Des Moines Flying Club - Learn To Fly

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New Plane???

Nope! It's not a new plane. But it is a new look for N2974N. You've no doubt noticed that 74N has been out of the hanger for some time. Here's what all the fuss is about... A new paint job and a new interior!

Click this link for pictures of the interior!

First Solo

Kyle Erickson soloed on Halloween at the Des Moines Airport. Kyle is looking forward to finishing up his license and flying back and forth to Michigan on the weekends.

Sean Davis is Kyle's instructor. He says there was nothing scary about Kyle's flying!

Private Pilot

We have a new Private Pilot. Adin Sehic passed his checkride Thursday, October 10th at Pella.

Rick Gleason is Adin's instructor.

First Solo

Let's congratulate Jess Ellwanger for his solo on October 1st! Jess soloed in 38190 at KDSM. Now he's moving on with his training.

Sean Davis is Jess's instructor.

Private Pilot

We have a new private pilot! Jordan Shaw soloed on the 7th of September 2013, and now has a freshly minted private pilot certificate. Congratulations Jordan!

Michael Touney was Jordan's instructor.

First Solo

Brian Stockton soloed in 74N on August 26th! It was a hot one out there but Brian was all smiles.

Rick Gleason is Brian's instructor.

First Solo

Sami Babb right after her first solo. Sami is a senior at Waukee high school and is 16 years old. Congratulation to Sami.

Steve Davis is her instructor.

First Solo

Let's congratulate Ryan Gruhn for his first solo! From the photo it he was flying N3574K.

Ryan Campbell is Ryan's instructor.

Private Pilot

Robert Gray passed his PPL checkride Saturday June 29th! He trained in N3574K.

Rick Gleason is Robert's instructor.

First Solo

Randy Sackett soloed on June 13th at the Des Moines airport. Randy is looking forward to starting his cross countries and finishing up his Private Pilot License.

Sean Davis is Randy's instructor.

First Solo

Congratulate Craig Thomes for his solo in 38190 on Wednesday the 5th of June! The weather was great and so were Craig's landings!

Rick Gleason is Craig's instructor.

Instrument Pilot

Stuart Rauh is a freshly minted instrument pilot! Let's congratulate Stuart for passing his instrument check ride in Pella on a very windy day in 3574K! He earned his rating on Friday, May 24th!

Rick Gleason is Stuart's instructor.

First Solo

Adin Sehic flew his first solo at the Des Moines airport on Monday, April 29th! Let's congratulate him on his work in the club's Cherokee!

Rick Gleason is Adin's instructor.

First Solo

Congratulations to Jordan Shaw on his solo flight April 26th at Ankeny Airport in 38190.

Jordan decided to pursue general aviation after a glacier sight seeing flight last summer with his friends, one of whom was the pilot. Jordan plans on flying with friends and family for fun.

Michael Touney is Jordan's instructor.

First Solo

Congratulations are in order for Charles Goodall. He soloed in 74N at the Ankeny airport on Sunday, April 20th. Blue skies ahead for Charles as he continues toward his pilot certificate!

Tom Merfeld is Charles' instructor.

First Flight

Let's introduce a new DSMFC club member... Teri Jungblut took her first lesson on 3/8/2013! Look at the smile as she manuevers 38190 around the sky! Let's all make her feel welcome when we see her on the ramp.

Rick Gleason is Teri's instructor.

Instrument Pilot

We have a new instrument pilot! Let's congratulate Matt Bednar for passing his instrument check ride! Matt earned his rating on Saturday, March 2nd! His tail wheel endorsement is next!

Rick Gleason is Matt's instructor.

Private Pilot

We have a new private pilot! Zachary Stubbs soloed in October and he's back now with a freshly minted private pilot certificate. Zach completed his private pilot check ride on the 22nd of December 2012

Michael Touney is Zach's instructor.

First Solo

Jeff Tegethoff soloed today December 17th! Jeff is excited to get going on his cross countries and finish his Private!

Sean Davis is Jeff's instructor.

First Solo

Let's congratulate Robert Gray for his solo on Saturday, December 8th! He flew N3574K.

Rick Gleason is Robert's instructor.

Instrument Pilot

Dave Bednar passed his Instrument check ride on November 24th! He's looking forward to flying with family and friends!

