Friday, September 16, 2022
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I had the distinct pleasure to know & care for George during my instructing at AV-ED flight school, Leesburg, VA. Already a helicopter pilot we worked together on his Airplane Pilot Certificates. I soloed George in Tom Toth’s Cessna 172, N95595V in May of ‘99. He went on to get his Airplane Private pilot certificate with me in May of ‘08. The story of that airplane is interesting in that we flew it often, then it changed hands to Gary Sgarella who eventually sold it to my Private student Eric Orsborn here in Phoenix AZ where I now reside. I maintain it for Eric and still teach in that very same airplane 23 yrs later. George enjoyed our adventures with Gary in both 59V and his helicopter. Once George let me fly his helicopter to Fredrick for lunch together. Upon arrival some MD National Guard pilots were there with helicopters just like George’s. Incredulous that he had a helicopter just like theirs one pilot piped up and said, “that’s your personal helicopter?” Yep! George proudly replied. Upon which that pilot said, “will you adopt me!”
It’s was like that flying with George, Gary & Tom. Always lots of “Smiles per Gallon”. What a kind & generous role model he was to me and my other students. Rest in peace, my friend in your flight West.
