Jacob Nelson

Hello World! It’s been a while since my last update!

Things have been exciting here at ASU. The end of the semester is near and there is an excitement in the air about summer. I recently wrapped a promo video for incoming ASU Freshman. It was quite the honor to represent Poly!

So the big news: I am very happy to announce that I have been asked to perform again this year at the Showdown Rodeo!!!! I will be performing pre-show entertainment along with singing at the barn dance afterward with Ms. Molly Wineland. For more info, check out ShowdownRodeo.com. Hollywood Yates, “Wolf” from American Gladiators, will be headlining the Barn Dance. Join the wolf pack at www.hollywoodyates.com.

On the flying front, I have been working very hard and have been having a blast. I recently upgraded from the Piper Warrior to the Beechcraft Bonanza. It’s a whole-lotta-plane and it is oh-so-fun to fly. I am currently working toward my high performance, complex endorsement. This summer I officially begin the instrument phase of my training. I am looking forward to going on some awesome trips in this fantastic airplane.

I wish you all the best – so looking forward to summer!

~Jake

Well, I can cross that off the “bucket list.” I have always wanted to fly to Fox Field (KWJF) in Lancaster, California (my home airport) to visit home! On 1/26/2011, I had the opportunity to do just that. In a little over 4 hours, I flew from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA) to Fox.

It was an incredible journey that took me through some really spectacular scenery. One of my favorite parts of the trip was when I crossed the Colorado River on the border of Arizona and California (I crossed state lines over Blythe, CA).

Waiting for me at Fox was my “groovy” mom, my Grandpa Robert, my Grandma Bonnie and Mrs. Liz Breault. After the ensuing hug-fest, we all went inside and ate lunch at Foxy’s restaurant, located on the Field.

After lunch, I surprised my friends Jeff and Kerry from High Desert Avionics by “popping in” to say hello! It took Ms. Kerry a few good seconds to recognize me. That’s the beauty of flying – I can be in another state within a few hours!

After more hugs and a whole bunch of pictures, I was back up in the big blue sky headng back to my home away from home.

I am looking forward to where my next adventure will take me. El Paso? Las Vegas? Albuquerque?

Blue Skies,
Jake

Howdy! So, we begin the next exciting chapter of flight training – Commercial Pilot!

Right now, I am making a bunch of Solo Cross Country flights to build time for Commercial/Instrument ratings.

I had the opportunity to go to Laughlin, NV on a cross country flight. It is an interesting approach as you fly the “downwind” (flying opposite the landing direction) in Nevada and you actually touch down in Arizona!

I’ll keep you updated with my adventures. Here’s to a healthy, happy and prosperous 2011 for all!

Blue Skies,
Jake

Hey Everyone! I’ve got some exciting news to share. I am officially a private pilot. I have worked so hard to be here and it feels awesome. I can’t stress how thankful I am for my family, Andrew I. Garcia (CFI Extraordinaire) and for the staff at Mesa Pilot Development.

The Checkride was stressful but fun. As a friend of mine says, “Keep the blue side up and the brown side down and you’ll do just fine.”

I had the opportunity to take my family and friends up for a few rides when I came back to California for Christmas break. Everyone was a really good sport about it – even my best friend, Melinda, went up with me after telling me she was “slightly scared yet exited.”

What a day! On 10/10/10 at 10 a.m., I had one of the coolest moments of my life. I was able to solo an airplane for the first time. I can’t describe the feeling – it was one of the quietest, most surreal moments I’ve ever experienced.

What was so awesome is that my mom and dad were able to come and watch the big day! I had a group of my friends out on the flight line with me cheering me on, too (no pressure, right?!)

I’d like to thank my CFI, Andrew Garcia and the hard working staff at MPD for all of their help in getting me airborne.

“For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. – Leonardo DaVinci