Recent Achievements
Jonas Murby, First solo December 10, 2011
Jonas Murby took his first solo flight on Saturday, December 10. Jonas is Kathryn's student -- congratulations!
Eric Muir, Private Pilot October 28, 2011
On Friday, October 28, 2011, received his private pilot license. Eric Muir was the first Michigan Flyer to earn his wings in the Skycatcher (the Cessna 162). Eric is doing graduate work in aerospace at the University of Michigan. He is Kathryn's student.
Casey Gillikin, First Solo October 27, 2011
On Thursday, October 27, 2011, Casey Gillikin took his first solo flight in 333UM. Congrats, Casey!
Eric Muir, First solo August 22, 2011
As the sun set August 22nd, Eric Muir was the first Michigan Flyers student pilot to solo in the Skycatcher (the Cessna 162). He plans to become a private pilot eventually, but will first get his sport pilot license. Eric is doing graduate work in aerospace at the University of Michigan. He is Kathryn's student.
Peter Lu, Private Pilot August 1, 2011
On Monday, August 1, 2011, (Peter) Zhoujie Lu received his private pilot license from Bill Clark. He began his flight training just a few months earlier with instructor Kathryn Robine. He often took his iPhone and windshield mount along on training flights and you can watch his flight videos at lvzhoujie.com. Peter is working on his Ph.D in Aerospace at U of M and doing research on preliminary aircraft design at the Design Optimization Lab. Congratulations Peter!
Mike Smith-Wheelock, Instrument Pilot June 27, 2011
On June 27, Mike Smith-Wheelock earned his long-awaited instrument rating. Mike completed his instrument rating in record time. He began in January & essentially finished training at the end of May. Pictured here with FAA designated examiner Bill Clark, he can now fly through the clouds, mysteriously, every time he schedules, there aren't any clouds! Congratulations on this achievement, Mike! Mike's instructor is Jayne.
Peter Lu, First Solo June 26, 2011
Peter Lu took his first solo flight on Sunday, June 26. Peter is Kathryn's student -- congratulations!
Andy Blyler, First Solo May 20, 2011
As jubilant Andy Blyler taxied toward the terminal on Bravo, he caught sight of his wife, Stevie, friends and fellow Michigan Flyers, Andy Fowler and Lindsay Snider, as well as other coworkers from Nutshell (one of the places where Andy works), all of whom had been flying as TGIF fun. Andy Fowler immediately sent a tweet: “Just watched @ablyler take his first solo! Three gorgeous touch-and-gos, with a big crowd gathered to watch!!” I (Jayne, CFI) had tipped them off! A “full stop” on 120.3 let them know that Andy was going to solo.
We gathered on the ramp for a raucous Salutatory party with photos (of course a professional photographer couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture such a happy moment!) and videos; the best congratulatory first solo ever!
Victor B, First Solo May 20, 2011
Victor's first solo was on Friday, May 20, a day when another student just happened to have a camera and recorded a video of Victor in 222UM. Victor, a UM sophomore from Greece, working toward a business degree, intends to finish his private pilot’s license in June! Victor also skydives at Meyers-Divers, plays tennis, cycles, rides horses and loves travel.
Mike Okeefe, First Solo January 22, 2011
Congratulations Mike. He flew Cessna N222UM without his instructor (Will) for the first time on January 23, 2011.
Andy Fowler, Private Pilot January 21, 2011
Congratulations Andy! Andy achieved Private Pilot status on January 21 after waiting through a week of snow and wind. The weather cleared up on Friday afternoon to let him fly with FAA examiner Bill Clark. Will Lawler is Andy's instructor.
Lindsay Snider, Private Pilot January 15, 2011
Congratulations Lindsay. He achieved Private Pilot status in January of 2011. His instructor is Will Lawler.
Dan Westcott, Private Pilot December 29, 2010
Dan Westcott worked to achieve private pilot status on December 29, 2010. He took the written the week before, flew with Jayne for the last time on 12/24. On the days scheduled for the ck ride, the weather forecasts were for IFR and at best MVFR. Miraculously on Wednesday afternoon, the skies opened up to allow a brief window of VFR for Dan to attain his goal, just in the nick of time before moving out of Michigan!! Congratulations DAN! That's brilliance, persistence, and a little bit of luck with WX!
Sarah Williams, Private Pilot October 14, 2010
Sarah Williams became a licensed pilot on 14 October, 2010. In between med school applications and med school interviews all over the USA, Sarah polished off her license and worked on her Fine Arts advanced degree. As a scientist, (and artist) those are some awesome accomplishments. Jayne is Sarah's proud CFI.
Dan Westcott, First Solo September 27, 2010
On Monday, September 27, Dan Westcott flew without his instructor for the first time. His instructor is Doug.
Bill Smith, First Solo August 29, 2010
Sunday August 29, Bill Smith soloed for the first time. Bill flies with Doug. Congratulations Bill!
