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A New Pilot Gets an Accelerated Course in Flying

A Cessna 150 helps a pilot get his certificate – and then heads for STOL drag.

[Credit: Leonardo Correa Luna]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Retired Marine Carl Costas fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot at 54, with intensive flight training provided by friends in the general aviation community.
  • His training took place over three days at Tim Knutson's farm using a Cessna 150, which was simultaneously being prepared for a STOL drag competition in Nebraska.
  • The article highlights the deep camaraderie and infectious passion within the general aviation community, where friends actively support each other's aviation dreams and engage in adventurous activities.
  • Ultimately, the story emphasizes that flying serves as a powerful catalyst for forging strong friendships and building a supportive "GA family."
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“Can you be there on the 16th at Tim Knutson’s farm? You don’t want to miss this story—we are finally teaching Carl [Costas] to fly in Tim’s 150, and then Tim is going to race it at the Mayday STOL competition in Wayne, Nebraska!”

That was Kyle Bushman on the phone. He is the most passionate general aviation advocate I know. At the young age of 28, he has achieved more aviation milestones than most people do in a lifetime. He’s a pilot, A&P, IA (technician with inspection authority), technical advisor for the STOL Drag series—and owner of a Navion (in which he learned to fly and solo at the age of 16), an N3N biplane, and a highly modified Aeronca Champ. His creativity in running his shop, Ragwood Refactory, and his “let’s make this happen” attitude has no limits. He is a force of nature in GA, and his passion is so infectious that anybody who talks with him gets the aviation bug.

Leonardo Correa Luna

Professional pilot and photographer Leonardo Correa Luna was born in Uruguay in 1974, and since he can remember all he wanted to be was a pilot. Forward in time to 2016 and at the age of 42 Leonardo has accumulated more than 12,000 flight hours, he has been captain and instructor for 7 different airlines in 6 countries and for the last 8 years has been based in China flying an Airbus A320 for a local airline. www.leonardocorrealuna.com

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