by: Bianca Caputo ACE is expected to have it’s full launch next month and Hewison said he’s excited to integrate the app with teaching. ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — After a two passenger plane had an emergency landing earlier this week into the Hudson River near Newburgh, pilot and flight instructor Chris Hewison said he was relieved everyone was okay. Hewison said ice can be a safer location to emergency land than in other areas during an engine failure, which is exactly the kind of risk management training he gives to students. He runs Hewison Aviation, which helps over 100 students reach their goals to get in the air. Hewison said learning to fly is a long process for any student to obtain their certifications, and that’s why he’s teamed up with RPI graduates to create “ACE.” RPI graduate Charles Clarke is one of multiple helping to code the app. He said the project started as part of a capstone course, but now him and a few other classmates have went into business with Hewison as part of Agentic Learning. “It’s exciting to be on the edge of something cutting edge like this,” said Clarke. ACE, or “Artificial Cognitive Entity” is an app in it’s beta stage that anyone can download off the app store. It talks to pilots in training to answer questions and verbally give advice. It also can help with studying for exams. “Our launch is coming very soon,” said Clarke. “We’re getting FAA approval coming soon, we have a lot going on.” The platform is focused on teaching people in training to be pilots, said Clarke. He says the apps biggest advantage is being able to point out specific weaknesses and strengths in the learning process.

Hewison Aviation proudly announces the selection of Skyler Friedman as the new Airport Manager for the Harriman-and-West airport in North Adams, MA. This is a pivotal moment for the airport and a testament to Skyler’s dedication and passion for aviation. Skyler brings a fresh perspective and a solid foundation in aviation knowledge to his new role. He recently shared his enthusiasm, stating, “During the past year, I have studied full-time to obtain my Private Pilot License and my Advanced Ground Instructor Certificate and familiarize myself with every concept in aviation that I encountered. I am very familiar with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations, and how they translate to airport operations and management. From a personal standpoint, I would truly take pride in caring for a small airport and helping develop the full potential of Harriman and West.” His recent achievement of a Private Pilot License showcases his commitment to Flight Training and his pursuit to Learn to Fly. Skyler’s in-depth understanding of FAA regulations will be invaluable in ensuring safe and efficient airport operations, fostering an environment where aspiring pilots can thrive. This appointment reinforces Hewison Aviation’s dedication to supporting the growth and development of aviation infrastructure and the broader pilot community, especially in locations like our Harriman-and-West Airport in North Adams. We look forward to seeing the positive impact Skyler will have in his new role!

Why Every Modern Pilot Should Train in a Tailwheel Aircraft Most pilots today learn to fly in tricycle-gear aircraft (like a Cessna 172 or a Piper Archer). These airplanes are fantastic training platforms—they are stable on the ground, forgiving during landings, and relatively easy to manage. But because nosewheel aircraft are so forgiving on the ground, they can sometimes foster lazy rudder habits. If you want to transition from being a pilot who merely “steers” an airplane to an aviator who truly flies it, stepping into a conventional gear (tailwheel) aircraft is the ultimate transformation. At Hewison Aviation Flight Training, we offer premier tailwheel endorsement courses. We believe that tailwheel training is the single best investment you can make to elevate your overall airmanship, coordination, and crosswind confidence. Here is why every pilot—from student level to airline professional—should train in a tailwheel aircraft. 1. It’s the Ultimate “Stick and Rudder” Masterclass In a tricycle-gear aircraft, the center of gravity (CG) is located forward of the main wheels. This makes the aircraft naturally want to track straight on the ground. During landings, if you touch down slightly crooked, the nosewheel castor forces will mechanically pull the nose back in line. In a conventional-gear aircraft, the CG is located behind the main wheels. This creates an inherently unstable system on the ground. If the aircraft begins to swerve, the CG wants to pivot around the mains. If left unchecked, this swerve can result in a “ground loop” (a rapid, uncontrolled ground pivot).– Active Feet: To fly a tailwheel, you must keep your feet constantly active on the rudder pedals. You cannot simply sit back and ride out the landing rollout; you must actively pilot the plane until it comes to a complete stop.– Instant Feedback: If your rudder coordination is lazy, the tailwheel lets you know immediately. It forces you to feel the wind and correct side-drifts instantly, correcting micro-errors before they become macro-errors. 2. Conquering the Crosswind For many Private Pilot license students and seasoned aviators alike, crosswind landings are a major source of stress. Tailwheel training dismantles this fear. Because the toll of landing crooked in a tailwheel is high, you will learn to execute land-and-slip techniques with absolute precision:– The Wind-Low Method: You’ll learn how to slip the aircraft, banking into the wind and using opposite rudder to align the fuselage parallel to the runway centerline.– Wheel Landings vs. Three-Point Landings: You will master both categories of tailwheel landings. You will learn to plant the main wheels first in gusty winds (wheel landing) or touch all three wheels down simultaneously in light winds (three-point landing). 3. Deepening Your Pitch and Attitude Awareness Because tailwheel airplanes sit on the ground with their nose pointing skyward, your forward visibility during taxi is limited. This forces you to:– S-Turn While Taxiing: You must weave side to side (S-turn) to scan the taxiway ahead, building active safety habits.– Aerodynamic Braking: You will learn to use the elevator to manage the wind’s effect on your tail while on the ground. (For example, keeping the yoke fully back in a headwind to plant the tailwheel).– Better Landings in Tricycle Gear: When you return to a tricycle-gear airplane after tailwheel training, your flare timing, centerline alignment, and pitch control will be immensely sharper. 4. Opening Paths to Unique Aviation Fields A vast majority of classical, military, bush-flying, and aerobatic aircraft are conventional gear. If you have dreams of flying a historic warbird, carrying cargo into remote Alaskan bush strips, or enjoying high-performance aerobatics, a tailwheel endorsement is your non-negotiable entry ticket. Furthermore, if you are studying to become a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) or a Commercial pilot, having a tailwheel endorsement on your resume shows employers that you possess elite aircraft handling skills and deep aerodynamic understanding. Take the Stick at Hewison Aviation Whether you want to challenge yourself with a weekend tailwheel course, add a new rating like an Instrument Rating, or check off a bucket-list aviation goal, our specialized conventional-gear mentors at Hewison Aviation are ready to coach you. Let’s get your feet moving and elevate your airmanship to the highest level. 🚀 Reach out to our admissions team or book an introductory discovery flight today by visiting hewisonaviation.com!

