August 27th, 2011
People often ask what it takes to become a helicopter CFI (certified flight instructor). It’s a question that has no easy answer, but if one were to sum it up, it would paraphrase what Edison said about genius – one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration. It takes lots of hard work, skill flying the helicopter, and training, training, training! Mike isn’t just a helicopter instructor – he also runs his own business. He’s juggled many responsibilities while he’s been learning to become a helicopter CFI with us – he started from ZERO TIME back in 2009, and has been methodically accruing ratings and licenses along the way.
 Lowell Spinners Helicopter Mike has had the opportunity to fly with lots of different pilots and instructors here at our Boston helicopter school, and has learned many things along the way, flying cross country flights in the Robinson R22 long before many students venture more than 50 miles from their school. And he did a great job then too! Mike has also helped out on many occasions (flying in to the Lowell Spinners for display above).
Mike has given this goal every effort worthy of a new helicopter CFI, and we will be looking forward to working with him (after a few more small steps of course). Soon Mike will be wearing an Instructor shirt at North Andover Flight Academy.
 A (new to you) shirt! We’re all proud of you Mike. It’s been an amazing journey watching you start from the beginning and having the privilege of flying with you many times since then. You deserve all of the great things that teaching in helicopters can bring, and I’m sure you will be as successful in the helicopter as you have been in other areas. I say this now as a colleague and not as a “boss” and there could not be a better way to end my tenure.
So what did we do after the celebration dinner with Laura and Diane?
Well we went back to the garage to sit around the old air-cooled car collection and talk about things past and things to come (for both of us).
Maybe this (new to you) shirt thing will become a tradition at NAFA? Maybe that’s a tradition that’s best left to end here….
We will talk soon Mike!
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August 27th, 2011
The shipment arrived on a hot, sunny afternoon. Shortly after, several people were gathered round to see what was being delivered to the hangar entrance. What was inside this shiny (wooden) crate was the new engine for our OWN Robinson R-22 helicopter, which just reached it’s 2200 hour overhaul.
This helicopter has been with us for over a year now, and it didn’t take long for us to put several hundred hours on it and bring it right to it’s overhaul limit of 2200 hours.
 New R22 Engine Because we are a Robinson overhaul center, it’s going to be rebuilt right here, under the watchful eye of A+Ps and IAs, all Robinson trained to do what needs to be done to make this helicopter perform as new.
We have lots more planned for this helicopter, many upgrades coming, so be sure to stop by and check it out.
Train smarter with North Andover Flight Academy.
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August 21st, 2011
Sorry to disappoint any Public Enemy fans out there (a terrible 80’s reference), but this has nothing to do with gangsta rap and everything about where to put your hard earned money when looking to get your helicopter ratings in as little time as possible and with the most possible flight experience for the money.
There’s many reasons that a Part 141 helicopter school is the best choice, all of which we’ve talked about before, but the main reason is that our efforts to produce a syllabus and work in close conjunction with the FAA allows us to train you in LESS TIME than other helicopter schools…period! There is nothing that can substitute for the ability to get your private helicopter license with only 5 hours of solo time versus 10 hours of solo time….
We are the only Part 141 helicopter school in the region for a reason (others have come and gone – they couldn’t maintain the standards needed to be a Part 141 school). The first thing a Part 61 school will tell you is that Part 141 is a waste of time..and it is..if you’re looking to spend more cash.
Let’s look at the instrument rating. Let’s say you go to a Part 61 school. You need 50 hours of cross country time before you can get your instrument rating. THAT’S 50 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME! Even if you threw a few hours in a IFR helicopter simulator, you would still be spending a ton of money at that Part 61 school. (Don’t get me wrong – simulators are great – but you may as well use many of the great free IFR simulators packages out there to learn instruments rather than pay money to use a generic “helicopter” simulator. We’ve used a few of the packages from our friend Luiz Monteiro from his webpage. You can use these IFR simulators to assist with understanding of many concepts surrounding instrument flight – FOR FREE! Learning IFR principles at the level for an instrument rating requires simulator software which merely gets the points across in an accurate manner..plenty for budding instrument pilots.
So already, with a Part 141 helicopter school, you’ve saved 5 hours on the private helicopter license, 50 hours of cross country time savings on the instrument rating, and another 5 hours on the instrument rating – that’s a total of 60 HOURS OF SAVINGS by learning at a Part 141 helicopter school. Not to mention the untold number of ground hours other schools charge – we give the option of a classroom learning experience saving even a few thousand more dollars.
