Thursday, February 28, 2013

Lunch

We have subway delivered to our flight planning room so we can grab a quick bite between flights.

Kirra

With my flight instructor Rebecca

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Mary Gao

Yesterday was the second day of the training. The weather was unfavorable in the morning. It was windy and wet, so we had ground school first. Mr. Lee taught us much information about how to read and understand the reports and forecasts. It was very instructive!

Fortunately, the sky turned clear in the afternoon:D

Let's go flying now!
Mary Gao

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

first flight lesson!

I went on my first everrrrrr flight lesson right after lunch the first day. It was a little windy, but really sunny out (love Florida weather). I did pre-flights, taxied a long way to runway 9, and took off (yayyy) with my instructor Rebecca. Flying was so fun, but also felt a little strange: I looked out the window and knew I was 2500ft off the ground, but somehow that reality hasn't quite sunk in yet. The first lesson was on basic ascending, descending and turning (probably the one thing i was good at...)--can't wait for my next flight already!

Day 1 - Jason


Today we arrived lakeland airport to start our very first flight training. Firstly, we met some of our instructors. They are all friendly and cheerful. Then, we visited the hangar which located next to the airport. The owner of the flight school shows some of his "babies" to us. All of them are older than 30 years old, But they are still flyable. In the afternoon, we kicked off our first flight training. However, the weather forecast said the weather is getting worse. Therefore, our flight instructors gave all of us a short introductory flight before the storm came. We all looking forward of tomorrow and keeping our finger cross-for a good weather tomorrow.

Jason Tao

Our Airplanes are Different

Our very first day flying was an extremely long yet valuable experience. There are vast differences between the Censa 150's and the Cherokees and Archers; the planes that we had come so used to flying. One of the largest differences was in the planes very structure. Censa 150's have high wings in comparison to the planes we fly in Great Barrington which are all low winged planes. This difference showed in the stability of the aircraft and tested our abilities at flying straight and level. Censa 150's are light airplanes who get bounced at the slightest cross breeze. Adjusting to this new sensation was smooth and on behalf of the entire Aviation crew down here I can say that it was truly exhilarating and magical!

Francesca Ghi

Flight planning

Kira and Michael checking their Florida aviation charts


Monday, February 25, 2013


Pre-flight on the ramp at Lakeland Airport on our first day



Sunday, February 24, 2013

Florida Bound

Kira and Mary on their way to medical and security clearance appointments to get ready for Florida. Note:  We think this might be the first "un-manned" flight of four in Berkshire History.  Also on the flight is Mr. Lee's daughter, Shannon enjoying some hang out time with some pilot girls. 




On the bus bound for BDL and our flight to TAMPA.



Thursday, February 21, 2013

Winter Flying Photography

When we go flying with Peggy and Mr. Lee, if we see something awesome, they will take the controls and let us snap a picture of whatever we want.  Here are some of my pictures from January/early February!  Enjoy :)
Salisbury Ski Jump
Berkshire School
Berkshire School
Waterfall
Twin Lakes

Thursday, February 14, 2013

A real treat

This is me (Kira von Steinbergs '13) after a flying lesson in the picture.

Getting to go fly every weekend is always the highlight of my week.  At the Walter J. Koladza airport (Great Barrington) we get to fly in Piper Cherokees or in Mr. Lee's Piper Archer.

Never could I have ever fathomed that I would be able to participate in a class that teaches me to fly airplanes.  It is an incredible experience and I would recommend this class to anyone that comes or is at the Berkshire School.  This is easily one of my favorite classes I have ever taken!

So far I have logged 6 hours and love every minute of it.  I definitely want to pursue my private pilot's license.  Also, I cannot wait for the Florida Pro Vita trip!  That is where for a whole week, some students are going down to Florida to fly everyday in wonderful weather!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Float Planes and Boats

I came across this video on youtube and thought it was a good representation of what to be well aware of when landing a float plane. As the boat is stationary, the FAA states that it has the right of way over a float plane, so if this collision had occurred it would have been the pilots fault. I also find the video hilarious.  

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Aviation At Berkshire School

Greetings.   I've created this blog to allow Aviation Students at Berkshire School to share pictures and stories about their experiences that capture their interest and tell of their adventures in the air.  Aviation has been a great part of my life and I'm grateful to be connected with such a great bunch of young aviators and sharing their journey.