From an early age I have been interested in the concept of flight. As a child there was no greater thrill than watching a plane gain speed and take to the sky. I experienced this exhilaration on many trips down Route 206 in Princeton. Passing Princeton Airport and watching the planes take off and land opened by young mind to a new realm of possibilities. I could easily assessed that the life of aviation was for me. Upon turning of age to start flight training it seemed only natural to return to where my interest first began. Flight training at Princeton Airport has allowed me the opportunity to experience flight in an exciting and productive atmosphere.
With one hundred years of history, Princeton Airport is no newcomer to the aviation industry. Opening only eight years after the Wright brothers’ first flight, Princeton Airport has helped shape the industry into what it is today. From its humble beginnings of only a runway and a wooden shack, the airport has grown alongside the industry it supports. Offering a place for the pioneers of aviation and continuing to support the modern innovators in a growing industry.
Learning to fly at an airport with this much history makes you think of the people who came before you. The future astronauts, dignitaries who have visited our area and people experiencing flight for the first time, all shared a common runway. The pilots landing on that same strip of runway, some of whom got their start at Princeton, before going on to revolutionize the industry. Considering this is motivation enough to continue working hard and improving skills as a pilot; constantly working towards leaving an aviation legacy as notable as that of Princeton Airport.
An organized curriculum with structured lessons distinguishes Princeton Airport as a center for excellence in aviation. With my goal being a degree in aerospace engineering, I wanted to find a flight school which would offer me opportunities to be involved in aviation outside the classroom. The quality training I’ve received has been an enormous help for me to understand the science behind flight and gain real world experience using that knowledge. Since working with the flight training program, aviation concepts jump off the pages of the textbook and develop into tangible concepts. Flight time is organized and always worthwhile, adding new challenges on each flight keeps the learning process new and exciting. Working within such a structured program allows me to refer to the syllabus and easily determine the next steps in my training process. Having such a well developed program has been beneficial as a student as it allow me to focus my attention on challenges to come. I always look forward to my next lesson and new experience.
Training at Princeton Airport offers a unique social environment geared for anyone aviation minded. With frequent “hangar flying” events, the learning atmosphere make the weekend trip to the airport one to look forward to, even on ground instruction days when flying is not on the schedule. All members of the staff clearly pride themselves on courtesy and efficiency. From the owners to the flight instructors, everyone is personable and always approachable. This attitude toward business is what sets this staff apart. With events and meet & greets the feeling on camaraderie is strong. Special attention is paid to make sure everyone has the opportunity to interact with others and meet people with a similar passion for aviation. Having like-minded people to converse with is not only enjoyable, but aids in the learning process. It’s a great opportunity to share experiences and contribute lessons learned. Learning from the experiences of other is something no book can convey. This feeling of community allows the flow of experience to transcend from veterans to the newest of flyers.
In business the true test of success is time. After one hundred years. Princeton airport’s recipe for success has been proven time and again. For those in the aviation community, it is clear how vital a role local airport play in aviation as a hobby as well as a vehicle for commerce. Without the support from local airports, the joy of aviation would be available to far fewer people. The ability to experience flight is something to be valued. Being able to bring aviation to the public for one hundred years is a wonderful accomplishment and one to be honored. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Princeton Airport and the accomplishments yet to come.