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+1-424-250-0648KSEE: +1-424-447-88453401 Airport Dr, Torrance, CA 90505, USA
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Sling Pilot Academy
Become a Professional Pilot
Sling Pilot AcademySling Pilot Academy
  • Accelerated Airline Pilot Program
    • Professional Pilot Course
    • First Steps
      • Sling Pilot Academy vs. 4 Year School
      • Prerequisites
      • Financing
      • Enroll Now – Academy
      • Enrollee Requirements
      • Airline Pilot Career
    • Next Inductions
    • Schedule a Tour / Intro Flight
  • International Students
    • International Programs
    • International First Steps
      • International Prerequisites
      • International Enrollee Requirements
    • Schedule a Virtual Zoom Tour
  • Individual Ratings
    • Individual Courses
      • Private Pilot
    • High School Programs
    • Free Online Ground School
    • Club Student Requirements
    • Hourly Rates
  • FAQs
  • About Us
    • Safety
    • Careers
    • Our Team
    • Our Aircraft
      • Sling NGT
      • Sling TSi
      • Super Decathlon
      • Tecnam P2006T Twin
      • Redbird Flight Simulators
    • Our Locations
      • Torrance, CA Location (KTOA)
        • KTOA Webcam
      • Long Beach, CA Location (KLGB)
      • Santa Monica, CA Location (KSMO)
      • San Diego, CA Location (KSEE)
        • KSEE Webcam
    • Our Graduates
      • Past Students
    • Partnerships / Affiliations
      • SkyWest Airlines
      • ASU
    • DPEs – click here
    • Community
      • Mission Statement
      • Current Events
      • Community Citizenship
      • Airport Noise Reduction
      • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Enrollments
    • Schedule a Tour/Intro Flight
    • Enroll Now – Academy
    • Enroll Now – Club
    • Scholarships
      • Sling $20,000 Annual Scholarship
      • FAA Grant Scholarship – Private Pilot
      • Other Aviation Scholarships
  • Accelerated Airline Pilot Program
    • Professional Pilot Course
    • First Steps
      • Sling Pilot Academy vs. 4 Year School
      • Prerequisites
      • Financing
      • Enroll Now – Academy
      • Enrollee Requirements
      • Airline Pilot Career
    • Next Inductions
    • Schedule a Tour / Intro Flight
  • International Students
    • International Programs
    • International First Steps
      • International Prerequisites
      • International Enrollee Requirements
    • Schedule a Virtual Zoom Tour
  • Individual Ratings
    • Individual Courses
      • Private Pilot
    • High School Programs
    • Free Online Ground School
    • Club Student Requirements
    • Hourly Rates
  • FAQs
  • About Us
    • Safety
    • Careers
    • Our Team
    • Our Aircraft
      • Sling NGT
      • Sling TSi
      • Super Decathlon
      • Tecnam P2006T Twin
      • Redbird Flight Simulators
    • Our Locations
      • Torrance, CA Location (KTOA)
        • KTOA Webcam
      • Long Beach, CA Location (KLGB)
      • Santa Monica, CA Location (KSMO)
      • San Diego, CA Location (KSEE)
        • KSEE Webcam
    • Our Graduates
      • Past Students
    • Partnerships / Affiliations
      • SkyWest Airlines
      • ASU
    • DPEs – click here
    • Community
      • Mission Statement
      • Current Events
      • Community Citizenship
      • Airport Noise Reduction
      • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Enrollments
    • Schedule a Tour/Intro Flight
    • Enroll Now – Academy
    • Enroll Now – Club
    • Scholarships
      • Sling $20,000 Annual Scholarship
      • FAA Grant Scholarship – Private Pilot
      • Other Aviation Scholarships

Accommodation

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Do you offer accommodation or housing?

