a extremely rigorous and extensive flight plan in your quest to a very glamorous and lucrative profession in the aviation industry. Happy flying and have a Safe Flight always! Cheers & God bless!