LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Langley Aero Club hosted an open house April 24, sharing food, fun and flying with guests of all ages.
More than 50 guests enjoyed free food and drinks inside of a hangar at the east end of the flight line, where the club calls home. Instructor pilots provided 12 excited visitors with introduction flights, providing breath-taking views of Langley, Hampton and the surrounding watershed.
The club hosts the event biannually, giving prospective pilots and aviation enthusiasts a glimpse of the training and rental opportunities available.
"It was a great turnout. We're always glad to have visitors come over and see what we can offer them," said Mark Hartney, Aero Club chief instructor.
Hartney, a former B-52 pilot, said most of the instructor staff is military-trained, prior-service pilots, boasting more than 30 years combined experience in several ratings.
I
nstructors use four aircraft for the training courses; two Piper Aeros are used for commercial flight training, and a pair of Cessna 172 Skyhawks provides private flight and instrument training.
In addition to education, licensed pilots may rent the club's aircraft, as well as store their personal plane at the club for a fee. Members have access to the club at availability to fly at any time.
Interested in "getting your wings?" Call the
Langley Aero Club at 764-7486 to schedule an introduction flight and learn how to earn a private pilot or commercial certificate, instrument rating or certified flight instructor certificate.