Business - Business News

POSTED: Monday, Jul. 06, 2009

Bellingham flight school adds planes, instructors

Bellingham Aviation Services has recently added to its instructional staff and rental fleet to meet increased demand for pilot training.

"We're thrilled to offer our customers an expanding line of first-rate aircraft as well as increasing our base of experienced pilots and instructors," said Jeff Eriksen, chief flight instructor at BAS in a press release. "Whether you want to learn to fly, or simply want to enjoy a scenic tour of our remarkable surroundings, you now have two additional aircraft and two additional pilots to meet your needs."

BAS's new aircraft include the 2004 Diamond DA20, a fuel-efficient and two-seat trainer. The 1974 Cessna 172 Skyhawk has been upgraded with a more powerful engine and a tuned exhaust system yielding impressive performance and load hauling capability.

To accommodate the increased demand for pilot training, BAS hired Dennis Smith as flight instructor. Smith became a private pilot more than 30 years ago in Minnesota. After a move to Bellingham in 1978, he added experience and credentials while training at the Cascade Flight School.

At work in the BAS Avionics Department during the week, Mike Oppenheimer has begun to exercise his commercial pilot privileges as a scenic tour pilot on the weekends.

BAS is a full-service fixed-base operator located in Bellingham International Airport. BAS offers a wide range of services from fueling and flight instruction, to aircraft maintenance and concierge services. For details, call 676-7624.