DOTHAN AL- A group of Wiregrass area pilots and community leaders
successfully raised money for the purpose of helping youth train to fly. Together
they purchased a Redbird Flight Simulator that is managed, scheduled and housed
by Aero One Aviation at the Dothan Regional Airport. It will be used to expand
the flight experience of interested Wiregrass Young Flyers.
Bill Castlen, CFI with Wiregrass Young Flyer, Bobby Sheffield at the RedBird Simulator controls
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Wiregrass Young Flyer Sheffield does a great job flying the Simulator.
This flight simulator is FAA approved for logging flight time just as in a real aircraft. It was purchased with Chapter member dues and donations from around the Wiregrass and beyond.
Among those attending the open house were City Commissioner Critt Snellgrove, Wiregrass Young Flyer Bobby Sheffield, his mom, Linda and Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz.
Bill Bauer, WW II fighter pilot took a turn at the controls for his first approach in about 50 years and said it was good work out.
Afterwards, Mayor Schmitz commented that his simulator flight was quite realistic and, "I worked up quite a sweat while flying it", he added, "I am very proud to have this at the airport to educate young people and proud of Aero One Aviation."
Master CFI Bill Castlen helped the group that hosted elected officials, donors and invited guest on a tour of the new simulator and facility on March 7. Castlen is a CFII with more than 7,700 flight hours and has given over 4000 hours of flight instruction. He is also a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot, Master CFI, and is currently flying his Cirrus SR22.- B Meyer, FMI: D Miller