Sitting Governor Receives Helicopter Pilots License

The staff of the HAI, via the Atlanta Helicopter Pilots Association, tells ANN that we have a new helo pilot in the ranks... and one that is gaining some attention.

HAI reports that Governor George Ervin Perdue III (Sonny) of Georgia has added Private Rotorcraft Helicopter privileges in a Robinson R44 to his pilot’s license July 22nd.  The Governor is an accomplished pilot holding a Commercial certificate with Single and Multi-engine ratings. He has over 2800 total hours.

The Governor took his training at Blue Ridge Helicopters, Inc. in Lawrenceville, GA with the owner Ronald E. Carroll. Ron is an active member of the Atlanta Helicopter Pilots Association and a Ten Thousand (10,000) hour Helicopter pilot. Blue Ridge Helicopters has a Frasca Simulator and is a Robinson Authorized Service Center.

The Governor dedicated his vacation time to accomplishing his solo requirements and amassed a total of 66 hours before he was ready to take the check ride. Ron commented that the Governor is “one of the most genuine persons that I have had the pleasure of teaching, a true aviation enthusiast.”

He plans to continue developing his helicopter proficiency by working on additional ratings. HAI suggest that, 'some lucky sightseer or photographer may show up at the airport one day and find out his pilot is none other than the Governor.'

Cool...

(ANN thanks HAI for the news and Sheri Christianson, Aerial Innovations of Georgia, for the photo).

FMI: www.rotor.com