PREFLIGHT» SUCCESS STORIES 'Fantastic feeling' Pursuing his dream PURSUING MY CHILDHOOD dream at the age of 64, I completed my first solo on January 8. I did three takeoffs and landings with my instructor and then he opened the door and walked out. Then it was me and my airplane. I did three takeoffs and landings-fantastic feeling. Looking forward to finishing the remaining training and get my private pilot certificate. NAME: Pramad Mathur AGE: 64 EVENT: Solo WHERE: Sugar Land Airport AIRPLANE: Cessna 172 A scenic solo 'Super happy' FLYING SOLO FROM Santa Monica to San Luis Obispo is a nice combination of mountains and shoreline. What else can you ask for? Nice mountains to your right, the beach on your left. I made a stop at Santa Barbara, and it felt great to stretch my legs at the local restaurant and head down to complete my flight. I'm super happy. NAME: Victor Huerta AGE: 41 EVENT: Solo cross-country WHERE: Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) AIRPLANE: Piper Warrior II Share your experience on Flight Training's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ AOPAFlightTrainingMag). PRODUCTS AOPA offers flying club financing Options available for start-ups, established clubs AOPA AVIATION FINANCE Co. is offering special aircraft financing for flying clubs as a way to help new clubs acquire quality aircraft while aiding existing clubs that want to expand their fleets. Several options are available to fit the needs of both start-ups and well-established clubs. Two options offer 15-year loan terms with interest rates ranging from 5 to 7 percent and down payments from 15 to 30 percent. For established clubs, AOPA Finance offers a 10-year loan with no personal guarantee (higher down payment required). For more information, call 800-63-PLANE, or visit the website (http://finance.aopa.org/ Financing-Solutions-for-Flying-Clubs-Like-Yours). 12 / FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORGhttp://www.facebook.com/AOPAFlightTrainingMag http://www.facebook.com/AOPAFlightTrainingMag http://finance.aopa.org/Financing-Solutions-for-Flying-Clubs-Like-Yours http://FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG