Markus on one of his solo flights

Markus Stamm can be added to our growing rank of new private pilots. Markus and his wife Laura came to us seeking ground and flight instruction with the goal of becoming helicopter pilots. They started their instruction with our own Laura and were soon on their way. Markus quickly progressed, finishing his written test and breezing through his solo time. With Laura off to a new job Chris and Markus polished up his maneuvers in preparation for the check ride. After a thorough oral and flight exam he became the proud carrier of a newly minted private certificate. Since then he has already completed high altitude training in Arizona, begun training for his instrument and transitioned to some left seat flying. He is truly a hard working and driven learner. Congratulations from the team at NAFA.

Markus flying over Laconia

Fred and Anthony

We have been busy at NAFA over the last couple months. We would like to congratulate Fred Bedard who is another one of our newly rated private helicopter pilots. Fred is already a rated airplane pilot and came to us seeking to add a helicopter rating to his license. He has worked hard over the last few years and we all admire his dedication. Above he is pictured with his primary instructor Anthony at our Marlboro Airport location. Congratulations Fred!

A happy Chris Andrade following his CFII checkride

Chris Andrade recently completed his instrument instructor check ride. Chris has been working hard with us over the last few years in his quest to become a professional helicopter pilot. This is his fifth and final checkride so now he can breathe! He has spent the last few months diving back into instrument flying and teaching his instructor everything there is to know about VOR’s, NDB’s and the GPS. After a few more SFAR sign offs he will be on to the fun part, teaching others how to fly. Congratulations Chris from all of us at NAFA.

Jesiel and his flight instructor Steven

Congratulations to Jesiel DeOliveira, who recently obtained his private pilot certificate. Jesiel began his training with Laura and completed his written test before ever stepping foot in the helicopter. With that out of the way, Jesiel fast tracked his training. He was a constant fixture at the school flying nearly every day while still juggling his business and family. With Laura off to a new job, Jesiel finished up his training with Steven. With his newly minted certificate he soon took his wife and brother out for a joyride. I think they were pleased to see what he had been spending all his time on over the last few months. Now he is on to instrument and commercial training.

Jake had to take a break from training for a while but when he came back it was as if he never stopped flying at all. Our first flight back we did an off airport landing at his house in Plaistow.  Friends and family were over and everyone was excited to see the helicopter in the yard.

A couple months later and after his flight instructor hounded him to get his medical, study and take a few tests, he was ready.  Seventeen year olds do not like to be told what to do especially when it requires them to open a book!  After a check out with one of the other instructors it was time for him to solo the following week.  Jake was excited to solo and wanted to have everyone there he has ever met.  I explained that he would be a little nervous and it would be better that his mom and dad only be there with a few close friends.

The poor kid had to wait almost a month for good weather.  In perfect fashion, Jake soloed like a champ. He was having so much fun he lost count. “Ask Him”

This is Jakes idea of a small group of friends.

Jake is the youngest student that has soloed a helicopter at North Andover Flight Academy. Way to go buddy!!

Matt over the Quabbin Reservoir

Congratulations to Matt Shawver for recently passing his IFR checkride. We all appreciate his hard work and enthusiasm. Now he can shed the foggles and look outside again! Looking forward to commercial and CFI training.

Joe comes in for a perfect set down

Post solo smiles from Joe and Chris

Nice job Joe. We all appreciate your enthusiasm and hard work. Now it’s on to more solo and cross country flying. Congratulations from all of us here at NAFA!

Children from a lcoal Boys and Girls Club celebrated Christmas a little early this year. Thursday night, all 93 kids boarded a fleet of school busses, first escorted by a police car, and later joined by three fire engines. They arrived at the Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown shortly after sunset to see Santa circling overhead in one of NAFA’s helicopters. As the kids gathered to watch him land, Santa lined up his Robinson 44 on final and set down on the range. With the lights pointed at Santa’s “slay”, he stepped out to meet all the boys and girls there. He made sure he met every one of them and had plenty of presents to share.

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