United Flight Systems

Not just a pilot, not just an instructor — Rangely Fernandez is now certified to teach in the clouds.

Earning a CFII is no small feat. It means mastering every inch of instrument flight and then learning to break it all down for others. Rangely put in the work, passed the checkride, and came out the other side with the credentials to guide the next generation of IFR pilots.

Couldn't have done it without the mentorship of Brian Rose — well done, and thank you.

Wheels up on an amazing new chapter, Rangely. ✈️

One checkride stood between Jacob O'Leary and a Private Pilot certificate — and they absolutely crushed it. 🛫

The Private Pilot is where every aviation story truly begins — the cert that opens up the sky and turns a dream into a destination. The dedication it takes to reach this milestone is no small thing, and Jacob brought it every single day of training.

None of this happens without Ross Hornback — the instruction, the preparation, and the confidence to climb in and own the moment. Incredible work to both of them.

Wheels up on an incredible future, Jacob — welcome to the UFS pilot family!

Gauges, glideslopes, and grit. ✈️

Tyler Hanna just earned their Instrument Rating — a certification that takes real discipline to achieve. It means holding precise altitudes, flying published approaches to minimums, and trusting the instruments even when instincts say otherwise. Tyler put in every bit of that work and nailed the checkride.

A well-earned nod to Josh Sizemore, CFI, CFII — whose expert instruction and steady coaching made all the difference from the first lesson to the final clearance.

IMC or VMC — Tyler Hanna is ready for whatever the sky brings next.

Today we celebrate the man behind United Flight Systems — Happy Birthday, Bobby Doss! 🎂✈️

He may not be 19 anymore, but one perk of being the boss? N1919U is yours whenever the schedule clears. Here's to the instructor, the leader, and the pilot who keeps us all flying higher.

Wishing you a year full of clear skies, smooth landings, and plenty of time in the left seat, Bobby! 🎉

Five years in, and we're just getting started. ✈️

United Flight Systems is proud to celebrate 5 years as a Liberty University Flight Training Affiliate — and what a ride it's been. Over 100 Liberty students have launched their aviation careers right here with us, logging hours, earning ratings, and chasing their dreams one flight at a time.

Liberty's commitment to equipping the next generation of aviators lines up perfectly with everything we stand for at UFS. This partnership has made a real impact — on our students, our instructors, and our community — and we couldn't be more grateful for it.

Here's to the next five years… and to picking up that 10-year award before we know it. 🏆

The sky has this way of making everything else look small. Wingtip out, worries gone. That's the deal we made with aviation.

📸 Photo by Royce Howley

Know what it feels like to take off, fly the pattern, and land with nobody in the right seat? Dylan Thompson does — as of May 25th. 🛩️

First solo logged. That's the moment the hours of training, the radio calls, the pattern work — all of it — clicks into place. And Dylan delivered.

Tip of the wings to Kevin Hunter, CFI, CFII for knowing when this student was ready and stepping aside to let it happen. That's trust earned through great instruction.

First solo in the books, Dylan — the logbook only gets more interesting from here.

Freedom isn't free — and today, we take a moment to honor those who paid the ultimate price for it. 🇺🇸

To every service member who gave their life in defense of this country — thank you. Your courage and sacrifice made it possible for the rest of us to live, love, and yes, fly freely.

United Flight Systems honors your service today and every day. 🙏

One pilot. One plane. Zero instructors. ✈️

That's what Craig Freeman did on May 24th — took to the skies completely solo for the very first time. First solo is a milestone every aviator remembers for the rest of their life, and Craig absolutely delivered.

Shoutout to Kevin Hunter, CFI, CFII for putting in the hours of instruction and knowing exactly when their student was ready to fly alone. That trust in a student means everything.

Can't wait to see where this takes you, Craig — the sky is just the beginning!

FLASHBACK to Episode 28 — our own Bobby Doss goes straight to the community for this one.

Listener questions from the early days of Behind the Prop — still as relevant today as they were when this episode first aired. Training tips, real talk from the cockpit, and the honest answers you'd expect from Bobby.

Have a question? Bobby's been answering them for years. 🎧

🔗 https://www.behindtheprop.com/episodes/e028-listener-questions