Courtesy Hewison Aviation
By Susan Elise Campbell
Through Hewison Aviation, Christopher and Maura Hewison extend their passion for flight to help people of all ages become pilots in a safe, professional, and pleasant atmosphere.
Chris founded Hewison Aviation 11 years ago, originally as a Part 61 flight school instructing in private pilot, instrument, commercial, and certified flight instructor (CFI) designations, as well CFII for teaching instrument reading to other students, said Maura Hewison, the company’s chief operating officer.
Their flight instructors currently teach out of five airports, the closest in South Albany until the newly renovated Saratoga County Airport welcomed them a year ago. The timing coincided with FAA approval for Hewison’s Part 141 school, she said.
In October, with staff and members of Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, a representative of Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh’s office, and others, the Hewisons hosted a grand opening ribbon cutting and accepted a citation from a representative of Senator James Tedisco’s office. They also received congratulations from the Chamber and sponsor Arrow Bank.
“It was cool to hold those big scissors,” Maura Hewison said.
Where Part 61 is more flexible, the more regimented Part 141 classes are for students who want to get into professional flight, commercial airlines, or charter services. In addition to training on the ground, this designation requires more time in the air than when qualifying to fly recreationally, Hewison said.
“I’ve been surprised at the number of our students looking to make a career change and fly professionally,” she said.