Keith Walter, First Solo August 23, 2010
On Monday, August 23, Keith Walter proudly flew without his instructor for the first time. Keith is a commodities trader for DTE and has an MBA from the University of Michigan. He did his undergrad at MSU in computer engineering and has a masters degree in electrical engineering from Wayne State. Keith flies with Jayne.
Nate Corrigan, Private Pilot August 6, 2010
On Friday August 6, Nate Corrigan was awarded his private pilot's license by Mary Carpenter at PTK. Nate's stellar check ride followed his 100% score on the written exam. He's a graduate of Saline High School and the University of Notre Dame. While he's not flying - Nate's a general manager at Corrigan Moving. We expect to see Nate flying 1377S and 120WE soon.
Check out the pictures of Nate and other private pilots on this page. If you can find their solo pictures - you'll see that they have been transformed.
Jinping Nah, Private Pilot July 26, 2010
On Monday, July 26, Jinping Nah was awarded her private pilot's license. Doug was her instructor. Jin comes to us from Singapore and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She went from solo to private pilot in a little over 2 months. She's also a member of the Singapore Air Force.
Lynn Lau, Private Pilot July 19, 2010
On Monday, July 19, Lynn Lau was awarded her private pilot's license by Bill Clark. Doug was her instructor. Lynn comes to us from Singapore and has recently finished her Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering at a local university. She went from solo to private pilot in a little over 2 months.
Mike Smith-Wheelock, Private Pilot June 16, 2010
On Wednesday June 16, Mike Smith-Wheelock was awarded his Private Pilot's license by Mary Carpenter. Mike came to us on his 50th birthday (February 2010) and four month's later is a private pilot. Mike works at UM, doing cataract surgery every Monday to pay for his aviating! He also logs 40-50 miles on his bike on an average day of bike riding! Mike has 2 teenage sons. Mike's instructor is Jayne.
Mike Wieckowski, First Solo June 10, 2010
Mike Wieckowski has been flying most of his life with his dad and has a good amount of time in a Sukhoi back home in Buffalo NY. Mike graduated from the University of Rochester where he met his wife Yana and got his Ph.D in electrical engineering prior to moving to Ann Arbor to do his post doctoral work at the University of Michigan. Other less important hobbies include indoor rock climbing, home improvement and cat herding (Mike & Yana are proud owners of three cats in their condo). Mike flies with Jayne. Mike and Yana are shown above enjoying their first flight together.
Nate Corrigan, First Solo June 4, 2010
Nate Corrigan, Manager of Corrigan Moving Systems, a business his grandfather started in 1929, flew unassisted in 333UM for the first time on June 4, 2010. Nate has been pushing the envelope since he started by taking the FAA written the week he joined the club and scoring 100% ! Nate's daughter is next; she can't wait to fly! Nate went to Notre Dame, graduated in 2003 with a degree in finance. He has worked in the family business ever since. Way to go, Nate! Nate's CFI is Jayne.
Jinping Nah, First Solo May 23, 2010
Congratulate Jinping Nah. She soloed for the first time on Sunday, May 23 in N222UM. Nah is a Michigan grad and a native of Singapore. Doug is her instructor.
Andy Fowler, First Solo May 18, 2010
On Tuesday, May 18, Andy Fowler took his first solo flight! Andy is a software developer in Ann Arbor, and one of Will's students.
Lynn Lau, First Solo May 12, 2010
Congratulate Lynn Lau. She soloed for the first time on Wednesday, May 12 in N222UM. Lynn is a graduate student and alum at Michigan. Doug is her instructor.
Yunyuan Tay, First Solo April 23, 2010
Congratulate Yunyuan Tay. He soloed for the first time on Friday, April 23 in N333UM. Yunyuan is a junior at Michigan in the Aerospace Engineering program. Doug is his instructor.
Mike Smith-Wheelock, First Solo April 11, 2010
Mike Smith-Wheelock has read biographies throughout his life about Aviation’s great heroes: Lindbergh, Yeager, Wright Bros, Astronauts like Jerry Linenger, Apollo by A. Bean, Skywalking by Thomas D Jones. Finally he decided to fulfill a lifetime goal of becoming a pilot himself! Mike’s first solo took place on April 11, 2010 when Jayne jumped out of the C-172 & he flew unassisted in the traffic pattern. He has flown with his buddy ENT Doc Alex Arts; now Mike can spin his own fate in N44316. Mike is a member of the teaching faculty of the Medical School and does surgeries Monday mornings in Ophthalmology at the Kellogg Center. Please don’t fly too low over the new Kellogg building or you’ll hit his corner office on the top floor. (Remember – how many ft over the tallest structure?) Congratulations on your first Solo, Mike!
Dave Antman, Private Pilot April 10, 2010
Dave Antman flew for the first time today, April 10th, 2010, as a newly minted private pilot. Forces created a break in a week's string of TTRS just long enough for Dave to ace his check ride. Congratulations! PRIVATE PILOT! Dave has his sights set next on an instrument rating and an airplane of his own, but first he has a new job to start in July, relocation to Connecticut, and a baby son arriving soon! Hopefully Dave will find some time in the future between his many adventures to come visit us back at KARB, and maybe squeeze in a simulated alternator failure with Jayne for old times' sake. All the best from your fellow Flyers & Jayne - great job today, Dave!