Sling Pilot Academy offers several accommodation options 5 minutes away from Torrance Airport. Student housing apartments and houses come fully-furnished and each student will be provided with a twin size bed, mattress and mattress cover. Students will be responsible for providing their own bedding. Washing of bedding will be the responsibility of the student. Billing for housing will be weekly in advance.   Los Angeles Locations: Price is $250 per week, for a shared room. Price is $450 per week, for own room. San Diego Location: Price is $225 per week, for a shared room. Price is $425 per week, for own room.   A $250 security deposit will be collected at start.  

A look inside our housing…

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Course Details

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Using a Light-Sport Aircraft for Private, Instrument and Commercial Certificates?

Contrary to some legacy flight training thinking, Light-Sport Aircraft can in fact be used for both training and testing for the following ratings: Private Pilot ASEL, Instrument Airplane, CFI, CFII.

Breaking it down, here are some good reasons to get these ratings in a Sling LSA:

Great for Stick and Rudder Skill

Basic “stick and rudder” skill has (specifically the lack thereof) has been called out in many aviation accidents, including accidents with passenger airliners. The FAA and NTSB have identified shortcomings in basic pilot skill as contributors to quite a few incidents and accidents. The increase in the level of automation has played a part in this. Slings are ‘stick and rudder’ airplanes – they are stable and well-harmonized, but they require better positive aircraft control to be flown well, compared to legacy flight training airplanes such as the Cessna 172. The Cessna is a great platform for stable flight training, and can even forgive some imperfect landing approaches, whereas the Sling demands more finesse and “stick and rudder” skill. These are skills the FAA wants:

Ref: https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-wants-action-on-declining-pilot-skills/

Instrument Training in LSA’s

LSA’s, like the IFR-equipped Sling NGT, can be used for all Instrument training and for the Instrument checkride. The only reason they cannot be flown in actual IMC is that the ASTM Standards that LSA’s are designed to do not at this time have a standard for equipment for flight into IMC. This is in the works. As an aside, with the success of the ASTM standards process, the FAA has been working towards a similar process with its FAR Part 23 Certificate for small airplanes.

At Sling Pilot Academy you can get all your flight experience in actual IMC in our IFR-Certified Tecnam P2006T Twins. And, since flight training and your flight experience en route to the airlines is going to be more risky than flying for the airlines itself, getting your IMC time at this stage in a twin is not a bad idea. The airlines fly with at least 2 engines.

Ref: https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/lsasport/lsa-instrument-training/

Commercial Training in LSA’s: Technically Advanced Airplanes (TAA’s)

Keeping up with the times, the FAA recently (in 2018) changed the Commercial Pilot Requirement for 10 hours of “Complex” time to include training in a “Technically Advanced Airplane”. The FAA understands that managing systems (whether it be a landing gear control or a complex avionics system with an autopilot) teaches a pilot to cope with complexity that can be transferred to other complex airplane systems. So, since the Sling NGT is a TAA, a pilot can receive all the training and take the Commercial Pilot checkride in the Sling NGT.

At Sling Pilot Academy we introduce our pilots to the gear lever when they transfer to multi-engine training in our Tecnam P2006T Twins.

Ref: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/operations/technically-advanced-airplanes

Conclusion

Training in a Sling NGT meets all the requirements for Airplane Single-Engine Land Certificates, makes you a better stick-and-rudder pilot, costs a lot less and is more fun!

 

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How much does the course cost?

We have 2 courses, one starting from Zero Time and one Starting from a Private Pilot Certificate with at least 80 hours of total time.

Prices are here: https://www.slingpilotacademy.com/professional-pilot-course/

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Course Requirements

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What age do I need to be to join the Academy?

 

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a First Class Airman’s Medical Certificate

More here: https://www.slingpilotacademy.com/prerequisites/

 

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What is the maximum height and weight allowed to join the Academy?

Due to aircraft limitations, students taller than 6’3″ or weighing more than 220 lbs may not be able to train at SPA.

