FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bellingham Aviation Services Expands Flight School

Bellingham, Wash., June 15, 2009 - Bellingham Aviation Services (BAS), a leading aviation service organization in northwest Washington State, has recently added to its instructional staff and rental fleet to meet increased demand for its modern, high quality pilot training.

“We’re thrilled to offer our customers an expanding line of first-rate aircraft as well as increasing our base of experienced pilots and instructors,” said Jeff Eriksen, Chief Flight Instructor at BAS. “Whether you want to learn to fly, or simply want to enjoy a scenic tour of our remarkable surroundings, you now have two additional aircraft and two additional pilots to meet your needs.”

BAS’s new aircraft include:

• The 2004 Diamond DA20 is very capable, fuel-efficient and extremely safe two-seat trainer. With a slow stall speed, high glide ratio and 26G safety cell design, it is one of the most forgiving and protective platforms on which to train. And with its modern composite construction, leather bucket seats and 4-point harnesses, bubble canopy and center-stick controls, it gives the pilot a high performance feel.
• The 1974 Cessna 172 Skyhawk has been upgraded with a more powerful engine and a tuned exhaust system yielding impressive performance and load hauling capability. It is the most popular 4-seat aircraft in existence whose design has been validated by the fact that is has been in production for more than 50 years. The new BAS Skyhawk has a very comfortable leather interior and a useful load of more than 1000lbs.

To accommodate the increased demand for pilot training, BAS welcomes Dennis Smith as flight instructor. Dennis became a private pilot more than 30 years ago in Minnesota. After a move to Bellingham in 1978, he added experience and credentials while training at the Cascade Flight School. In 2008, he retired from Verizon Communications and has since been flight instructing in Everett and Bellingham.

At work in the BAS Avionics Department during the week, Mike Oppenheimer has begun to exercise his commercial pilot privileges as a scenic tour pilot on the weekends. A former aircraft owner and a pilot since the 70’s, Mike combines safety with savvy for a passenger-pleasing experience.

"Dennis and Mike are important additions to the team here at BAS,” said Eriksen. “Their experience, skill, and customer focus will surely help us attract new customers and pursue new ventures.”

Bellingham Aviation Services (BAS) is a full-service fixed-base operator (FBO) located in Bellingham, Washington – 20 miles south of the Canadian border, 50 miles south of Vancouver, B.C. and 90 miles north of Seattle. BAS offers a wide range of services from fueling and flight instruction, to aircraft maintenance and concierge services.