Sarah Williams, First Solo March 24, 2010
Sarah of the Grandpa-Red-Camero, flew unassisted for the first time March 24. Sarah majored in neuroscience, graduating from UM in 2008. She is now Manager of the Sarter Lab where she studies attention in neuro-psychiatric disorders with mice and rats. She occasionally succeeds in WOWng us at a gallery with a pretty amazing art project. Soon after she becomes a private pilot, she will either take a job with Servier (a pharmaceutical company) in France or head to Alaska this summer to hike, tramp through Denali, then get her float plane license there. Future travel will include joining a former roommate in Sierra Leone. Sarah flies with Jayne.
Scott Schaffer, First Solo March 6, 2010
Scott Schaffer flew without his instructor for the first time on Saturday March 6, 2010. Scott's instructor is Jayne. Congratulations Scott!
Scott Schaffer started flying at the Michigan Flyers in January and wishes he had moved over to us a long time ago! He loves the safety precautions, the great attitude about flying, the camaraderie that he sees at our club. He flew elsewhere and has checked out all other nearby learning organizations for aviation. The Michigan Flyers is his 'el primo' choice. A former Visteon Engineer, with a lot of enthusiasm toward assisting High School kids have an introduction to Robotics, he now works in his own business. He declares that someday he will build an affordable aircraft for the public to enjoy. Congratulations, Scott!!! You did a fabulous job today!
Alex Michel, Private Pilot March 5, 2010
Congratulations Alex. On Friday March 5, 2010 - Alex Michel became a private pilot. His instructor is Doug Kovach. Alex is visiting us from Germany and is also a glider pilot. His next project is N1377S.
Mike Froelich, First Solo December 17, 2009
Mike Froelich flew without his instructor for the first time on Thursday December 17, 2009. Mike's instructor is Will Lawler. Congratulations Mike!
Mike Wieckowski, First Solo December 5, 2009
Saturday December 5th, 2009, Mike flew unassisted in 3UM. Mike is a research fellow, PhD in Electrical engineering and computer science in the UM College of Engineering. He has been in airplanes with family members for years, especially spinning toward earth with his dad in his aerobatic Sukhoi. Mike flies with Jayne.
Hunter Brown, Private Pilot November 10, 2009
Hunter Brown is a Private Pilot. Jayne is his instructor, but he no longer needs her permission to fly ! He received his license Tuesday, November 10. Hunter works in the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He's also working toward his PhD in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at UM. His research interests include autonomous robotics, machine vision, wearable computing, and computational geometry. Hunter has avidly flown all summer while juggling various Alaska trips demo'ing his special pet marine robot. He plays trumpet and more recently banjo
David Antman, First Solo November 4, 2009
David Antman soloed for the first time on Wednesday November 4. Jayne is his instructor. David is an MD at St. Joseph’s Hospital, he's specializing in emergency medicine and hopes to finish this phase of his medical training in 2010. His interests include mountain climbing, skiing, as well as aviating! On a free evening you might see Dave & his friend Mike Wieckowski, (also a club member) at Planet Rock on Jackson Road for indoor rock climbing. Congratulations, Dave!
Matt Bennett, Private Pilot September 22, 2009
Matt Bennett was awarded his Private Pilot's license on September 22. Matt is a student at UM in Aerospace Engineering. He joined the Flyers in May and flew with Doug Kovach. Besides flying, Matt enjoys riding motorcycles, skydiving, running, road/mountain biking, snowboarding, and writing/performing music. He plays guitar, bass, drums, piano & the organ. Matt will graduate this year to pursue a career in spacecraft systems engineering or space mission operations. He plans to work toward more pilot ratings and fly as many airplanes as he can!
Alex Michel, First Solo July 21, 2009
On Tuesday, July 21, Alex Michel flew without his instructor - Doug Kovach for the first time. In addition to being a glider pilot - he is now a real aviator!.
Scott Trip, First Solo May 6, 2009
On Wednesday, May 6, Scott Trip flew without his instructor - Will Lawler.
Hunter Brown, First Solo April 17, 2009
On Friday, April 17, Hunter Brown flew without his instructor - Jayne.
Dr. Gavin Clarkson, First Solo April 12, 2009
On Sunday, April 12, Gavin Clarkson flew solo for the first time. His instructor is Dane Hansen.
Bruce Ferns, First Solo March 12, 2009
On Thursday, March 12, Bruce Ferns flew without his instructor - Will Lawler. This was a first for Will too !
Mike Lopez, Private Pilot January 27, 2009
On Tuesday January 27, 2009, Mike Lopez received his Private Pilot License. Mike's instructors include Macey Ang and Doug Kovach. Dave Fraser was Mike's FAA Examiner.
Harry Crespy, Instrument Pilot January 3, 2009
On Saturday January 3, 2009, Harry Crespy got permission to fly through clouds. His current instructor is Doug Kovach. Bill Clark - Harry's FAA Examiner is pictured on the right.
