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

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

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.

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

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!