Sean Davis is Dave's instructor.

First Solo

Mike Welsh soloed November 20th! He's looking forward to starting his cross countries and finishing up his Private!

Sean Davis is Mike's instructor.

Private Pilot

Leo Skeffington passed his Private Pilot checkride on Friday the 9th of November. Leo is looking forward to flying for business and pleasure and will be starting on his Instrument in the near future.

This is Leo's solo picture.

Sean Davis is Leo's instructor.

First Solo

Zachary Stubbs soloed on October 9th at Ankeny. Zach looks forward to earning his private pilot rating and then would like to pursue an instrument rating. Zach plans to fly for pleasure and travel with friends and family.

Michael Touney is Zach's instructor.

First Solo

This is Troy Walker right after his first solo. Troy said you told me the aiplane would perform better without the instructor in it, but you didn't tell me it would be such a rocket ship!! I had a great time flying by myself!!

Steve Davis is Troy's instructor.

First Solo

This is David Miles right after his first solo in N2974N. David is an excellent pilot and is looking forward to earning his private certificate.

Steve Davis is David's instructor.

First Solo

John Stark soloed August 30th at the Des Moines Airport. John is now on to his solo cross countries and looking forward to finishing his Private.

Sean Davis is Robert's instructor.

First Solo

Meet Ian McNish! He's the latest to solo in a club plane! Congrat's to Ian.

Ryan Campbell is Ian's instructor.

Private Pilot

Robert Cramer passed his checkride July 3rd. Robert is looking forward to starting his instrument rating and building experience with plans to fly for business and pleasure.

This is Robert's pic from his solo in March.

Sean Davis is Robert's instructor.

First Solo

Leo Skeffington soloed on June 30th. He's extremely excited and is looking forward to finishing his private pilots's license.

Sean Davis is Leo's instructor.

Try this tail dragger!

Is it time for a flight review? Looking for that perfect birthday or anniversary gift? How about adding a tailwheel endorsement? This beautiful aircraft is available to all DSMFC members.

Contact Rick Gleason for details. Let's take the Citabria for a "SPIN"!

Have you ever wondered where they got the name Citabria?

It's "AIRBATIC" backwards.

Another New Plane!

There's now a Baron available for rent. You'll need to see Steve or Sean Davis for the details.

Here's a photo to tease you...

Instrument Pilot

Ted Phillips passed his instrument pilot checkride on June 9th. Here's Ted's picture from his solo earlier this year. Ted went straight from passing the private to working for his instrument rating. He's earned a rest!

Sean Davis is Ted's instructor.

Private Pilot

David Bednar passed his private pilot checkride on June 5th. Here's Dave's picture from his solo on February 6th. Good job, Dave!

Sean Davis is David's instructor.

Private Pilot

Scott Peters passed his private pilot checkride on May 25th.

Sean Davis is Scott's instructor

New Plane In The Line Up!

The Des Moines Flying Club is proud to announce the addition of a new plane to our fleet. It is an A36 Bonanza.

This plane is a cross country dream. It's equipped with:

New Paint and a New Interior
A Garmin 750 and a 430
Full Auto pilot
TKC deicing system

You need to see this plane. It is based at Signature FBO but if you want a good look at it we will have it on display at our monthly movie night next Saturday May19th at the maintenance hangar.

If you are interested in getting checked out in this new plane contact your club flight instructor. They will have all the information on the plane and can arrange a check out flight. Anyone that is planning a cross country flight and likes to fly in comfort this is the plane for you.

Private Pilot

Eric Reese passed his Private Pilot checkride on March 13th. Shane at PEA (Pella) was his examiner.

Rick Gleason is Eric's instructor.

First Solo

Robert Cramer soloed on March 20th in Des Moines! Robert is a second generation pilot and is looking forward to finishing his private. Robert plans utilize aviation for his business and pleasure.

Sean Davis is his instructor.

First Solo

Scott Peters soloed Saturday the 10th. Scott was extremely excited to solo and is looking forward to finishing up his private.

Sean Davis is Scott's instructor

First Solo

Andrew Nystedt soloed in N3574K. Andrew comes from an aviation family but thought flying by himself was really fun!!

