HIGHLIGHTS:
 

1. Somehow Daniel Solis likes doing his first solos late in the afternoon so that by the time he's done, darkness has settled in. It was the same with his solo in the 2-33 and again for the 1-26. But in both cases Daniel was nice enough to put off his flying solo until someone else had completed their flights. Actually late in the day is a nice time to solo because most of the turbulence has subsided and the air is smooth aloft. Daniel did well as I expected him to and now he is able to solo both the 2-33 and the 1-26.

2. Joe Anastasio flew the Blanik this afternoon and finding only a little lift, still had a nice time aloft. And, he was maintaining currency in all the club's gliders, something all the members should do during the year.

3. After having achieved a 97% on his written  test, Morgan Hall is now close to his checkride. So today, we did the required three practice checkrides and the next step will be for him to schedule time with Dan Gudgel for the license. We look forward to Morgan getting his license, an accomplishment that I hope all our club students can strive for in the early months of this year. I know it is tempting to just continue on as a solo pilot but if you have soloed and have achieved a substantial amount of flight experience, then the logical next step is to prepare for, and get your Private Pilot's License.

4. Julie Butler flew the 1-26 as she continues to stay close to Morgan in her quest for her Private Pilot's License. With the two of them working together and being together it makes the task much easier for both. If you are a student pilot and not necessarily inspired to work on your license, get someone close to you, friend, neighbor, family member, relative, to sign up in the club and begin their project towards their license. Working together is most serendipitous with each pushing the other, and studying together.

5. Jeff Lowe is also about at the progress point where Julie Butler is and they might consider working together on the study portion of the written exam. Or Morgan could counsel them both because of his high score on his written exam. Either way, both Julie and Jeff could be the next after Morgan to get their licenses. That would be just great for them and for the club.

6. Just another beautiful day at Avenal. The lift wasn't so good, but the clear sky, warm sun, and good camaraderie all make for enjoyable Saturday afternoons.