There are many people that I need to thank for helping me achieve my dream. Obtaining my certificate was a very time consuming and expensive process and now that it is done, I want to praise the people who have contributed.

I would like to start by thanking my grandfather who, as a pilot, sparked my love for aviation at a young age. Hearing stories my whole life instilled a sense of wonder that I carried with me to this day. If it wasn’t for him, this might have never happened.

Next I would like to thank my girlfriend, Erica, and my family for their support. Erica has supported me from day 1 while I spent a lot of my time training and studying and has been nothing but patient. She also bought me my first few hours as a graduation gift and without that I don’t know when I would have actually begun my training. My family has also been patient throughout the last year and I can’t thank them enough for their support.

My CFI, John Mowatt, was a HUGE help in making me a private pilot. His instruction really pushed me to do things I didn’t know I was capable of. I got a long with him both inside and outside the plane and without him, I don’t think I would be the pilot I am today. You’re a good man Johna and a damn good pilot.

Jeffrey, for all the pilot chit chat we have had over the past few months. It was always nice to have another pilot to talk to and I learned a lot from his knowledge of aviation.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone at Continental. I tried other FBOs but it was never the same. The staff there has always supported me and provided me with a great experience. Ami (my original instructor) was always there to help me when I needed it, Mike kept the planes flying great, Simon always helped me out when I needed it and always welcomed me when I came in, and all the other regulars there who I ended up talking to when I was either there for a lesson or just to hang out. You guys were great!