Steve Davis is Andrew's instructor

Private Pilot

Scott Gordon has passed his private pilot check ride. Scott has been anxious to learn everything he can about flying airplanes and now looking forward to using his new privilege for business and fun as well as towards earning his instrument rating in the club Mooneys!

Steve Davis is Scott's instructor.

Private Pilot

Don Seifried passed his private check ride today and joins the ranks of private pilots in the Des Moines Flying Club. He is looking forward to flying his wife and kids with his new rating.

Don really enjoys flying, is a natural pilot and is looking forward to earnings his instrument rating". Congratulations to Don!!!

Steve Davis is Don's instructor.

First Solo

Here's David Bednar after his first solo in 38190 on February 6th!

He's all smiles and ready for more.

Sean Davis is David's instructor.

First Solo

Shad England completed his first solo flight on 1/20 at the Des Moines Airport. Shad's all grins after 3 very nice solo landings!

Don David is Shad's instructor.

Private Pilot

Ted Phillips passed his Private Pilot check ride on Thursday, January 5th. Ted is looking forward to building experience and pursuing his instrument rating.

Sean Davis is Ted's instructor.

New Paint!

You may not recognize one of our Mooney's! N58062 has a new look.

Private Pilot

Jay Krusenstjerna passed his private pilot check ride on November 30th. He's pictured here next to N2974N, one of the club's Archers! Jay is extremely pleased and is excited to get started on his instrument rating.

Sean Davis is Jay's instuctor.

First Solo

Sandy Marckmann soloed on November 15th, 2011 in the club's Cherokee 140. Sandy flew her solo flight at Ankeny Regional Airport!

Ryan Campbell is Sandy's Instuctor

First Solo

Eric Reese soloed in the club's Cherokee, 38190 at OXV (that's Knoxville for the non-pilots in the crowd) on Friday November 4th.

Rick Gleason is Eric's instructor.

First Solo

Ted Phillips, he soloed on October 1st at Des Moines. The smile on his face says it all!

Sean Davis is Ted's instructor.

First Solo

David Luers is a full time fire chief and now is an airplane pilot. His first solo went very well and in keeping with his fireman career, the back of his shirt could have been used to put out a fire when he landed!

David is looking froward to earning his private vertificate and has a lot of travel plans when he gets it done!"

Steve Davis is David's instructor.

First Solo

Scott Gordon right after his first solo flight! He is a very happy student pilot and looking forward to getting his private certificate. He said the airplane flew like a hot rod without his instructor in the right seat.

Scott's instructor is Steve Davis

Private Pilot
Congratulations to Matt Dolan. Matt passed his private check ride in June.

First Solo

AJ Langfeldt is shown here after accomplishing his first solo in N3574K. AJ is very dedicated to earning his pilot's license and is planning a military aviation career.

You can see he is smiling from ear to ear.

Instrument Pilot

Pat Flinn after a lot of determination, good flying, frustrating bad weather and hard work, has joined the ranks of Instrument Pilot.

"I passed the check ride just fine and made two of the sweetest landings you will ever see!" Pat was very happy about passing his checkride and ready to start using his instrument rating by taking a trip with his wife in the club Mooney.

Pat is actually a relatively low time flyer who earned his private certificate just last year. He is also a very talented and natural pilot who worked very hard to earn this!

Congratulations to Pat!!

First Solo

Matt Dolan and his brothers have dreamed and sometimes been consumed by thoughts of flying. While Matt doesn't readily admit it, his 2000+ hours of Microsoft Flight Sim helped him achieve his first solo with only 10 hours of real airplane flight training in N3574K!

You can see by the smile on his face he had a great time and is looking forward to the day he earns his private certificate and will be able fly his friends and family with him as well. His smile is real, ear to ear. He just couldn't help himself.

Matt's instructor is Steve Davis

First Solo

Congratulations to Jordan Gegner who completed his first solo in the Cherokee 140 on Thursday March 3rd, 2011 at the Ankeny Airport. Jordan is a 2010 graduate of Central College in Pella, with a Major in Biology.

Jordan currently works as a Environmental Scientist at HR Green, an engineering company in Johnston. Jordan also spends his free time as an Assistant Mens High School Track Coach for Martensdale St. Marys.

Jordan aspires to fly aircraft for the military in the future.

