Pilot Accomplishments

Flight AccomplishmentsLanier Flight Center is a Cessna Pilot Center that specializes in all types of flight training. There’s no words to describe how exciting a first solo really is. And earning a pilot certificate is a reward that continues throughout your entire life! If you’re ready to learn to fly, check out Lanier Flight Centers Atlanta Flight Training program or schedule a Discovery Flight today.

Congratulate the following Lanier Flight Center pilots for their accomplishments next time you see them!

First Solo Flight – Bill Coryer First Solo Flight – Bill Coryer

On Saturday, March 6, we proudly celebrated another significant achievement in the life of a student pilot. Bill Coryer displayed unprecedented airmanship in demonstrating solo flight to his instructor David Gazda and the assembled Lanier Flight Center staff.  Bill is shown here donating the ceremonial shirt for cutting by the most capable hands of... [Read more]

First Solo Flight – Andy Bradley First Solo Flight – Andy Bradley

On Sunday, March 7, Andy Bradley successfully completed a solo flight. Andy is shown here along with instructor Matt Perrer participating in the traditional ceremonial shirt cutting marking this significant occasion in the life of a student pilot.  Witnessing the solo flight were Andy’s family and enthusiastic members of the Lanier Flight Center... [Read more]

Multi-Engine Flight Instructor Certificate – Gene Ballew Multi-Engine Flight Instructor Certificate – Gene Ballew

Lanier Flight Center is very pleased to announce that Gene Ballew recently completed his Multi-Engine Instructor Certificate here at Lanier Flight Center. Gene is shown here with his Multi-Engine Instructor Matt Perrer.  Congratulations Gene! If you would like to learn more about getting your Multi-Engine Rating, getting your Atlanta Flight Training... [Read more]

Commercial Pilot Certificate – Carol Montgomery Commercial Pilot Certificate – Carol Montgomery

Carol Montgomery recently completed her Commercial Pilot checkride with FAA designated pilot examiner Bob Howell.  Carol displayed admirable enthusiasm, perseverance and determination in her studies and flying towards achieving her goal of the Commercial Certificate. Her professional Atlanta Flight Instructor Matt Perrer and the entire Lanier Flight... [Read more]

Atlanta Private Pilot Checkride – Bill Bradley Atlanta Private Pilot Checkride – Bill Bradley

Congratulations to Bill Bradley for passing his Private Pilot checkride on February 19, 2010.  After several starts interspersed with career demands Bill met success with Gold Seal instructor Bill Shuford.   Bill indicates the Instrument Rating is next on his aviation goals list and possible aircraft ownership.  Let’s hear it for Bill! If... [Read more]

First Solo Flight – Jim Niemczyk First Solo Flight – Jim Niemczyk

On Monday, February 21st history was made at the Gainesville airport.  Jim Niemczyk successfully completed his FIRST SOLO flight. Matt Perrer is shown here conducting the traditional and ceremonial solo shirt cutting.  The cut out portion of Jim’s fine new shirt will forever serve as a memory of this day of accomplishment in the life of... [Read more]

Private Pilot Checkride – Tim Osby Private Pilot Checkride – Tim Osby

January 28, 2010 will be a date not easily forgotten in the aviation history books.  That’s because Captain Tim Osby took to the skies with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Bob Howell and came back as a Private Pilot! Instructor Derek Metro couldn’t be more proud of Tim’s accomplishment.  Tim is a great pilot with a funny sense of humor and we... [Read more]

CFI Checkride – Kelly Chandler CFI Checkride – Kelly Chandler

The hush that fell over the city of Gainesville as Kelly Chandler took to the skies for his Certified Flight Instructor checkride soon gave way to cheering, whistling and standing ovations!  The Certified Flight Instructor certificate is one of the hardest tickets to earn in aviation.  Only through hard work, dedication and persistence can one become... [Read more]

