Ryan Kelly, Veteran, Wounded Warrior, Helicopter Pilot
Ryan Kelly, U.S. Military Veteran and Wounded Warrior, is now a Medevac Helicopter Pilot in Texas for PHI, Inc., despite being a below knee amputee. Kelly was recently featured on CBS news (video below), and is a former helicopter flight student and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-I) – Helicopters, at Guidance Aviation (formerly Guidance Helicopters). Kelly earned his CFI and CFI-I ratings while at Guidance Aviation in 2006 and worked as a CFI-I until August, 2007.
Training and Employing Veterans
Guidance Aviation is an FAA approved Part 141 and Part 61 helicopter flight training organization with flight operations in Prescott, Arizona and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The helicopter pilot school predominantly trains and employs U.S. Military Veterans who have earned Veterans’ benefits for post secondary education. During their helicopter flight training at Guidance Aviation, Veteran flight students acquire the necessary ratings and certificates to become working, professional helicopter pilots while earning their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree – Aviation Technology through the Guidance Aviation collegiate partner programs.
Guidance Aviation is a U.S. Military friendly organization, committed to continuous improvement and Training To A Higher Standard.
Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)
During his time at Guidance Aviation, Ryan Kelly received assistance from Guidance Aviation’s leadership in acquiring his “Statement of Demonstrated Ability” or “SODA” with the FAA. “At the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be granted, instead of an Authorization, to a person whose disqualifying condition is static or non-progressive and who has been found capable of performing airman duties without endangering public safety. A SODA does not expire and authorizes a designated Examiner to issue a medical certificate of a specified class if the Examiner finds that the condition described on the SODA has not adversely changed.” [SOURCE:FAA.gov- Read more on SODA]
Congratulations Mr. Kelly!
