Name: Adam Brement
Age: 34
Event: Solo
Where: Griffiss International Airport (RME), Rome, New York
Airplane: Cherokee 140
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I have been flying my entire life. I grew up around aviation, all thanks to my grandfather, Luigi Bottini. He owned and operated a flight school called Galaxy Aviation. I officially started logging hours back in 1992, but back then dating my high school sweetheart took priority over flying. I married my high school sweetheart, started a family, and am now the proud owner of Galaxy Aviation Flight School and Pilots Club.
Since taking over the reins of the flight school, I figured I should get serious about getting my license. On April 18, 2014, I finally got the opportunity to solo. What a surreal feeling. After all these years of flying with my grandfather (best friend) by my side, I was now about to be all by my lonesome. It was awesome. I took what seemed like an eternity to do my preflight check/runup, double-checking everything; I didn’t want to miss a thing. The tower cleared me for takeoff, and down Runway 15 I went. Takeoff went beautiful. I climbed to 1,500 feet, made a left traffic, and proceeded to fly the pattern. As I came around for my landing I had everything lined up and it was smooth. I did it! I talked to myself out loud through the whole thing, making sure not to forget anything. My grandfather is 80 years old and is my best bud. I know he couldn’t be prouder of my accomplishment.
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