Our First Newsletter!

Welcome to our first USAeroFlight newsletter of the year! We're excited to kick off 2026 by sharing updates, stories, and highlights from around the flight school. This newsletter is a place to keep you connected to what's happening at USAeroFlight — from milestones and announcements to tips, insights, and moments worth celebrating. If you have a story, milestone or advice you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you and feature it in our monthly issue.

Happy New Year!

We are excited to share an important update with our USAeroFlight community. As of this month, ownership of the company has transitioned from Mike Gonzales and Brett Zukowski to Seth Severson. This change represents a continuation of the values that have shaped USAeroFlight into the student-focused, relationship-driven flight school it is today. We are happy to share that both will remain actively involved with USAeroFlight in the years to come.

When Seth completed his commercial training in 2018 at USAeroflight, he joined the team as a CFI. After finishing college, he pursued his A&P through an apprenticeship at the school, allowing him to teach while expanding his maintenance knowledge. Over the years, he trained new CFIs, served as Assistant Chief Instructor, and gained valuable insight into the business side of the operation. With guidance from Mike and Brett and a shared vision for the future, Seth has now stepped into ownership of USAeroFlight.

Reflecting on this milestone, Seth shared:

"I am deeply grateful for Mr. G's and Mr. Z's leadership of the company. Under their mentorship I have come to truly love what I do. Above all, I am thankful to see God's hand in my life, directing me to this point."

We're excited for this next chapter and look forward to continuing to serve our students with the same passion and dedication that define USAeroFlight.

The Solo Cross-Country Requirement Every Student Pilot and CFI Must Know

Many student pilots think they can tackle their first solo cross-country flight without any instrument flying says DPE Jason Blair from Sporty's Fast Five stories of the week. Regulation 14 CFR 61.93(e)(12) requires pre-solo instrument training and skipping it can create legal issues and safety risks. Cross-country flights introduce variables such as changing weather, navigation challenges, and the potential for inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Even in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, basic instrument skills can be lifesaving if disorientation sets in or visibility deteriorates. This regulation mandates specific training in controlling and maneuvering an aircraft solely by reference to flight instruments before a student pilot can embark on solo cross-country adventures. It includes essentials such as straight-and-level flight, turns, descents, climbs, use of radio aids, and following ATC directives. Instrument training isn't about turning students into instrument pilots — it's about giving them the confidence and skills to stay in control when conditions change unexpectedly, making that first solo cross-country not just a milestone, but a safe and successful one.

Sporty's Fast Five

Blue Skies and Tailwinds

We've said goodbye to several incredible instructors whose passion and dedication left a lasting impact on USAeroFlight, and we're excited to see what they do next in aviation.

• Isaac Maralit
• James Austin
• Nate Hightower
• Taylor Snipes

Welcome Aboard!!

We're excited to welcome our newest instructors to the team and are grateful to have them joining our growing flight training community.

• Daniel McAnulty - CFI/CFII
• Ryan Langston - CFI
• Garrett Holmes - CFI,CFII,MEI
• Kayla Collins - CFI & Admin Assistant
• Eli Rogers - CFI

Instructor Shout Out!!

Jo reached his 1500hrs!

Congratulations to Our Students!!

Checkride Pass:

• Sachin Seymour - IRA
• Kayla Collins - CPL & CFI
• Kirill Kolesnikov - CPL
• PJ Comose - IRA
• Caleb Whiteley - IRA
• Cannon West - MEI
• Porter Nesbitt - IRA
• Austin Greathouse - MEI
• Cody Wilkinson - IRA
• Logan Patyi - CFI
• Aaron Elder - IRA
• Eli Rogers - CFI

1st Solo!

• Annabel Holmes
• Benjamin Walkden
• Reed Dugger

Student Milestones

(November-January)

Student Survey:

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