Michael Touney is his flight instructor.

First Solo

Friday was a big day for Will Barrett! Will flew his first solo on Friday, January 14th.

Will is a senior at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines and will be attending the University of Dubuque next year to pursue a flying career.

Will's instructor is Sean Davis.

First Solo

Jim Mars right after his first solo in N3574K at the Des Moines International Airport. He couldn't be happier after all went well on his flight. Jim can confidently handle the airplane just fine.

He said he is happy with his decision to train in Des Moines because he learning radio communication on every flight.

The weather was calm and smooth, although a bit on the cold side; 6' F. It did not matter though as was nice and warm inside the airplane.

When asked what he was going to do next after accomplishing so much, Jim replied: " I am going to Disney World!".

Jim's instructor is Steve Davis.

New Pilot

We have a new pilot in Tyler Young. Tyler got his certificate in September.

Tyler says his parents and friends are having a great time flying with him. He's learning that a pilot's certificate is a license to learn and it's "one of the most enjoyable parts of my life.

Tyler's instructor was Steve Davis.

First Solo
This is Scott Hughes right after his first solo. Scott is an audiologist and has a lot of natural flying ability. He really loves to fly!!

First Solo

Charlie Webster, age 16, had his first solo in the Cherokee 140, July 3^rd, 2010 at the Ankeny airport. This date was the 25^th anniversary of his great-grandfather's funeral who was a B-17 flight instructor during WWII.

His grandfather, Claude Webster, is his flight instructor

Charlie lives in Panora and drives to Des Moines or Knoxville to fly airplanes.

His first eight hours were in a PA-11 (J-3 Cub). He still plans to solo in that aircraft this year.

He enjoys flying the club's Cherokee and will begin working on his cross country flight requirements in the near future. His long term plans are to enroll in the Air Force Academy and to make flying a career. We wish him all the best.

Private Pilot
They are really rolling in these last few weeks as yet another student earns his license. Congratulations to Ralph Booker who passed his private pilot checkride on November 23! Ryan Campbell is his instructor.

Private Pilot
Congratulations to Zach Oswald who just passed his private pilot checkride! He got it the same day as Stuart (below) and we think it might be the first time two DSMFCers got their license on the same day. Frank DeLouis is his instructor.

Private Pilot Checkride
We have a new private pilot in Stuart Rauh who passed his flight test last Friday, Nov 27th with Shane Vandevort in Pella. His instructor, Tom Merfeld, says he flew the Cherokee 140 and will be transitioning to the Archers beginning this weekend. Congratulations to Stuart!

Private Pilot Checkride
Congratulations to Ron Mutchler, who passed his PPL checkride recently in 74N. Not sure, but it looks like he's demonstrating a power-on stall in this picture! Chris Conley is his instructor.

Solo!
Another solo in DSMFC! Pat Cooper soloed at Ankeny on Sept 26th. Congratulations! Sean Davis is his instructor.

Private Pilot Checkride
Congratulations to Brad Neff who passed his PPL checkride on Wednesday August 5th at PEA. Rick Gleason is his instructor.

First Solo
Congratulations to Derek Kilbride who soloed Cherokee 190 at I75 on Tuesday June 2! Rick Gleason is his instructor.

First Solo
Congratulations to Stuart Rauh who Soloed in the last week of June at Ankeny in the Cherokee 140! He's pictured here with his instructor, Tom Merfeld who said, "I was able to get him to remove his tie for the flight! (lest I cut it rather than the shirt)"

First Solo
Congratulations to Tucker Anderson who Soloed in early June! Tucker decided to learn to fly to overcome his fear of flying at the advice of a good friend. He has certainly accomplished that now as he has soloed a DSMFC airplane all by himself. Tucker is looking forward to getting his pilot certificate and will use his new found ablity to travel for his growing business.

A glimpse of our New Mooney
We've added to our fleet again with a very nice Mooney! That means there are now 5 airplanes you can choose from to fly in our club. To see more about this plane and others click on the airplanes page.

Gift of Flight If you've seen our ad in the Des Moines Register and want to arrange a flight, click contacts for info on who to call.

Airplane Info - The Equipment, location and other data for all our airplanes are now organized on one table on the airplanes page.

See Our Fleet of aircraft!