Page 7 - Dec23T

Rob Ross, Luis Peña and Maria Pérez at KMYF
more than 5,000 air missions annually with a volunteer roster approaching 3,000. Over 20,000 passengers have benefitted from the kindness and generosity of others.
Celebrating the success of the 100,000th mission celebra- tion at the Santa Monica airport was the pilot who would fly Maria and Luis back to San Diego – Edward Norton, actor, filmmaker and philanthropist. Also at the event was Dennis Torres. Dennis and his wife Averi were two of the original founders of AFW. Dennis also flew the first mission and met Rob and Ed – pilots of the 100,000th.
During the celebration at Santa Monica, Luis and I dis- cussed his passion for aviation! He loves to fly, and while there have been significant challenges in his twelve years, he wants to be a pilot. When his mother remarked on his medical issues, he proudly told her that his challenges wouldn’t stop him! When Luis is ready to hit the skies, he and I will set a date to go flying — not as a passenger — but as a student pilot. I’m excited and have his flight logbook ready! Perhaps he can fly the 200,000th mission for someone in need.
Covington
ttps://www.covingtonaircraftengines.com
With 12,000+ hours of piloting more than 100 aircraft models, Rich Pickett still has a passion for flying. Rich holds an ATP, CFII SME, SES, glider licenses, and type ratings in the L29, L39, Citation 500/510s/525s, Eclipse 500S, Beechcraft Premier and DA10. His company, Personal Wings, provides
training, mentoring and aircraft services. You can contact Rich at rich@personalwings.com.
December 2023 / TWIN & TURBINE • 5