Exciting thing for a retired Captain
to try:
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From: "Norm Houle" <livefreeandfly@metrocast.net>
Subject: FW: SAD DAY FOR GENERAL AVIATION
Dear Fellow Aviators,
I can produce all sorts of statistics that show the decline
of General Aviation. The aging pilots, the declining number of student pilots
and the low percentage of student pilots who actually end up obtaining their
license is widely known. Throw in the declining number of GA pilots, GA
airplanes, and the cost of fuel and on and on.
Every now and then, however, something happens close to home
that gives anecdotal meaning to this issue.
A few weeks ago I read in the latest addition of AOPA Pilot
magazine that Rochester Aviation KDAW in Rochester, NH, had been recognized as
one of the top 10 flight schools in the U.S. Not only that, but one of
their instructors had also been recognized as one of the top 10 instructors in
the U.S. This is no small feat as it requires current and previous students to
write to AOPA with their comments about the flight school they attended and
about their individual instructors.
The sad and very disappointing announcement below tells the
story. It once again makes it obvious that we as a group need to rally to the
aid of our airports, our FBO's, our flight schools, our control towers, pilot
shops and all the other aviation business in our area.
ROCHESTER AVIATION TO CEASE OPERATIONS AT SKYHAVEN AFTER
NOVEMBER 30 11-10-13: On November 4, Kelby Ferwerda sent an
announcement to Rochester Aviation's students and rental customers
informing them that R.A. will be ceasing operations after November 30,
2013. Since 2010, over 60 R.A. students have soloed and over 90 have
accomplished check rides and endorsements. Rochester Aviation suggests customers
with open accounts contact Nohea at nohea@flyskyhaven.com.
Students who have not completed their Private Pilot certificate are encouraged
to email Kelby at kelby@flyskyhaven.com for
referrals to alternative training options. Cessna 150 N448EM is offered
for sale.
The decision by Kelby was announced at the end of October in
a letter to the PDA. On November 4, Kelby notified his students and
rental customers.
Bottom line is that Kelby did not choose to continue the
flight school under the month to month office rental agreement he had with the
PDA, citing financial issues - too little return for the effort involved.
He says he is leaving aviation to go into project management oriented business.
Eric Obssuth, owner of Aero works, terminated his agreement
with 6 months advance notice to the PDA. He extended his stay to October
31, and will be moving to Louisville KY. He remains a good friend.
We will soon be announcing an agreement by a mechanic who will be operating out
of Hangar 5. I'll let you know as soon as it becomes official. We hope to
enlist a successor flight school at Skyhaven as soon as
possible. Regards, Peter
The New Hampshire Pilots Association has grown in the last
two years to 250 pilots and people involved in aviation. While we are
pleased with this growth, the truth is that there are many pilots out there who
have not heard of us or ones that simply have not bothered to join. We need to
round them all up and have them join our team. Keeping General Aviation
alive is important to all of us. Membership is free! Simply send them to our
siteWWW.NEWHAMPSHIREPILOTS.ORG
Fill out the" How To Join Form" and at the bottom click "pay by
mail" but don't send in a check. Pretty easy!
Fly Safe,
David DeVries President NHPA
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