On December 8, 2017 a United States Military Black Hawk UH-60L helicopter landed at the Murfreesboro Airport and parked at Murfreesboro Aviation. The Black Hawk is part of the Army National Guard B Co 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion based at McKellar Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson, TN. Piloting the aircraft was 1LT Tim Mathisen and CW4 Johnny Belisle. 1LT Mathisen recently came to Murfreesboro Aviation to earn his commercial rating in fixed-wing aircraft, adding to his many pilot ratings. On this day he brought his "other" car....so to speak!

"Murfreesboro Aviation supports our military and those who serve", said Gardner. He continued; "Our daily mission is to train and develop pilots. Many of our students and instructors are now flying with the airlines, military, or serving as corporate pilots serving general aviation. Having a Black Hawk on our ramp is a treat and motivating for our students to experience; but having the United States Military on our ramp, in any form, is an honor!"

The Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk is a four-bladed, twin-engine helicopter and has been used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard in operations at home and around the world. In addition to its mission of moving troops, the Black Hawk has been utilized for Command and Control missions, medevac/aeromedical, rescue missions, and even for stealth missions. Varying demands have precipitated different configurations and variants of the UH-60. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_UH-60_Black_Hawk). On December 8th, the mission was to maintain pilot currency and readiness.

Murfreesboro Aviation continues as the busiest privately-owned flight school in the state of Tennessee. In the past 4 years Murfreesboro Aviation has grown from a flight school to a maintenance and repair center, Cessna Authorized Service Center, avionics repair and installation facility, aircraft brokerage and acquisition services company, and FAA certificated part 135 charter operator.

BELOW: Pictured are 1LT Mathisen (Left) and CW4 Belisle (Right) with the door of the Black Hawk open.



Pictured here are 1LT Mathisen (left) and Jim Gardner. Gardner is owner of Murfreesboro Aviation and a United States Army Veteran himself, having served as an Armor Crewman and Tank Gunner in Saudi Arabia and Kuait.