NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Hewison Aviation operations manager Maura Hewison asked the Airport Commission to spread the word about the flight school's upcoming open house on Thursday, June 25.

 

"Tell your friends about it, spread the joy of the airport," she said Tuesday. "I hope you are as excited as I am. There will be snacks, pilots, and planes. All the fun things."

 

The open house runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the school's flight instructors, tour the new facility, and explore an aircraft. The event will also feature interactive experiences, including a flight simulator for guests interested in pilot training, as well as light refreshments and a raffle for a "Discovery Flight" valued at $399.

 

Speaking generally, Hewison, who is also serving as the airport's interim manager, said the flight school has injected some genuine positivity into the airport.

 

"I am really excited with all the things that have happened here," she said. "... We have had a lot of phone calls. As a flight school being here, things have been going well."

 

She said one student is already on their second flight, and the school just signed on a second student.

 

The flight school has been operating in the airport's administration building since September, but it has seen a significant increase in activity in recent months as the seasons changed. Hewison Aviation has three locations in New York State; the North Adams operation is its fourth. It offers private and commercial pilot training, as well as discovery flights, among other services.

 

The organization also provides services to the airport, including supplying its interim manager. Hewison said the school feels right at home in North Adams.

 

"The connections that I have made in the city have been incredible," she said. "So many people are really excited about the CPR we did to the airport."

 

She said as the flight school was being established, her first priority was to make the airport and the administrative building more welcoming.

 

"When I walked in here there was a Keurig and a can of Folgers," she said. "... Now you walk in and it is a welcoming environment. You can have coffee right now if you want. It is comfortable and inviting. I hope you are as enthusiastic as I am."

 

She underlined that she wants the airport to be a community meeting space where the flying community can thrive and grow.