Brad Bulanda—Private Pilot!
August 23, 2008, is an important date in the aviation career of Brad Bulanda: that's the day he earned his Private Pilot certificate! After rigorous training the previous seven weeks, Designated Pilot Examiner Mike Noel reviewed Brad's documents, administered an oral exam of pertinent subjects, and conducted the practical test for Private Pilot, Airplane, Single Engine Land.
Brad passed and is now a Private Pilot!
Brad first felt the thrill of solo flight July 21, 2008. He first began taking lessons last Fall, with his father, Henry, serving as his Certified Flight Instructor. This Spring, training began in earnest, with the goal to become a licensed Private Pilot before entering the University of Dubuque as a Junior near the end of August.
Due to opportunity and circumstances, Brad has benefitted from the knowledge of four CFIs. The first was his cousin, Matt Wall, who gave him his introductory ride at PSAir in Cedar Rapids. His dad gave early instruction, and provided occasional instruction as time permited. Iowa Flight Training instructor Cliff Worrell flew with Brad this Spring and Summer—until the crunch of the schedule became too great and a change was necessary in order to obtain the coveted license before school started.
That's when Keith Williams, Brad's recommending instructor, came on the scene. Keith is retired, so—at least theoretically—has "nothing to do" and therefore has "all kinds of time." It sounded like a short-term challenge to meet the desired date, Keith and Henry had instructed at the old Wathans in Cedar Rapids almost 30 years ago, and were acquainted through their common employer, Rockwell Collins. Keith said, "Yes!" to the challenge.
This page recognizes the results of the relationship.
After practicing required maneuvers in the NW practice area, take offs and landings at McBride Airport, Vinton Airport, and The Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids Airport), and completing the short, required, written knowledge test, Brad took to the sky as the sole occupant of the airplane on July 21. Upon landing, Brad's comment was, "Those were the four best landings I've ever made!"
Brad was taking a course at Kirkwood Community College which met in the morning. That left him free to fly in the afternoon, which he did several times each week. Flying frequently is an efficient way to progress rapidly and Brad took advantage of it.
First some solo flights to the NW practice area, then a cross-country flight with his instructor, then a few solo cross-country flights were on the agenda. The requirements for the certificate were being fulfilled quickly!
Next were the three hours of flight at night, which included a trip to Des Moines on a beautiful night with a full moon! Three hours of flying with reference only to the instruments and three hours of brushing up for the practical exam completed the requirements and the practical test was scheduled.
A large part of learning to fly safely and competently comes from being exposed to different situations and experiences in a safe and non-threatening manner. It's the responsibility of the student's Certified Flight Instructor to make certain all required learning is accomplished and skills developed. At the end of the student pilot's training, an oral and practical exam must be passed with an FAA Designated Examiner.
Forty flight hours are required; Brad fulfilled the requirements and was proficient with just a couple hours more than the minimum required—a fact with which both Brad and Keith are pleased.
After being "weathered out" of the original schedule, Mike and Brad got together on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for the practical test in a Piper Warrior. The picture at the left shows Mike's pleasure at issuing yet another Private Pilot certificate as he congratulates Brad (right).
"Brad did an exceptionally good job with his cross-wind take-offs and landings. Most Private Pilot applicants have trouble with them," said Mike.
Brad flies out of Landmark Aviation at The Eastern Iowa Airport, who hangars and services the Piper Warrior II used in training. The plane is owned by Cardinal Leasing, LLC, of Marion.
Dave Pearson is President of Cardinal Leasing and is a CFII with thousands of hours. But recently he, too, was a student: he earned a Type Rating in a DC-3 and also a seaplane rating! Here, Dave is shown giving Brad well-earned congratulations.
Links of interest:
- Quick License! (Brent Schlotfeldt)
- Solo flights (Jason Everson and Jared Christensen)
- Solo flight (Larry Robey)
- Solo flight (Jacob Fliginger)
- Solo flight (Jeff Wilkins)
- EAA Chapter 33
- Landmark Aviation
- PSAir
- Iowa Flight Training
- Email Dave Pearson
- Email Keith Williams