HARTFORD, Conn. — “I would say the biggest thing is that people love the freedom,” said Phil Smith, the owner of Learn 2 Fly CT. For the past five years, Smith said he’s had a steady stream of students come his way – all with the same objective; to get their pilot’s license.
“COVID made them realize how short life can be and for people that had a dream of wanting to learn to fly, I think that pushed them to fulfill that dream," said Smith.
Learn 2 Fly CT is based at Hartford-Brainard Airport but also offers instruction out of Windham Airport. Smith, who began his flight school with just his wife in 2018, now has upwards of a dozen instructors.
“Right now I think we are at 12 or 13 aircraft," he said.
Additionally, Smith noted that costs can be kept lower for beginning students – some who opt to learn the basics on two FAA-approved flight simulators that are set up inside Learn 2 Fly’s Brainard offices.
Overall, Smith said he is in the bucket-list business.
"For me, it’s the reward, it’s the reward of fulfilling someone’s dream, fulfilling a lifelong dream," said Smith.
To find out more about Learn 2 Fly CT click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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