This past week, the Worcester Regional Flight Academy announced that it will be moving from Worcester Airport to Southbridge Airport. (MassLive story) I am a student at the renamed AeroVenture Institute (AVI), formerly WRFA, and I have several takeways from this move, most of which are positive.
Pros:
• Likely lower costs to operate out of Southbridge (3B0) as opposed to Worcester (ORH)
• Much less security – At ORH each student needed a Massport badge and it took several minutes getting through a large gate in order to get to the aircraft, costing precious minutes that could be used flying.
• More employees – MassLive story says the company is hiring additional personnel including flight instructors
• New planes! – According to the article, AVI has four planes (up from 3)
• Glider program – According to the article, AVI is planning to start a glider program. I’m in!
Cons:
• Longer drive for customers, like me, who live north of Worcester
More info on the move to Southbridge via this YouTube video of the May 19 Southbridge Town Council (start at 44:30): [youtube http://youtu.be/cY12azvU-RI?t=44m31s]
To follow my journey to becoming an airline pilot, keep up with me on Twitter (@nickmarc19).
