The current guardian of this Remembrance Page is Sgt J. Mollohan.
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HERE
Best Moment My best moment was my first solo flight in a Cessna 150.
Worst Moment My worst moment came toward the end of the 10 hrs flying time in a twin engine aircraft which was required for my multi engine rating.
I had completed my hour of flying for the day in a twin Commanche aircraft and was on the final approach to land when my landing gear would not come down.
I had practised the manual procedure with an instructor accompanying me, but this time I was on my own. It was an immediate "Awh Shit!" moment when I realized my predicament. I went into emergency mode and called the tower, notifying them that I was going around and briefly explained why. The tower came back, telling me to climb to 3,000 feet and try the manual crank.
That's exactly what I did. I was relaxed at 3,000 feet and began cranking the wheels down. It seemed to take forever, but they finally extended all the way and locked. I returned to the pattern and landed with relief.
Other Memories I attended Miami Dade College (North Campus) in 1968, when it was known as "Miami-Dade Junior College". It was located near the Opalocka Airport (Known as the Amelia Earhardt Field). The college provided a college level ground school and Burnside-Ott located on the Amelia Earhardt field provided the flight school.
I was able to earn a Commercial Pilot License with multi-engine, and instrument ratings.
