North Adams Airport to Host Public Helicopter Flights
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Harriman-West Airport will host a helicopter fly-in day where airport visitors can book flights.
Airport manager Skyler Friedman said North County Heli Flight, based in New York State, will visit the airport on Aug. 29 and provide 5-minute quick lifts for the public and 30-minute intro flights for pilots.
"I think it is particularly cool because you can fly over your house and your hometown," Friedman said. "In about 30 seconds you have gone from on the ground to hundreds of feet in the air. You are suddenly in a completely different field of view."
Friedman said the flight school will land its Robinson R-44 Raven II at the airport. He said it is a piston helicopter with a smaller, car-like engine.
He said a helicopter flight is quite different than an airplane.
"I had one of my first flight experiences in a helicopter, despite becoming a fixed-wing pilot now," he said. "Even though it is a bit different, I think it is exciting. I think it many ways it is less scary than a first flight because you just sit in a seat and climb up vertically."
The 30-minute flight costs $375 and is for pilots who want a learning experience. The helicopter pilot will provide instruction during the flight.
The public quick lifts are $49, and anyone from the public can fly.
Friedman said those interested in flying can reserve a seat online or by calling 518-634-6375. However, it is also possible to sign up for a flight that day. Flights will depend on the weather.
Attendees do not have to fly, and Friedman encouraged anyone interested in aviation, helicopters, or the airport in general to visit.
"You don't have to fly; you can just come check it out," he said. "It is just a way to gather, but for those who do want to fly, I think it is a very easy way to experience flight outside of a commercial airliner."
In fact, he hopes it brings more people from the general public to the airport.
"It is pretty empty here a lot of the time, and we don't see many people," he said. "It could be a big part of the community if it was utilized more. I am really new as the airport manager here, but I want to get the community out."
Friedman said he plans on hosting more events at the airport and sees the space as any other public asset, like the library. He added the administration building is also open for community events, noting that there was recently a cooking class held in the space.
He said pilots love the airport and he wants locals to see the same beauty in it.
"Pilots that fly in always say this is a very beautiful airport; it is unlike most airports," he said. "... We get a lot of positive feedback from pilots, and there is a lot of potential here. Getting a flow of people in here will make it feel less isolated."
He also invited the public to the compass repainting on Sept. 26 and 27. The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots, will repaint the runway compass.
Tags: harriman west, helicopters,