More here: https://www.slingpilotacademy.com/prerequisites/

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Foreign Students

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TSA Instructions (KSEE)

These instructions for for Sling Pilot Academy San Diego Location (at Gillespie Airport – KSEE).
Please click here if you intend to attend our Los Angeles Location (at Torrance Airport – KTOA).

The TSA requires all non-citizen flight students to go through a brief background check before starting their FAA Initial, Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings (not for other ratings). This should only take 2 weeks to complete, but must be done before flight training begins. You do not have to do this before your intro flight, though.

Start this application as soon as possible by creating a new candidate account on the top right:
https://fts.tsa.dhs.gov/
·         School: American Aviation Academy (our Corporate name for our KSEE location)
·         Put a year down for your total estimated training time.
·         Course name: “Initial” or “Instrument Rating” or “Multi-Engine Rating“
·         Course number: “1” (Initial/Private), “2” (for Instrument), “3” (for Multi-Engine)
·         Category: 3
·         Our aircraft type is a Sling LSA (for Initial and Instrument) or Tecnam P2006T (for Multi-Engine)
Please bring your passport to your first lesson so we may take a copy. We will also take a photograph of you when you first arrive for our records.
Note: for Academy Students joining our 6-month or 9-month full-time program, create a training request for all 3 courses (Initial, Instrument, Multi-Engine) with your initial TSA application, since you will do all ratings within a year (and that is the length given by the TSA when granting a training request).
More information on the application process is here: https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home/help?view=c&tab=APPLICATION_GUIDE. Note that you will get several messages from TSA requesting documents and providing instructions. It is imperative that you read these emails carefully and follow all instructions. You will be required to pay fees to TSA as well as get fingerprinted during the process.

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TSA Instructions (KTOA)

These instructions for for Sling Pilot Academy Los Angeles Location (at Torrance Airport – KTOA).
Please click here if you intend to attend our San Diego Location (at Gillespie Airport – KSEE).
The TSA requires all non-citizen flight students to go through a brief background check before starting their FAA Initial, Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings (not for other ratings). This should only take 2 weeks to complete, but must be done before flight training begins. You do not have to do this before your intro flight, though.
Start this application as soon as possible by creating a new candidate account on the top right:
https://fts.tsa.dhs.gov/
·         School: Sling Flying Club.
·         Put a year down for your total estimated training time.
·         Course name: “Initial” or “Instrument Rating” or “Multi-Engine Rating“
·         Course number: “1” (Initial/Private), “2” (for Instrument), “3” (for Multi-Engine)
·         Category: 3
·         Our aircraft type is a Sling LSA (for Initial and Instrument) or Tecnam P2006T (for Multi-Engine)
Please bring your passport to your first lesson so we may take a copy. We will also take a photograph of you when you first arrive for our records.
Note: for Academy Students joining our 6-month or 9-month full-time program, create a training request for all 3 courses (Initial, Instrument, Multi-Engine) with your initial TSA application, since you will do all ratings within a year (and that is the length given by the TSA when granting a training request).
More information on the application process is here: https://www.fts.tsa.dhs.gov/home/help?view=c&tab=APPLICATION_GUIDE. Note that you will get several messages from TSA requesting documents and providing instructions. It is imperative that you read these emails carefully and follow all instructions. You will be required to pay fees to TSA as well as get fingerprinted during the process.

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I have an existing foreign Private Pilot License – does this count?

FAA Validation of Foreign Certificate

A straight FAA validation of a foreign PPL is quite easy and requires some paperwork and a meeting at a US FAA FSDO. This results in an FAA Private Pilot certificate ‘issued on the basis of a foreign certificate’ (regardless of whether the foreign certificate has higher ratings). This certificate requires the foreign Pilots License to be maintained as valid. Instructions are here:
https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/foreign_license_verification/

