Terrorists Once Trained In Vegas Skies

Recent political events have inspired me to write about something I’d rather forget

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LAS VEGAS - A decade before 9 -11, I owned and operated the largest commercial flying school in Nevada. Based at McCarran International Airport, mcompany employed 12 instructor pilots, many who were retired airline captains. We specialized in training commercial and airline students, but offered a comprehensive private pilot’s course for those who wanted to learn to fly at the nation’s then-12th busiest airport. We also offered Grand Canyon air tours, aircraft sales, maintenance, and charter services. Our ground and flying courses were more expensive than those offered at smaller general aviation airports, but our students usually opted to pay the higher tuition to be trained by veteran military and airline instructor pilots in a professional environment. Many later took jobs as corporate jet pilots for the local casinos. As the company grew to include a fleet of 13 single and twin engine aircraft, I knew I would have to advertise internationally to keep the props turning and my employees happy. I placed display ads in two aviation publications, FLYING, and PILOT. Soon, the company began receiving calls from prospective students from Middle Eastern countries, mainly United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Libya, and Iran. More...