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2 NC Wing Pilots Achieve Milestones

Col. David Crawford
1 of 2
Col. Crawford and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Zenda Liess (photo by Blue Line Aviation LLC) (click image to view full size)
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By 1st.Lt. Bryan S. Weil
Deputy PAO, NC-001

5/10/2013–Burlington, NC–Two NC Wing pilots achieved aviation milestones during the week of 28 April. Col. David Crawford, NC Wing Commander, completed his FAA Instrument Rating on April 30th and Capt. Rich Laviano, Raleigh-Wake Composite Commander (NC-048) completed his FAA Commercial Pilot Rating on April 28th.

The two pilots trained at Blue Line Aviation LLC, a new flight school in Raleigh run by a former NC Wing Cadet. Both pilots took their check rides with the same FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, Zenda Liess and flew their check rides out of Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport which is the home of HQ of the North Carolina Wing.

Capt Shawn McComas, Wing Director of Operations said "both pilots worked very steadily to accomplish these goals and to become better, more proficient pilots. We should all take heed to set goals to be better, safer and more skilled pilots both for ourselves and those we fly with."

As a result of completion of his IFR Rating, Crawford also completed the Advanced Phase of the FAA WINGS Safety Program.