Some may tell you otherwise.
“Don’t Believe the Hype”.
Call us for more information on our Part 141 and 61 helicopter flight training!
Tags: boston helicopter instrument instruction
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August 21st, 2011
Up in North Andover we laid out the welcome mat, or in our case, balloons, for an open house last Saturday. People who normally pass by our gate on Sutton Street took advantage of the occasion to drop by for helicopter rides, barbecue, and lots of questions and answers with our instructors. Our certified ground instructor Dotsie was here to meet some of her new students, including Mitch and Kevin, who will be joining us when our next ground school starts on September 10th. Some other interested folks stopped by with their questions about helicopters, jobs, and training with our FAA approved Part 141 syllabus.
 Getting up close and personal with the helicopter We also had a visit from a few people who were celebrating birthdays. Anna and Nicole stopped by with their dad and he bought them each a helicopter lesson to celebrate Anna’s 21st birthday. And Walter’s buddy brought him in to redeem a voucher he had gotten online through our deal with Travelzoo. Walter spent a lot of time sitting next to pilots in his military days, but this time he got the controls and he did an awesome job and had a great time. Happy Birthday Walter and Anna!
 Current and future students talking helicopters We also got visited by a couple of families who just like to come down to the airport on weekends. In my time here I’ve met a lot of people who love to hang out at the Lawrence airport on a beautiful Saturday and watch the airplanes and helicopters fly. Now they had a chance to see what the helicopters look like from the inside and even take a ride!
We loved the chance to meet all the people who stopped by to see the school, from helicopter students to those who were just curious. And even though the open house is over, our door is still open every day – just stop in and say hi!
Tags: boston, boston helicopter, boston helicopter school, boston helicopter tour, boston helicopter training, helicopter flight school, helicopter flight school boston, helicopter tour Boston, helicopter training boston, part 141 helicopter, part 141 helicopter boston, r22 boston, robinson helicopter school, Sightseeing Boston
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August 20th, 2011
With our latest open house at the Marlboro Airport came a chance to listen to Jack Keenan speak about helicopter safety, and a chance to meet some new students and also make some new friends in the helicopter community. It turned out to be a perfect day to fly, with local helicopter operators and owners flying in to show their support and attend the Boston helicopter safety seminar with Jack Keenan leading the way.
 Matt, Taryn, Lindsay at the Gate The introductory rides stopped for a while when we all went into the classroom (which was standing room only with about 30 people attending), but the introductory lessons for the potential new students continued in earnest shortly after the presentation ended and all our friends grabbed some lunch (prepared by one of our instructors-in-training Steven).
Wes from Heli-Ops was nice enough to fly up from the Norwood area to attend the helicopter safety seminar and hang out with the gang at the Marlboro Airport. He brought his beautiful helicopter for all the students to drool over (from a distance that would keep it clean) and talk about the upcoming Cars and Copters event at the Plymouth Airport on September 18th. Everyone watched at Wes demonstrated some professional flying when he left the Marlboro Airport. Thanks for coming Wes! If you’re looking for a Boston helicopter tour from the Norwood Airport – be sure to give Heli-Ops a call….
 More helicopters at Marlboro  Cars and Copters 2011 We were even fortunate enough to make a new friend, Chris, who flew into Marlboro in his Robinson R-44 helicopter to give some introductory lessons to potential new North Andover Flight Academy students! Once they came down in the Robinson R-44 they were happy to have refreshments and speak to our instructors about learning to fly helicopters at the Marlboro Airport – Boston’s fastest growing helicopter school location! We have quite a few new recipients for our newsletter thanks to Chris! It was nice to get a chance to chat with our new Marlboro helicopter friend over some burgers grilled up by Steven. Chris “wowed” the crowd with his ability to hover his R-44 at 30 feet and depart perpendicular to the runway over a pseudo-confined area of trees (though we had to let him know that we all need to use proper noise abatement and depart using the runways to avoid making too much noise)…we had a good laugh and it won’t happen again at Marlboro!
 Our new friend helping attract new students  Photo op with an R22 and R44 Marlboro Wonderful chat Chris – we will definitely talk again soon! (He was nice enough to let us grab some photos of his R-44).
Anthony (who will be our newest Assistant Chief Instructor once Marlboro is approved as our Part 141 satellite base), did a great job along with his fiance Lindsey arranging the guest speakers and all of the awnings and preparation that goes into sponsoring an event like this.
