It’s hard to believe I have been signed off and finally have my instrument rating. The truth is, ever since I started flying years ago I’ve suffered and worried about being stuck someplace. Frankly, it took a lot of fun out of flying for me.

I can remember years ago someone suggesting I take a weekend crash course to pass the written. I did, learned little, passed the test, became busy at work, you can guess the rest of the story. With my business and family growing fast it seems I never had the time to get my instrument rating.

One cloudy day I watched as my friend in the hanger next to me loaded his wife in his plane for a weekend get away. That was the straw that broke the camels back for me.

My personal friend Miles as well as Richard at “Mooneyland” told me about AFIT and suggested I give you a call. After talking it over with my wife, I decided to give it a try. It was a big step taking 10 days off from work, not to mention once your instructor

Ron arrived, we did over 40 hours of flying and another 40 hours of ground. Ron worked my tail off that’s for sure and I enjoyed every minute. I have never worked with an instructor that has so much knowledge and patience, not to mention, Ron was a genuinly nice and sincere genltemen.

It took a few days to sort things out once I returned back to work 2 weeks later, but guess what …. I passed the check ride first time up, and just like you promised Tony, I have my IFR rating now. It was a pleasure having the chance to work with you and all the folks at AFIT. Well done, and thank you.

• Tom Leonard - Glen Allen, Virginia