FMA Solo 2026 – FMA Solo Program

My Review of the Bose A20 Aviation Headset

Over the past month, I’ve been able to use my new Bose A20 headset for my flight lessons, which was provided to me by FMA since Bose is one of FMA’s generous sponsors. In this post, I’d like to highlight the quality of the A20 headset and why I’d recommend it to anyone looking to get a headset.

Firstly, the headset comes with a compact carrying case that has a handle and pocket to store the included stereo audio cable. It is made of lightweight, abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon, making it sturdy while not weighing much. Also included are cable clothing clips to better secure the headset cables in the flight deck and an auxiliary audio cable.

Secondly, the headset provides a comfortable and adjustable fit. The padding on the top of the headset is attached using Velcro for easy cleaning and replacement. Each of the ear cushions are also removable and, in my opinion, extremely comfortable while blocking out lots of noise even when the headset is off. Compared to other conventional aviation headsets, the A20 has 30% less clamping force, which makes it much more comfortable for pilots while staying secure during flight.

Lastly, I’d like to spotlight the excellent sound quality and audio control module with Bluetooth device connectivity. The headset’s active noise reduction combined with its active audio equalization creates very crisp and clear audio. Below is the audio control module. At the top of the module, it has two separate volume knobs to adjust the volume for either ear separately. The module also controls the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows the headset to connect to a personal device such as an iPad or cell phone to play music or take calls. Located at the bottom of the control module, there is a switch for secondary audio prioritization to either mute secondary audio when receiving a communication or to mix the two audio sources.

Overall, the Bose A20 aviation headset is one of the highest quality aviation headsets in the market. Speaking from personal experience, it has excellent audio quality, is made from light and strong materials, has a great fit that you don’t even notice during flight, and contains multiple unique features and accessories such as the included clothing clips and carrying case. Thanks again to Bose for sponsoring FMA and making it possible for me to get one of these wonderful headsets!

My first Flight Hours & Solo at Johnson Flight Academy!

Hey everyone! This past week, I had the opportunity to attend one of Civil Air Patrol’s most sought-after flight academies—Johnson Flight Academy—in Mattoon, Illinois. During the week, 17 other student pilots and I were paired with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable CFIs. My own CFI at the academy is currently an executive pilot out of Metro Detroit who was also a pit percussionist in DCI back when he was in high school. Below is a picture of him and me after graduation.

At the beginning of the week, we had a lot of bad weather, including a tornado warning on the first full day, so we weren’t able to fly until late on the second day, which was when I got my first lesson. Before that, my wingman and I had to learn how to preflight the aircraft along with some ground school work during the bad weather. In my first lesson, I learned how to start the engine, taxi, conduct run-up procedures, complete my first take off, and perform basic aerial maneuvers.

On the second day of flying, I got three lessons to work on steep turns, power-on stalls, power-off stalls, S-turns, utilizing the G1000 and autopilot, along with introductory pattern work. Here are some more fun photos from that day with a great view of the sunset.

The day after that, I did a lot more pattern work plus some refinements on my final approach, level out, and flair. I didn’t get as much time since we had to take the aircraft for an oil change for a few hours, but I still was able to get my pre-solo endorsement at around 8 hours. I even made it on the news after doing an interview with a local station; exciting stuff!

Unfortunately, we only had one more day for flying since bad weather was rolling back in, so I had to pack in a lot more time in the pattern to work more on smoothing out my landings. At the end of the day after finishing a few more patterns, my instructor hopped out of the 172 on the ramp and told me to go do it again without him. He signed my log book with my solo endorsement at 10 flight hours and I was on my way for one last pattern for the week, this time on my own. I am very excited to say that my solo went amazing and that my instructor got a great video of my takeoff and landing. There’s also a video of me getting soaked by my fellow peers!

It was an amazing week thanks to the outstanding instructors, staff, and our hosts at Coles County Airport. I’ve got a few more pictures from our graduation ceremony at the end of the week.

A Warm Welcome from FMA & My USAFA Summer Seminar Experience

Hey everyone! I just wanted to give a huge thank you to Mr. Zapp and all of FMA’s sponsors for providing such an amazing welcome package for the Solo Award program. I’m so excited to put everything in there to use, from the flight bag to all the flight planning tools and study materials. I’m so blessed to have all of the support not only from the sponsors, but also from Mr. Zapp and Mr. Knight as amazing mentors. Also, a big thanks to Gleim for the FAA knowledge exam study materials and the navigational tools. Thanks again to all the sponsors, especially the following: Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, AOPA – Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, AviNation, Banterra Aircraft Fiancing, Bose Corporation, Cirrus Aircraft, Flying Eyes Optics, Gleim Aviation, Hartzell Propeller, Honda Power Equipment, Seaplane Pilots Association, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, and Voyage Air Guitars!

This past week, I traveled to Colorado Springs, CO, and had the amazing opportunity to participate in the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Summer Seminar program. I was in Bravo flight with 38 other rising high school seniors. In the flight, I got to be the Guidon Bearer to help guide the flight in drill and some chants. At the end of the week, we were awarded the best flight for falcon/team spirit!

It was a phenomenal experience being able to stay on the beautiful campus, participate in multiple leadership and team building activities, along with tours and presentations some of the academics majors, cadet clubs, and the three main aviation programs. I also enjoyed getting to learn more about the drum and bugle corps club in addition to the cadet led ensembles at USAFA. Getting to talk with multiple cadets there was very valuable for me as I got to see and hear how rewarding USAFA has been for them. I’m really hoping I’ll earn an appointment to the Academy in this next year to pursue my aviation and musical dreams. Here are a few photos of my time there at USAFA:

Hey Everyone! – Who I am

First of all, I’d like to thank the selection board and Mr. Zapp for the honor of this solo award. I cannot wait to use all this support to continue my ground school training and begin my flight lessons this summer. I’d also like to thank Mr. Knight for taking his time to mentor me as I start my flight training.

About Me

My name is Cameron Milleman and I am a Junior at Burris Laboratory School. I first got interested into flying through my uncle who is a pilot for Southwest Airlines. Later on when I was 11 years old I got introduced to Civil Air Patrol which I joined a year later. Civil Air Patrol really helped me to find in my love for the skies through my 5 orientation flights and an in-depth ground school/simulator course. After earning the Carl A. Spaatz Award and leading Indiana Wing’s Government Relations Program, I began striving to earn my private pilot’s license through Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet Wings program before I graduate high school.

Moving towards my musical experience, I started playing piano at the age of 5 with my brother then I picked up violin in 1st grade then eventually trumpet in 4th grade. After picking up trumpet, it became my primary focus for my musical education. In my time playing trumpet, I have earned two gold medals at State Solo and Ensemble, been selected for IMEA honor band twice, participated in two years of Junior All State band, and recently I started teaching trumpet lessons. This past month, my high school’s advanced wind ensemble got its first ever Group I gold rating for the Indiana State School Music Association’s band contest. This was very exciting for me as the trumpet section leader to become part of such a huge accomplishment for our ensemble.

In closing, I look forward to meeting all of you and hearing more from you about your flying and musical experiences while also getting any of your advice!

Best Wishes,
Cameron Milleman