And what would Marlboro Airport be without Bob and Bruce? Both were wonderful hosts and love working with the gang at NAFA. They can’t say enough great things about Anthony and Matt! Fred was also around to help out with the crowd and talk helicopters.
Another new CFI is coming up through the ranks – Matt S will be around, and has signed up for the 141 ground school. Matt is originally from Tennessee and commutes from Boston to attend helicopter training at Marlboro. Great to see you Matt! Can’t wait to blog about your accomplishments!
Also a welcome to Bruce and Betty – the latest fixed wing/ helicopter enthusiasts to come to Marlboro!
 Part 141 classroom Marlboro Airport has that certain type of atmosphere that brings you back to another time and place…wonderful old airplanes, that are now mixing with helicopter flight training in a controlled, cooperative manner. Everyone gets along well, and everyone enjoys the new life that Anthony and the gang have put into the Marlboro Airport with the assistance of Bruce and Bob!
Come see why the Marlboro Airport helicopter school is the fastest growing helicopter flight school in Boston – you will love it too!
North Andover Flight Academy Marlboro will be the ONLY Part 141 helicopter flight school west and south of Boston. Our Marlboro location doesn’t just serve the Marlboro area – we have students from Norwood, Walpole, Canton, Dedham, Boston, Cambridge, Stoughton, Sharon, and Newton.
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August 19th, 2011
Our wall of graduates has a backlog of about 20 graduation certificates – all within the last few months! Now we have one more to print out and get up there! Passed with …flying… colors (pardon the pun), just as expected!
Chris has been in our Part 141 helicopter course since the beginning. As a 141 graduate of the Private Pilot Helicopter course, he was able to jump right into the Part 141 Instrument Rating, bypassing all the requirements of Part 61 and the hours of cross country time. Chris decided to do the Part 141 course due to the cost and time savings realized while he is working his way to become a helicopter CFI!
 New Helicopter Instrument Pilot Chris took advantage of our Private and Instrument ground schools while studying. He moved from the South Shore of Boston to the N Andover area to focus on his studies and get all of his helicopter ratings.
Chris’ intention is to instruct for a while an build his time before moving onto a helicopter job, possibly in the Gulf or flying tours in the Southwest. But for now, it’s time to work on the commercial license.
Great job Chris and kudos to his instructor Michael! You will see them around doing commercial maneuvers.
We posted the serious picture…here’s one with a little..ummm…instrument student humor.
 The hood as a fashion accessory Maybe Michael has made Chris’ training a little too intense?
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August 18th, 2011
With our upcoming (Saturday August 20) Open House and Learn to Fly Helicopters Day at the Marlboro (and Lawrence) Airports, our man Anthony met with the local reporters. Once again, wonderful job Anthony! Here’s a reprint of the article in the Metro West Daily News. Lots more coming in Marlboro – we’ve been talking about a 141 satellite for some time now…..we need a good Part 141 helicopter school south of Boston.
Getting a lift on an American chopper in Marlborough
MARLBOROUGH —
I didn’t realize just how small the two-seat helicopter was until we reached altitude.
To my left, flight instructor Anthony Martinez talked to me through a headset and almost brushed my shoulder as he maneuvered the craft – which didn’t have any doors – up and away from Marlboro Airport.
 Copyright Metro West Daily News Three inches to my right was 1,000 feet of nothing but air.
I’m not exactly a frequent flier. I can count on my fingers how many times I’ve been on a plane, and I usually feel right at home when I’m as close as possible to sea level.
So when Martinez handed me the controls of the Robinson R-22 helicopter about five minutes after taking off from the airport yesterday morning, I tried my best to appear cool and collected.
 Metro West Daily News Martinez is an instructor with North Andover Flight Academy, which runs a satellite school in Marlborough and is inviting people curious about learning to fly a helicopter to an event at Marlboro Airport this weekend.
I took hold of the cyclic control, which looks like a bicycle handlebar jutting from the floor of the cabin. The cyclic alters the pitch of the rotor blades to move the helicopter in specific directions.
 Metro West Daily News I then put my feet on the pedals to control the tail rotor blades, which change the direction of the helicopter’s nose. With my left hand, I grabbed the collective, a lever that controls the craft’s lift and looks like a car’s emergency brake.
