Gopher Pilot Brian Murphy First Solo

Gopher member Brian Murphy achieved his first solo Tuesday June 23rd at KMIC. After waiting out a brief storm Brian completed the circuit at an uncontrolled Crystal pattern while successfully greasing three landings. Upon completion of the flight Brian mentioned “The plane flies much easier without the instructor” ! Congratulations Brian on an exciting accomplishment! 

Gopher Member adds Instrument Rating

CFII Mark Jaeger has advised that congratulations are in order as new Gopher Member Rafael Barbosa passed his airplane instrument checkride (add-on) on Thursday, 12/5, with DPE Jake Fielstra @ KFCM.

Raf is already a Commercial Instrument Rotorcraft pilot and is slowing start to see the light and coming over to the fixed wing side. Way to go Raf.

Another first solo @ Gopher Flying Club

Today, Gopher Flying Club member Mike Flander slipped the surly bonds of the earth WITHOUT his CFI on board, six times!!! (3 @ KCFE and 3 @ KMIC) Way to go Mike!

Mike after 3 take off / landings @ KCFE
Mike now missing his shirt tail

Future Gopher Pilots

New member Kyle Zins recently took up two of his daughters on flights in N8432L. By the size of the smiles, I am confident that they had a good time. Way to go Dad!!

Claire waiting to go
Claire
Claire and Kyle
Mia waiting for Dad to get that pre-flight done!!
Looks like Mia has this under control
Mia sporting new foggles

New Instrument Rated Pilot @ Gopher Flying Club

Tom Baker shows his new temporary IFR certificate

CFI George Felix has advised that congratulations are in order for Gopher Flying Club member Tom Baker. Tom successfully completed his Instrument Rating checkride today @ KANE under the watchful eye of DPE Barb Mack. Way to go Tom. Now you can take off that hood and go flying this summer and actually get to see outside!!!!

Gopher Flying Club has new CFI

Gopher President Jeff Long holding his new CFI certificate.

Gopher Flying Club and CFI George Felix are proud to announce Club President Jeff Long successfully completed his Practical Exam for Certified Flight Instructor yesterday under Designated Pilot Examiner Brian Addis’s scrutiny.

Congratulations Jeff and we look forward to learning from the knowledge you gained through hard work and commitment to safety.