Students able to navigate sky

Observing an aerial view of campus while flying over JMU explains just one of the experiences two students acquired during an introductory flying lesson at the Shenandoah Aviation Center.

Tom Osinkosky, manager of Shenandoah Aviation Center in Weyers Cave, said a first-time flying experience should give you a realistic feeling of what it is like to be a pilot.

"[The lesson] shouldn’t just simply be an air ride; the person should have their hands on the controls," Osinkosky said. "It introduces what its like to actually pilot an airplane."

He said flying is a good way to gain self-confidence and a sense of pride.

"It gives people a feeling of self-worth. They have accomplished something that many people haven’t done," Osinkosky said. "There are people that simply want to fly for the challenge and responsibility — it’s something different, but not for everyone."

Senior Brian McGinty and junior Beth Chenoweth took the introductory flying lesson at the beginning of this semester, and currently are enrolled in the ground school offered by the center.

The ground school is a seven-week class that meets once a week for three hours and prepares students for a written exam, one of the required components to receive a private pilot license. Both McGinty and Chenoweth are planning to get their private pilot license.

McGinty said he spends about six hours a week at the airport and an additional three hours for the class. He hopes to complete the program by April.

"I would say if you are interested, it is a great program, and they really get involved with people on an individual basis," McGinty said.

Chenoweth recalls her introductory flying lesson. "The instructor told me to fly up I-81 … We flew over D-hall. It was a really cool view from up high to see the new stadium and everything," Chenoweth said. "The lesson was the best experience of my life by far, and it was something that I didn’t realize how much I’d like it."

Chenoweth said the introductory flight lesson is a great idea because there is no commitment. "If you are even thinking about doing it, just try it — it can’t hurt," she said.

For more information on Shenandoah Aviation Center, visit www.SASpilot.com.