After a few minutes of struggling to keep the horizon level through the front window – a flight pattern that a Daily News photographer on the ground later described as “erratic” – Martinez took the controls, and we made a loop back toward the runway where we had lifted off.
We buzzed the runway before going back up, and I took over the controls once again. Feeling a little more confident this time, I kept the helicopter relatively steady, which was exhilarating. After a few more minutes of my feeble but improving efforts, Martinez resumed control, and we took a quick tour of downtown Marlborough before doing a fly-by far above the Daily News offices in Framingham. Then we made our way back to the airport.
This weekend, the school is offering the same experience to those curious about learning to fly helicopters. On Saturday afternoon, the flight school will have current students, instructors and federal aviation officials on hand to answer questions.
Martinez said instructors will offer introductory half-hour flight lessons for $99, down from the usual $150. The event lifts off at noon and continues through the afternoon. The sessions will not be held if weather is especially bad, Martinez said.
All are welcome to attend, but Martinez said that flight school officials are specifically looking for people who have been considering taking flight lessons.
“We want to tailor it to people serious about helicopter training,” he said.
Martinez, who moved from Arizona last year, said the Marlborough satellite school of the North Andover Flight Academy opened last September and has been growing ever since. It now has about 15 regular students.
For more information about the flight school, visit naflight.com.
(Kendall Hatch can be reached at 508-490-7453 or khatch@wickedlocal.com.)
Tags: boston helicopter school, part 141 helicopter robinson
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August 6th, 2011
I made a trip to Marlborough to prepare our Marlboro Airport helicopter flight school to become the latest Part 141 satellite. As the only Part 141 helicopter flight school in the Boston area, it’s a natural progression to make Marlboro the latest Part 141 addition to our helicopter flight school. It’s turning out to be a popular spot for helicopter flying, and it was a great day for people watching our Robinson R22 helicopters training throughout the day.
 Helicopters At Marlboro Airport It was a chance to catch up with some new students as well. We have students starting their helicopter flight lessons who will also be part of our upcoming helicopter ground school at the Lawrence Airport.
 Hovering Helicopter at Marlboro Marlboro is a great location to learn to fly helicopters. Close to the entire Boston Metro area, it’s easy to get to from the South Shore, Boston, or the Worcester and central Mass area.
 Learn to fly Helicopters at Marlboro Greetings to all the new students, and if you’re in the area stop in to take a helicopter ride at the Marlboro Airport! For directions check out our website or call 978-305-4794 for helicopter lessons or helicopter tours!
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August 5th, 2011
Adding to the list of successful checkrides (5 in the past 2 weeks), Steven Walsh just became the newest commercial helicopter pilot at our Marlboro Airport location.
Steven recently passed his instrument check ride, and quickly pursued the next step in helicopter training – the commercial helicopter license.
 MArlboro Helicopter School Steven finished his instrument rating at the Lawrence Airport and decided that the Marlboro Airport location of NAFA would be a better place to complete the commercial. Marlboro airport, with it’s short runway it’s perfect for autorotation training, and other commercial training.
Once again a student finds success within North Andover Flight Academy’s approved training curriculum. Remember, North Andover Flight Academy is the ONLY Massachusetts Helicopter school that is Part 141 and therefore FAA APPROVED.
North Andover Flight Academy Marlboro serves Marlborough, Westborough, Northborough, Wayland, Weston, Norwood, Walpole, Canton, and many more Metro Boston communities.
Come check out Boston’s Helicopter School!
Tags: marlboro helicopter, marlborough helicopter, norwood helicopter
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August 2nd, 2011
When Steve came to North Andover Flight Academy, he had wanted to learn to fly for some time. His business partner Ron, the other half of this dynamic duo, was also interested in learning to fly helicopters.
What better way to learn to fly than with a good friend? They both signed up for our Part 141 helicopter course.
 Approaching from first solo Steve completed the ground school and was ready to solo. Waiting for the right day to solo, each lesson was bringing Steve one step closer….
 Helicopter Solo After some intense training, the day came. A warm summer morning with a slight August breeze. Steve hopped in the helicopter with his instructor Michael, and went around the pattern a few times.
 Perfect helicopter solo Michael stepped out of the helicopter, gave the thumbs up, and off he went around the pattern – first solo well done!
 Successful helicopter solo So what’s next? Cross countries of course! Steve will be working toward all the Part 141 requirements to finish his license. A few more hours of solo with some navigation training and he will be ready to go!
 Nice Job Steve Well done Steve – we’re all proud of you!
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