The FAA's Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610) presented Phil Lockwood (pictured below: Tisha Lockwood, Phil Lockwood, Martin Weaver, Kerry Yunck, and Romke Sikkema) and the personnel of Lockwood Aviation, of Sebring FL, with a Certificate of Appreciation for the outstanding support they provided to the FAA from January through May of this year.

Phil willingly provided his facilities and staff to make the implementation of the Sport Pilot Examiner initial courses a reality. In January, Phil had arranged for two airplanes, two powered parachutes and two weight shift control aircraft to be available for the training.

Airworthiness inspectors from AFS-610, as well as Al Kimball (from Orlando FSDO) and Kerry Yunck, worked diligently to have the first Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA) certificated in preparation for the course. Phil had arranged with John Kemmeries, Morris Yoder, and Tom Peghiny to provide the weight shift control, powered parachutes, and an airplane needed in order to accomplish the training. Romke Sikkema, Chief Flight Instructor and Sport Pilot Examiner, conducted check-outs with the examiner candidates, in the aircraft, provided for the course.

Throughout the four-month period, the branch was able to complete five courses and designate 26 sport pilot examiners. This would not have been possible except for the dedication and efforts made by Mr. Lockwood. The sport pilot certification program is now well underway, and the branch is very thankful to Phil and the personnel of Lockwood Aviation for their efforts and willingness to get the job done.

FMI: www.lockwoodaviation.com