NORTH ADAMS — Nothing can compare to the Berkshires' breathtaking views, its natural scenes, its unparalleled vistas.
But to truly appreciate the beauty of the mountains, they have to be seen from the sky.
Thanks to Shamrock Aviation, residents and visitors to the county have that chance. Offering scenic airplane rides that take off from Harriman-West Airport, the fixed-base operator takes passengers on a 40-minute air tour of the city, Williamstown and Mount Greylock.
"This area has so much potential," said general manager Matthew Champney at the Shamrock Aviation hangar on Monday morning. "We have a really nice airport here, just no one knows about it."
The tours come complete with narration and notes about important landmarks, including Williams College's campus and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Able to accommodate up to three passengers at a time, the flights showcase the variety of Berkshire landscapes — from congested city streets to sprawling farm lands to serene mountain views, complete with snow still on their at peaks.
According to Champney, he and owner Liam Shirley, of Lanesborough, want to bring back the glory days of Peter Esposito's flying service, which closed several years ago.
A view of Mount Greylock from the air, taken by Jen Thomas.
"We want to breathe some new life into it," said Champney, 24, who pilots the aircraft himself.
The scenic flights, similar to what Esposito used to provide, are available seven days a week, during what Champney called "normal business hours."
Open since the first of the new year, Shamrock Aviation began hosting passengers at the first sign of spring and, so far, customers have been responding positively.
Above Williamstown
"Mostly we've been getting people who are visiting someone who lives here who have never seen the area like this but when there are more tourists, we hope we can get them, too," said Champney.
Since opening three weeks ago, Champney, who earned a degree in aviation science from Bridgewater State College, said he's taken customers on about 10 scenic flights.
Beginning on May 1, Shamrock Aviation plans to offer flight instruction; potential pilots can train to acquire a pilot's license. And, by mid-summer, Champney said they hope to be certified to make charter flights.
Though it's mainly a one-man operation at the moment, Champney expects to build a staff throughout the next few months. Shamrock Aviation boasts three planes — two Cessnas and a Piper.
"We're trying to re-spark things around here in terms of aviation," he said.
Harriman-West Airport, nestled behind the Stop & Shop Plaza on Route 2, has been in the process of implementing an airport improvement plan over the last five years. According to the Berkshire Pilots Association, past improvements include "tree clearing in both approach paths (which has caused significant controversy among Williamstown residents), new security fencing and gates, resurfacing of the runway and the acquisition of new maintenance equipment."
In the cockpit
"Upcoming projects include reconstruction of the runway, ramp, and taxiways, a new airport beacon and the completion of perimeter fencing," reads the Pilots Association Web site. "The airport is home to several businesses employing more than 35 people."
Shamrock Aviation offers scenic flights daily, at a rate of $35 per person. Call Champney at 413-663-3330 for more information.
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I recently went up with Mr. Champney for my first time ever flying. It was a fathers day gift from my wife and kids. I absolutley loved it! Mark is a stupendous pilot, and if you are nervous about flying as I was, I strongly advise putting your full trust in Mr. Champney, and the Shamrock Avaiation! Good luck with everything Mark, and I will be in touch for some more flying very soon!
