January 30, 2004
My name is Michael Pusheck. A year ago I met with a BFI in the Turlock CA area and expressed my desire to learn how to fly a trike. I live in the Sacramento area (Rocklin) yet he did not refer me or even tell me that there were closer trike instructors to my residence. I took 3 lessons from him. I expressed interest in making a purchase and he recommended a home built unit. My 4th lesson, my solo, was done in this newly purchased home built unit. My solo was the most terrifying experience I have ever had. I had only flown this unit one time as a passenger with the owner of the trike and was only allowed a few minutes at the controls from the rear seat. On my solo landing the unit literally bounced sideways off the runway. OK, I made it in one piece and the unit didn't get damaged, I guess that this means I passed and as long as I didn't total out my equipment it must mean that I was ready. (By the way, turns out that this unit was not actually an ultralight. It weighed over 500 lbs and held 10 gallons in fuel. In addition, I did not press for the solo, it was offered to me with out solicitation. Although this instructor did know that the 2 1/2 hour drive was getting to me). Anyways, He signed me off?!
I only write you this because since this experience I have received what must be the best possible training from a local instructor. Having received this instruction has made me realize that my original instructor put my life and onlookers lives in serious jeopardy.
I was recently signed off by Mr Ray Mello of Roseville CA. I would like to commend Mr. Mello on his operation and want to be sure that any controlling agency over Mr. Mello's Licensing knows what I have recently come to realize.
I signed up with Mr. Mello with some hesitation to the entire process, yet this time I wanted to solo quickly (all new 3-axis training). From the get go, Mr. Mello spent more time than expected to answer questions and inform me. This wasn't time flying but time learning. He made certain that I always had a clear understanding of what we were about to under go in that days training. Then once we landed he spent a large amount of time discussing what had just happened in the plane, why things didn't work like I thought they would, how to break bad habits and what to think about before the next lesson. I told Ray that I wanted to purchase a 3 axis plane and that I had one in mind. Ray spent much time with me discussing "what I wanted and needed" not what he had for sale. He was concerned about it being my first plane in addition to it meeting my expectations. Turns out that he referred me to a private party that had "the perfect plane for me". I purchased a Rans S-14 and it is exactly what I wanted and should be flying my first year as a 3 axis pilot. I love it! In addition, Ray explained part 103 and how it applies to this specific plane.
I prodded Mr. Mello after the 3rd lesson that I wanted to get to soloing ASAP. He did not budge and I put in A LOT of hours prior to the big moment. It was a huge success. I did three landings at a local airport and felt comfortable through out the entire process.
Since my training Mr. Mello has made himself available to me for advice on my plane. In addition he took the time to sit down with me and map out a cross country route he was familiar with, being sure that I was aware of unique terrain and unfamiliar situations. I expected to pay Mr. Mello for his time but he would not take my money.
In closing, there are not enough instructors like Mr. Mello in this sport. He obviously loves this sport and supports safe practices latterly from when to fly to were and how to fly. It appears that he is not doing it for the money but rather has found he can make money doing something he enjoys. Every time I paid Ray a dime, I knew that he would spend the next 1 1/2 to 2 hours earning every cent!
In great appreciation for providing to beginners to the industry resources such as Mr. Ray Mello.
Sincerely
Michael Pusheck. Rocklin, California
February 6, 2004
Dear Ray,
I remember what you said after I told you I had been cleared to solo by another BFI. Something to the effect of "....really?" Not at my field!" Well you were 100% correct. After completing my first several solo flights and reflecting on what I didn't know, I felt compelled to let you know how much I appreciated your guidance and training on ultralights and aircraft in general. I now believe there may have been some serious family mourning had I gone ahead and soloed someplace else. Your thoruoughness was evident after those lessons in your RANS12XLS with flaps and trims. These made my flights in the SPORT I seem effortless.
The Lincoln Airport practice was invaluable for patterns and radio procedures as were the other ground school components such as chart reading, navigation calculation, and especially, airspace designation and observation. I don't think anyone should get in the air without these basics being well understood and somewhat practiced.
I also want you to know that on my first solo landing, about a mile from the field, the Rotax 503 went below idle and quit. So my first solo landing was really a dead-stick landing! Thanks to your training, this was a no panic situation and the actual touchdown was even fairly decent...or so an observer commented.
Ray, thanks again for your effort. You really do exemplify what the USUA BFI is all about.
Sincerely,
David L. Hilst, Yankee Hill, California