Adding Ratings and joining our Accelerated Course

If the holder of the Foreign Pilot License has an Instrument Rating it is possible to add Instrument Privileges to the FAA Certificate based on a Foreign Certificate simply by completing an FAA Instrument Knowledge Test. However, this does not qualify for Instrument Privileges towards a US Commercial Pilot Certificate. If the intention is to take a US Commercial Checkride to have a Certificate not based on a foreign certificate (required for ratings like Commercial, CFI, etc), then a full US Instrument Rating needs to be added to the FAA Private Certificate based on a Foreign Certificate by taking an FAA Instrument Knowledge Test AND FAA Checkride for the Instrument Rating. Then, you can begin to prepare for the Commercial Rating. For this you need to meet the experience requirements (log flight training in the areas required) and study/prepare for and take the the FAA Commercial Knowledge Test and Practical (oral/flight) Test with an FAA examiner or Designated Pilot Examiner. Luckily, most/all of your logged foreign time counts towards the Commercial requirements.

Sling Pilot Academy can help you through this process, which would look like this:

  • Help you through the process of getting TSA approval to take flight training in the USA (if a foreign citizen)
  • Review your foreign training record and determine what FAA certificate requirements still need to be met (for example Night training not received/logged)
  • Assist you in preparation for the FAA Instrument Knowledge Test (computer test)
  • Assist you with ground training covering all knowledge areas required for the Oral Test, including FAA Aviation Regulations
  • Provide flight training in preparation of the Practical Tests, getting you familiar with the aircraft, the airspace and going over all maneuvers in the Airmen Certification Standards
  • Scheduling Practical Tests with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner

A Foreign Pilot who obtains an FAA Private Pilot Certificate based on a Foreign Pilot Certificate and has at least 80 hours of total time would be well-suited to join our 6-month Accelerated Program (“from Private”).

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Do I need to be a US Citizen to join the Academy?

In order to join the Academy you need to be legally in the US and authorized to study. A current US Passport or US Birth Certificate is required, or if a foreign Citizen, a Permanent Resident card or a Visa that allows study.

Foreign Citizens require a quick TSA background check approval (normally takes 2 weeks).

At our San Diego, CA (KSEE) location we are able to issue I-20’s to International Students that go towards the issuance of an M-1 Student Visa.

 

More here: https://www.slingpilotacademy.com/prerequisites/

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Must I be able to speak English to join the Academy?

In order to obtain an FAA Airmen Certificate you must be able to fluently speak, read, write and understand the English language.

More here: https://www.slingpilotacademy.com/prerequisites/

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Medical Requirements

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Is a Medical Certificate Required?

Make sure you can qualify for a First Class Airman’s Medical Certificate.

If you are serious about a career as a commercial pilot, you must first make sure that you are in a position to pass a first class medical.  The medical is performed by an Aeromedical Examiner (AME). You can find an AME near you at http://faa.gov/pilots/amelocator . Once you have found an AME you can complete the initial portion of the application at http://medxpress.faa.gov (FAA MedXpress).  Note: Please ensure your name on your medical certificate matches your drivers license exactly.

Important Medical Note: certain medical conditions and medications are disqualifying. Please educate yourself to ensure you do not have a medical condition, psychiatric disorder, or take medication that could render you unable to earn a First Class Medical (required to be an airline pilot). Ref: FAA Disqualifying Conditions; FAA Disqualifying Medications; AOPA Medical Resources.

 

More here: https://www.slingpilotacademy.com/prerequisites/

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Our Locations
+1-424-250-0648

Torrance, CA (KTOA):
3401 Airport Dr., Torrance, CA 90505

Long Beach, CA (KLGB):
4150 Donald Douglas Dr. #A, Long Beach, CA 90808

Santa Monica, CA (KSMO):
3159 Donald Douglas Loop S, Santa Monica, CA 90405

San Diego, CA (KSEE):
2035 N Marshall Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

Find us on:

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‼️ Latest Accomplishments at Sling ‼️ Con ‼️ Latest Accomplishments at Sling ‼️

Congratulations to:

