Meeting new people is one of the best parts of my life. Not that I needed to meet these guys…read morerecently. I've known John since he was sack height on his dog. Its a big dog. John and Ken are aircraft mechanics, but I put them under local flavor because....well....damn. How many people could figure out how to cross a bicycle pump, a first aid kit, a keg-a-rator and a dodge pickup for 4x4 fun in the back mountains of Tahoe, and yes all pieces were attached to each other, and all were necessary to get home. These guys could build a helicopter out of a beer can, a rubber band, some duct tape (substitute gum at will), a duck decoy, and a helicopter. THEY'RE LIKE MacGYVER! Mike was telling me that they're allowed 1 take-off and landing in their driveway, and he talked some air-tractor pilot into letting him sky dive out of his plane. Freakin sweet. So I'm working on talking someone into letting me jump next. Seeing as my jump license is so far out of date, it seems like a good idea. If you have an old car that you want Frankensteined, as long as it has the potential to be cool, they might do that too.

This is July 7, 2025 and I went to Oakdale Municipal Airport a few days ago. I'm shocked. It looked…read morelike Golden Wings closed their facility. There were no aircraft behind it where they usually stored their 'training aircraft'. Their back door was usually open during business hours but it appeared to be closed. Their big sign in front was gone. For all intents and purposes they appeared closed for good. I saw 2 of their 'training aircraft' out on the Ramp, tied down, dirty, and appeared to be derelict aircraft, now. Sad. I was hoping they would stay and be a successful training facility. But alas, it appears that they failed and closed their facility. Does anyone else get the same impression, or have more information? When I tried to call them the phone automatically disconnected. After 4 attempts it became fairly obvious that their land-line is permanently disconnected.

Had an awesome discovery flight with Adam in The Red Coffin. My wife was a little bit scared in…read morethe back seat, but she's good Now. He told me about BasicMed, so I might be able to start flying again. Hope I can pass it. They have a very cool office and their 172 was priceless. Last time I flew something like that was in 1996 with Chuck Yeager (was a DC-3). I'm currently trying to renew my medical certificate, and when I do, I would love to fly with them. This company is real, and they will teach you how to fly anything! You don't get that from schools that make you use "technology" to teach real flying. Thank you Golden Wings!!!

AVOID this FBO! Do NOT come here if you need fuel. The credit card reader on the self-service pumps…read moreare broken and the FBO failed to answer any of a dozen calls to the main number OR the after hours number. I re-positioned to Castle airport to get fuel. GREAT service. Also heard Mcready FBO owner "Frank" was considering closing the FBO. Good! Please do. Huge disservice to pilots by pretending while doing FBO CosPlay.

Worst FBO on the planet. Kept aircraft for 11 months, billed over $10,000 and did nothing. Did not…read morereceive a work order, log entry . Even the supplied parts were never installed nor returned. He did return the plane and log books , that's something !! Avoid this place at all costs.