|
In 1993 I started taking lessons at Hillman Aviation in Roanoke Virginia. I really enjoyed taking the lessons,
and I really liked Kevin Cooper, my first instructor. But as time went on, my lessons became a real struggle.
The problem was not in the learning to fly the plane so much as it was a real pain to get the plane when I had scheduled it,
and the struggle with VMI students getting first pick on the schedule, and also, it became a financial struggle. Since
my flying schedule was so erratic, my skills would seem to fade between lessons so much, that each time was like starting
over. I got so frustrated that I quit taking lessons, and put off my dream of learning to fly.
After I got my job at Coca-Cola, I started thinking about learning to fly again. One night, Gloria, a lady
that I work with, heard me mention that I was thinking about taking lessons again. Gloria said her sister had taken
lessons and she knew who had taught her sister and would be willing to find out if he would be willing to teach me.
She called him but it was his son that had taught her sister, and his son didn't teach here anymore. He gave her a number
for my new instructor, Andrew Gardner.
I called Andy and he explained that he was teaching at New London Airport and would be glad to teach me how to fly.
His price was very reasonable and he was known by several people I have spoken with at other airports so I decided to give
it a try.
Andy is a really great guy and a really great flight instructor. He is easy going, patient and knowlegeable.
The schedule for the plane is very flexible and so are the times that Andy instructs. The plane rental is also
very reasonable. At thirty dollars per hour with fuel included, you will have a hard time trying to beat that price
anywhere around here. Andy currently charges fifteen dollars an hour for private pilot instruction. That is a
steal for the quality instruction that he gives. I have soloed at long last, and have taken a cross country solo
from New London (w90) to Crewe Municipal and back to New London. It was a real experiance! Flying is a real joy
and a great personal confidence builder. Flying requires you to learn about a lot of things, but it also challenges
you to trust yourself and handle situations on your own. Flying is a real challenge, but not one that anyone who really
wants to learn and do couldn't do.
If you would like to contact my flight instructor and inquire about taking lessons or information about the airport,
you can contact him by calling one of the numbers below...
Andrew Gardner 540-871-5558
New London Airport 434-525-2988
| This was taken after my first solo in a Cessna 150 |
|
| My instructor, Andy Gardner and I beside N8622S. |
|
| This was taken after my solo on 7-14-2003... |
|