1. Alexander for passing your Commercual check ride! 
2. Bailey for becoming a CFI! 
3. Yusuke for getting your MEI!
4. Wyatt for passing your Instrument check ride!
5. Yun for passing your PPL check ride!
6. Troy for passing your Instrument check ride!
7. Tanner for passing your PPL check ride!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #losangeles #california #flightraining #learntofly #airplanelovers #instaaviation #instapilot #whyifly #flysocal #commercialpilotlicense 
#commercialpilottraining #aopa
#becomeapilot #multiengine
#multienginetraining #flightschools
#flightschoolsusa #pilotschool 
#pilotstudent #pilotintraining
#aviationtraining #slingngt
🥳 Latest Accomplishments at Sling 🥳 Congrat 🥳 Latest Accomplishments at Sling 🥳

Congratulations to:

1. Neil for becoming a CFII!
2. Nelson for passing your PPL check ride!
3. Noah for passing your Instrument check ride!
4. Omair for passing your Instrument check ride!
5. Parker for becoming a Commercial Multi-Engine pilot!
6. Rob for getting your MEI! 
7. Samuel for passing your PPL check ride!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #losangeles #california #flightraining #learntofly #airplanelovers #instaaviation #instapilot #whyifly #flysocal #commercialpilotlicense 
#commercialpilottraining #aopa
#becomeapilot #multiengine
#multienginetraining #flightschools
#flightschoolsusa #pilotschool 
#pilotstudent #pilotintraining
#aviationtraining #slingngt
* Latest Accomplishments at Sling! * Congratulati * Latest Accomplishments at Sling! *

Congratulations to:

1. Laura for passing your Instrument check ride!
2. Katie for becoming a CFI!
3. Leroy for passing your PPL check ride!
4. Kaz for passing your PPL check ride!
5. Miso for passing your Commercial check ride!
6. Leah for becoming a CFII!
7. Kyle for passing your Commercial check ride!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #losangeles #california #flightraining #learntofly #airplanelovers #instaaviation #instapilot #whyifly #flysocal #commercialpilotlicense 
#commercialpilottraining #aopa
#becomeapilot #multiengine
#multienginetraining #flightschools
#flightschoolsusa #pilotschool 
#pilotstudent #pilotintraining
#aviationtraining #slingngt
Sling Pilot Academy is now at the Santa Monica Air Sling Pilot Academy is now at the Santa Monica Airport! Watch our YouTube video now live on our channel as we take you on a tour of our new location!

#slingpilotacademy
#ksmo
#santamonica
#santamonicaairport
#aviation
#pilot
#pilotschool
More congratulations are in order! Congratulation More congratulations are in order!

Congratulations to:

1. Ian for passing your Instrument check ride!
2. James for completing your first solo!
3. Jeff for becoming a CFI! 
4. Josh for becoming a CFI!
5. Kate for becoming a CFII!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #losangeles #california #flightraining #learntofly #airplanelovers #instaaviation #instapilot #whyifly #flysocal #commercialpilotlicense 
#commercialpilottraining #aopa
#becomeapilot #multiengine
#multienginetraining #flightschools
#flightschoolsusa #pilotschool 
#pilotstudent #pilotintraining
#aviationtraining #slingngt
We have so many reasons to celebrate here at Sling We have so many reasons to celebrate here at Sling!

Congratulations to:

1. Danya for becoming a CFII!
2. Darrell for completing your first solo!
3. David for passing your Instrument check ride!
4. Doug for becoming a CFII!
5. Evan for becoming a CFI!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #losangeles #california #flightraining #learntofly #airplanelovers #instaaviation #instapilot #whyifly #flysocal #commercialpilotlicense 
#commercialpilottraining #aopa
#becomeapilot #multiengine
#multienginetraining #flightschools
#flightschoolsusa #pilotschool 
#pilotstudent #pilotintraining
#aviationtraining #slingngt
Sling has had a lot of accomplishments lately! C Sling has had a lot of accomplishments lately! 

