Private Pilot

Flight student and CSULB senior Erin Erickson, above left, tests the Cessna 172 fuel level as part of a pre-flight security checklist, while above right an aerial view of Cal State Long Beach is provided as Erickson passes over the campus during her lesson.

Aviation West Flight School Inc. offers lessons and aircraft rentals seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Long Beach Airport.

Former Cal State Long Beach student and flight instructor Paris Hollis started taking lessons at Aviation West during his freshman year at CSULB.
 

Dusk at Long Beach Airport after the day's lessons are over appears even more blue and serene when photographed with special Tungsten slide film.

"I got bored of school and I came here to start taking lessons," Hollis said. "Since then I have been totally into it."

Hollis  will graduate from Orange Coast College in May, receiving his professional pilot certificate.

Aviation West also offers a 30-minute introductory lesson.

"We take you out for half an hour. We let you take off, fly the plane, land, do everything," Hollis said. The first couple of lessons are a little uncomfortable for some people, he added, but after a while it becomes natural, just like driving a car.

"Introductory lessons are a good way to see if you are interested and get a feel of what flying is all about, but I can tell that whoever starts it pretty much stays," Hollis said.

Instructor Paris Hollis, right, a former CSULB student, communicates via radio headset with both his student and the airport tower. Above, student and teacher check the instrument panel while in flight over the city of Long Beach during Erickson's  lesson.

CSULB senior Erin Erickson, 22, is working toward her private pilot certificate and said she has flown about 10 hours.

"I am on my way to soloing and I'll be able to fly by my self," Erickson said. "I'm very excited. I can't wait to get my license so I can fly my dad's plane."

"Flying is a learning experience and it's fun at the same time," Hollis said.