Student Pilot Completes Solo Coast-To-Coast Flight

Tuesday, July 12, 1994 - Jimmy Mathis landed today at Long Beach, California after completing a 2,500 nautical mile solo cross country flight which began in Ocean City, Maryland on June 30,1994.  The significance of the flight is that is was conducted "solo" according to the Federal Aviation Regulations [FAR 61.87 (a)] - Jimmy was the sole occupant of the aircraft.  The regulations also prohibit anyone from operating an airplane in solo flight unless they are at least 16 years old [FAR 61.83 (a)]; Jimmy turned 16 years old on February 17, 1994.  In fact, his first solo occurred on his 16th birthday!  Jimmy was introduced to flying when he was 10 years old by a teacher at his elementary school.  His interest continued and for his 15th birthday, his parents bought him a 3 hour introductory package.  That was just the beginning for Jimmy


 
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