Congratulations to:

1. Amiyah for becoming a CFI!
2. Barrett for passing your Commercial check ride!
3. Bo for becoming a CFI!
4. Chasmyn for passing your Instrument check ride!
5. Chloe for passing your Commercial check ride!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #losangeles #california #flightraining #learntofly #airplanelovers #instaaviation #instapilot #whyifly #flysocal #commercialpilotlicense 
#commercialpilottraining #aopa
#becomeapilot #multiengine
#multienginetraining #flightschools
#flightschoolsusa #pilotschool 
#pilotstudent #pilotintraining
#aviationtraining #slingngt
In this video, CFI Dominic Dee from Sling Pilot Ac In this video, CFI Dominic Dee from Sling Pilot Academy shares key tips and guidance to help student pilots successfully complete their first solo flight. From pre-solo preparation to in-flight procedures, we cover what instructors are looking for and how to approach this major milestone with confidence.

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #pilotlife #pilotshortage #airlinepilot #pilotlifestyle #pilottraining #SlingNGT #learntofly #sling #flighttraining #aviation #rotax #airplane #avgeek #avporn #flying #flywithaopa #eaa #whyifly #commercialpilot #multiengine #aviationnerd #airline #airlines #instapilot
Sling Pilot Academy is officially landing at Santa Sling Pilot Academy is officially landing at Santa Monica Airport!  Join us as we celebrate the opening of our brand-new location with the Sling Whisper, special guests, and more. Come see where future pilots take off! 
#SlingPilotAcademy #GrandOpening #SantaMonicaAirport #FuturePilots #LearnToFly
CFI Garrett Lang and students Mike Theodorakis & K CFI Garrett Lang and students Mike Theodorakis & Kate Ciernia took to the skies in a Sling TSi, heading to Sun 'n Fun for some serious aviation vibes. Blue skies, good company, and a whole lot of lift! 
#slingpilotacademy #pilot #pilotlife #pilotshortage #airlinepilot #pilotlifestyle
#pilottraining #slingngt #learntofly #sling #flightraining #aviation #rotax #airplane #avgeek #flying #flywithaopa #eaa #whyifly #commercialpilot #firstsolo #solo #aviationschool #pilotschool #flightschool
FLY GOOD. DON’T SUCK. We are heartbroken by th FLY GOOD. DON’T SUCK. 

We are heartbroken by the passing of Rob Holland — a longtime friend of Sling Pilot Academy, a world-class aviator, and a shining example of excellence, discipline, and passion in aviation. Rob’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of pilots. Blue skies and tailwinds, Rob. You were the GOAT.
Pilot students Javier and Zachary took flight from Pilot students Javier and Zachary took flight from Torrance, California all the way to Lakeland, Florida for the epic Sun 'n Fun event! 
Cross-country challenges, stunning skies, and unforgettable moments — this was more than just a flight, it was a journey of passion, learning, and pure aviation adrenaline.

#StudentPilots #SunNFun2025 #AviationLife #CrossCountryFlight #PilotJourney #FromCaliToFlorida #FutureCaptains
Huge congrats Austin for reaching Private Pilot! Huge congrats Austin for reaching Private Pilot!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #pilotlife #pilotshortage #airlinepilot #pilotlifestyle
Congrats Alli for passing your ASEL IR! #slingpil Congrats Alli for passing your ASEL IR!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #pilotlife #pilotshortage #airlinepilot #pilotlifestyle
Look at our beautiful Irish Sling, the perfect rid Look at our beautiful Irish Sling, the perfect ride for Irish Justin O' Bryne who passed his commercial check ride! Congrats!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #pilotlife #pilotshortage #airlinepilot #pilotlifestyle
Congrats to Luke for passing your commercial check Congrats to Luke for passing your commercial check ride!

#slingpilotacademy #pilot #pilotlife #pilotshortage #airlinepilot #pilotlifestyle
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