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!!

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 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.

CFI George Felix has advised that Ed Morales has accomplished his first solo today @ KMIC. Congratulations to Ed on a job well done.

Randy with his temp IFR ticket!!

We have a brand new instrument pilot at Gopher. Randy Lasota passed his Instrument Check Ride on 11/14/2018. It was a beautiful day for flying but Randy spent time under the hood instead of looking outside. He had previously proven his skill and knowledge with several training flights in actual instrument conditions and had performed well all the time.

Congratulations Randy – enjoy the added flexibility that comes with the new rating.

Lou Taylor (CFII)

CFI Mark Jaeger advises that his student and Gopher Flying Club member David Riley passed his private pilot checkride on Wednesday, October 25, 2018.

David has been dreaming about being a pilot for many years and he finally made it happen through his hard work and determination.  Way to go David!!

Congratulations are in order for Gopher Flying Club CFI Mark Jaeger who can now add another ‘I’ to his certificates.  On 10/13/2018 after many delays due to the recent dreary weather, Mark was able to sneak in his CFII checkride with DPE Barb Mack at Anoka.  Well done Mark.  Is MEI next???

Mark Jaeger after successfully completing his CFII ride at ANE.

Think he is excited?

It is safe to say Dr. Stephen Menya was fairly pleased to have reached a life goal of piloting an aero plane with his Solo at KMIC on Saturday, 9/29/18. Dr. Menya has wanted to fly since he witnessed mission pilots coming and going from his village in Kenya as a boy. Congratulations Stephen!

CFI George Felix cutting the shirt tail

Dr. Menya at KMIC after first solo!!

Congratulations to our newest private pilot, Alex Weinandt who passed his check ride today!!
Alex did a great job and was able to finish the checkride just before the storms came rolling in.
Alex worked very hard to achieve this goal, now he just has to wait till the storms pass through so he can fly the plane back to Crystal on his first flight as a private pilot.
Way to go Alex!!
Mark Jaeger

Pics taken by CFII Lou Taylor of Gopher member Randy Lasota on a recent IFR XC training trip.