At Hewison Aviation, nothing brings us more pride than seeing our students and instructors reach the absolute pinnacle of their aviation careers. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: Brad Sulik has officially become an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)! Becoming a DPE is one of the most prestigious designations in the aviation industry. DPEs are highly experienced pilots authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests (checkrides) and issue pilot certificates. This role requires exceptional flight skill, deep regulatory knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to aviation safety. A Journey of Excellence Brad’s journey represents the very best of what our flight school stands for. Over the years Brad has demonstrated a passion for teaching. He started out as an instructor with us and helped mold our Part 61 training into an FAA Certificated Part 141 program stepping up to be the Chief Pilot, and now this achievement embodies what a great pilot is always trying to do. He has shared his expertise with so many others serving as a dedicated flight instructor (CFI) here at Hewison we are proud to have him on our team. “Brad has always demonstrated exemplary judgment, professionalism, and a safety-first mindset,” said Chris Hewison. “Watching him progress all the way to becoming an FAA DPE has been an honor. I have no doubt he will bring fairness, rigor, and great mentorship to every future pilot he evaluates. And, I am proud to have watched him succeed in everything he does” Inspiring the Next Generation of Pilots With Brad stepping into this prestigious role, we are reminded of the endless possibilities in aviation career pathways. Whether you are looking to take your very first step with a discovery flight, master landing in strong crosswinds with a tailwheel endorsement, or pursue professional airline careers through our structured FAA Part 61 and Part 141 programs, we are here to support you at every altitude. Please join all of us at Hewison Aviation in extending our heartiest congratulations to Brad on this remarkable achievement, and our sincere thanks for his dedicated mentorship at our flight school. Are you ready to write your own flight success story? Contact Hewison Aviation or sign up for a discovery flight today!

********FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******** NORTH ADAMS, Mass June 1st, 2026.  Hewison Aviation is proud to announce the opening of its newest flight training location at Harriman-and-West Airport (AQW) in North Adams, Massachusetts, marking the company’s fourth airport location and its first expansion into Massachusetts. The new location further strengthens Hewison Aviation’s commitment to making high-quality flight training accessible throughout the Northeast while helping revitalize and grow the local aviation community.  To celebrate the opening, Hewison Aviation will host a community Open House on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Harriman-and-West Airport, located at 836 State Road, North Adams, MA 01247. The family-friendly event will provide local residents, aspiring pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and community members an opportunity to explore the airport, meet flight instructors, experience aviation firsthand, and learn about the training opportunities now available in Berkshire County. Attendees will enjoy: “This airport has tremendous potential, and we are committed to creating a welcoming environment where people can discover aviation, pursue flight training, and experience the excitement of learning to fly. Our goal is to build meaningful connections within the community while helping grow the next generation of pilots.” said Maura Hewison, Operations Manager of Hewison Aviation. Hewison Aviation has built a reputation for personalized, high-quality flight training and currently operates training locations in Selkirk, Saratoga Springs, and Rome, New York. The North Adams location expands the company’s regional footprint and introduces new opportunities for local residents interested in aviation careers, recreational flying, discovery flights, and professional pilot training.  The company plans to grow operations at Harriman-and-West Airport organically, beginning with flight instruction, discovery flights, and community engagement initiatives. Hewison Aviation has also expressed interest in partnering with area schools and organizations to inspire future aviators and strengthen the airport’s role as a community asset.  Event Details Hewison Aviation Open HouseDate: Thursday, June 25, 2026Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PMLocation: Harriman-and-West Airport (AQW)836 State RoadNorth Adams, MA 01247 For more information about the event or flight training opportunities, contact Maura Hewison at (518) 415-5107 or visit HewisonAviation.com.  *************************About Hewison Aviation Founded in 2014, Hewison Aviation is a premier flight training organization dedicated to providing personalized instruction and professional aviation education. With locations in New York and Massachusetts, the company offers discovery flights, private pilot training, instrument ratings, commercial pilot programs, instructor training, aircraft rentals, and aviation career pathways. Hewison Aviation’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of aviators through excellence in flight training and customer service.  Media Contact:Maura Hewison Phone: (518) 415-5107 maura.h@hewisonaviation.comWebsite: https://hewisonaviation.com

Congrats to Michael on passing his private pilot check ride! For most pilots, the dream of flight starts early. For our newest Private Pilot, Michael Lembo it began at age six. After a significant personal journey and a lifelong fascination with airplanes, he finally decided to dive in “head first” and make that dream a reality. But as many aviators know, the path to the license  is rarely a perfectly smooth flight. The check ride is a high-pressure environment where it’s easy to build things up in your head. During his first attempt, a small error during simulated instrument flight (the “foggles”) led to a climb of a few hundred feet outside of standards—resulting in a failure. While a setback like that can be devastating, he views it as a vital part of his education. “You learn by critique and feedback,” he says. “It teaches you to have tough skin. No matter what, it teaches you that you have to be on your game. Small things in a plane can turn catastrophic.” This resilience turned a difficult moment into a lesson in discipline and focus that eventually led him to that final, successful flight. When asked what best prepared him for the final test, he didn’t point to a single maneuver, but to the school’s internal training structure. “Honestly, the stage checks—especially the Stage 2 check—are the most vital part of the training,” he explains. For students who haven’t experienced a formal check ride, these internal evaluations mirror the real thing, giving them a sense of what truly matters to an examiner. Training isn’t always about a single “lightbulb” moment. Instead, he credits his success to a “baby step” process guided by his instructor, Alex. By keeping the atmosphere light but the standards serious, Alex helped him build the final product one lesson at a time. The real confidence came from small victories along the way, like nailing a short-field landing. “It’s those small things that make you succeed,” he notes. Now that the “Big Moment” has passed and the examiner has officially said those life-changing words—”Congratulations, you’re a private pilot“—the feeling of accomplishment is immense. His advice for those following in his footsteps? “Practice. Anyone can do it if they apply themselves and realize you will make mistakes, but you have to learn and grow from them.”  With his “license to learn” now in hand, he already knows exactly where his first flight as Pilot in Command will be. He’s headed to Portland, Maine—a place he’s been visiting since he was a baby, but always from the passenger seat of a car. Next time, he’ll be the one at the controls.

Pass at South Albany Airport! After having transferred from a school out of state to Hewison Aviation last month, Skyler has completed his solo as of January 6. With Brad Sulik as his primary flight instructor, Skyler felt as prepared as he could be. “It was actually a surprise,” he told me. They had been practicing flight patterns, going over what to do when Brad calmly told Skyler that he was going to land the airplane, Brad was going to hop out, and Skyler would start his solo check ride. To say Skyler was a bit nervous might be obvious, but he centered himself and started the now practiced routine which went swimmingly. It was a beautiful day with no traffic in sight, allowing him to fly smoothly and complete his solo. Since his solo, Skyler has also received his AGI with some help from our ground school instructor, Austin Sicko, and has completed his night and day cross country flights. Skyler is looking forward to continuing his instruction, furthering his knowledge and experience so that he may join those in the airlines.