Two-term Governor of Georgia Sonny Perdue has managed to add two significant aviation ratings to his commercial pilot certificate. On September 6th, the Governor took advantage of the Labor Day holiday and passed both the Helicopter Commercial and Helicopter Flight Instructor practical check rides.

An experienced 3000-hour Commercial Pilot, the Governor added a Private Helicopter rating in August of 2008. Since then he has worked with Ron Carroll of Blue Ridge Helicopters in Lawrenceville, GA to gain the skills necessary to accomplish these ratings.

Blue Ridge Helicopters, owned by Carroll, is a Robinson R44 service center and does training and 135 Charters in R44 Helicopters. Ron expects that the Governor will be starting his Helicopter Instrument training soon using Blue Ridge’s Frasca simulator as a training aid.

“Ron is a great instructor and Blue Ridge is a respected aviation company that we are proud to have in Georgia,” Governor Perdue said.

The Governor leaves office this January after two very busy terms. Now, with “Flight Instructor” stamped on his ticket, he has expanded his future options.