Private Pilot – Judy Abercrombie Private Pilot – Judy Abercrombie

Congratulations to Judy Abercrombie for successfully completing her Cessna Private Pilot course and acing her checkride on January 12, 2010.  Judy accomplished her Private Pilot Rating while serving her regular duties as a member of Gwinnett Law Enforcement.  Judy is moving towards her professional career path in aviation and within a day of receiving... [Read more]

Private Pilot Checkride – Cameron Kennedy Private Pilot Checkride – Cameron Kennedy

Congratulations to Cameron Kennedy for successful completion of his Private Pilot checkride. Cameron completed his flight training under instructor Matt Perrer and passed his checkride with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Bob Howell in December. Cameron demonstrated his enthusiasm and persistance for flying throughout his training. Next accomplishment... [Read more]

Commercial Pilot Checkride – Michael Stauter Commercial Pilot Checkride – Michael Stauter

Lanier Flight Center congratulates Michael Stauter for passing his Commercial Pilot Checkride on January 6th, 2010. Michael worked very hard and applied himself well to the training process.  His landings in the Cessna182RG have impressed everyone including FAA designated pilot examiner Bob Howell! Instructor Derek Metro is very proud of him.  Michael... [Read more]

Private Pilot Checkride – Randy Bryan Private Pilot Checkride – Randy Bryan

Randy Bryan realized a life-long dream to learn to fly.  Randy finally made it happen when he joined Lanier Flight Center to learn to fly and earn his private pilot license. On November 4th, Randy passed his Private Pilot checkride with flight examiner Bob Howell. Randy persisted in his flight training, purchased his own Cessna SkyHawk and completed... [Read more]

Instrument Rating Checkride – Jimmy Westray Instrument Rating Checkride – Jimmy Westray

Lanier Flight Center would like to give a special congratulations to Jimmy Westray for passing his instrument checkride on November 4th, 2009.   Jimmy Westray passed his instrument rating checkride with our on-staff FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Bob Howell. He completed his Instrument Rating training with Instructor Bill Shuford. If you’re a... [Read more]

Private Pilot Certificate – Jeff Coombs Private Pilot Certificate – Jeff Coombs

Congratulations to Jeff Coombs for successfully completing his flight training and earning his Private Pilot License on Monday, October 26, 2009. Under the professional flight training of Instructor Biff Willingham, Jeff stuck with it and accomplished his goal of becoming a Private Pilot! Congratulations! Jeff took his private pilot checkride with FAA... [Read more]

Instrument Checkride – Jonathan Owens Instrument Checkride – Jonathan Owens

Congratulations to Jonathan Owens for successfully completing his Instrument Training under Instructor Bill Shuford. Jon pursued his Instrument rating by flying regularly and with dedication and got the job done! He successfully completed his IFR Checkride with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Bob Howell on October 25th 2009. If you’ve got your... [Read more]

Private Pilot Checkride – Carsten Salewski Private Pilot Checkride – Carsten Salewski

Carsten recently completed his flight training and achieved his Private Pilot Certificate on Sunday, October 25, 2009. Carsten trained under Flight Instructor Chuck Padgett and aced his checkride with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, Bob Howell. Congratulations Carsten! If you’re ready to start working towards your private pilot certificate, contact... [Read more]

Airplane Marriage Proposal – Tim Dawson Airplane Marriage Proposal – Tim Dawson

Saturday October 24th, 2009 was a very special day in the life of Tim Dawson.  He flew with professional Instructor Biff Willingham and surprised his girlfriend Ashley with a marriage proposal while they were airborne in a Cessna 172SP SkyHawk. It is not often that we have provided the means for a proposal of marriage but this event went off as planned... [Read more]

First Solo Flight – William (Buzzy) Lanham, Jr. First Solo Flight – William (Buzzy) Lanham, Jr.

Lanier Flight Center would like to give a special congratulations to William (Buzzy) Lanham, Jr. for completing his first solo on October 21, 2009. Buzzy started his flight training with Lanier Flight Center in July 09.  Under the professional flight instruction of Chuck Padgett he successfully completed his lessons leading to today’s solo. ... [Read more]