Smaller and more personalized, but still offering the same industry-leading standard of flight training quality with its own pilot training programs, is UND Aerospace-Phoenix, the ab initio school owned by the UND Aerospace Foundation, the affiliate, nonprofit organization of the university that operates the UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center.

“When students look around for a school to obtain their aviation credentials, there is no better value,” says Chuck Pineo, CEO of the UND Aerospace Foundation.  “With us, you get a top-notch entity with a great reputation at a reasonable price. For me, that is what I’d be looking for as a student or as a parent—a place that will create a successful professional.”

Located at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA) and operating for nearly three decades, UND-Phoenix is dedicated to both academic based and accelerated flight training options at an affordable price. 

The flight school is located on the Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) campus. With the UND partnership, students enrolling at CGCC are afforded opportunities to join the workforce much quicker while still reaping the benefits of UND’s curriculum and Part 141 FAA training standards. 

UND Service with a Personal Phoenix Touch 

Rex Ginder, associate director of Phoenix Flight Operations, has worked to grow and enhance the Arizona operations since 2007. A UND graduate, he manages the fight school, facilities, and relationship with the community college. 

“The Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences has been around since 1968,” Ginder says. “It is a household name when it comes to training. It is known for the collegiate presentation of aviation, not just being a flight school and not just making pilots. We really like to make aviation professionals. We want our students to be well rounded, possess a little more in-depth knowledge and skills than other folks. That is where we feel we have a competitive edge.”

The UND-Phoenix program currently has approximately 150 students enrolled in the accelerated path program, where they obtain all FAA credentials without traditional degree requirements and complete training in a much shorter time frame, and 100 students in the collegiate program, where they enroll in CGCC’s academic program and the UND Aerospace Foundation provides the flight training. 

The accelerated program allows UND-Phoenix students to obtain FAA credentials and become a CFI in less than 12 months. And for those students looking for a more traditional college experience that takes advantage of UND’s in-depth aerospace classroom training, a two-year associate degree is offered.  Once CGCC students complete the two-year program, they can continue on to receive a four-year aviation degree at UND as well. 

Traditional College Program vs. Accelerated Path

Through CGCC, UND offers a credit-bearing associate degree in applied science (airway science technology). This is a term-based, six-semester program where after two years students earn their degree and flight instructor certificate.

“This has a nice smattering of courses in addition to the general education requirements,” Ginder says. “It included aviation safety, aviation meteorology, crew resource management, advanced aircraft systems, introductory unmanned aircraft systems, along with ground school and flight labs for a six-semester associate degree program.”

The accelerated program is an option for students who already have a college degree and are looking for a career change. 

“Rather than going back and taking all those general requirements and academic courses that are nonaviation, students could jump right in and take the FAA 141 curriculum,” Pineo says. “So a student could jump in, obtain their private pilot [certificate], and not worry about all the other courses significantly reducing the amount of time required.”

The accelerated program will have three start times in 2024—February, June, and October. The college program runs on traditional academic start times for the 16-week terms, usually the third week of August, second week of January, and mid-May for the summer semester. 

With the accelerated program, students typically meet four to five times a week instead of the schedule of a traditional college environment (two to three times a week), allowing them to complete all FAA credentials and become a CFI in less than 12 months. 

“That gets you into the workforce,” Pineo says. “You’ll still need to build your time to be eligible to go work for the airlines or even a corporate-type employer. But a lot of time we will hire you. If we have demand for flight instructors, we will certainly hire you. If we don’t, someone else will hire you and you can build your time. So you can build your time in a year or less from the time you start the program.”

Modern, Standardized Fleet

Possessing the largest training fleet in the world, UND Aerospace certainly checks all the boxes when it comes to offering students extensive aircraft to learn in. UND-Grand Forks, for example, flies in the neighborhood of 120,000 training hours a year while the Phoenix campus adds another 40,000 hours to the mix. “You need a lot of airplanes to support that level of flying, and you need good people to maintain and operate those airplanes,” says Ginder.

Students at Chandler-Gilbert Community College also fly a world-class fleet of training aircraft, including standardized glass cockpit instrumentation, operated and maintained by UND Aerospace. 

“We have all the modern tech. It’s gorgeous,” says Ginder. “It really helps us keep pace with what UND is doing. So when they make a change, we just do it down here as well.”

Ginder points out that the average fleet age of the 24 Piper Archers located at KIWA is between four and five years old. The Piper Archer, one of the most reliable airplanes in collegiate flight training, is used for the majority of the students’ flight training from private pilot through flight instructor certification. With a 180 hp Lycoming engine and an advanced Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite that includes ADS-B traffic awareness, the airplane is modern and very capable for training. 

The school also flies three multiengine Piper Seminoles, used to teach advanced operations and procedures. Together, the Piper Seminole and Archer complement each other, allowing students to seamlessly transition between the two airplanes. In addition to the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, the Piper Seminole boasts a Garmin two-axis autopilot that prepares students for the advanced operations in today’s aviation industry.

In addition, one Cessna 172 is also available for spin training as part of the CFI course. Two Archer and two Seminole simulators are also present on campus. 

Community College Partnership 

Located on the site of the former Williams Air Force Base, CGCC provides UND-Arizona students access to a full-service, modern campus that offers a full slate of general education requirements. The campus right on the airport contains a library, computer lab, cafe, and student union area.

UND on-site facilities include preflight planning rooms, briefing rooms, and a dispatch area connected to a hangar where the airframe and powerplant lab resides. All told, the flight operations maintain 10,000 square feet of office and classroom space, 14,000 square feet of hangar space, and a 3,000-square-foot facility that houses the school’s four simulators and additional classroom and briefing room space. 

“The community college is a strong partner because they already have an interest in aviation,” Ginder says. “They have an unmanned aircraft systems program. They have an airframe and powerplant Part 147 certification program. Those both fit in the associate degree model. We were not a new entity in bringing in a flight training program to the college. They are used to dealing with the different rigors of aviation, FAA [requirements], and the student behaviors that come along with that. So they are naturally a good fit, and I think that is why our partnership has been strong for so long.”

“Chandler-Gilbert [CC], because they started with an aviation emphasis and very soon added us as the flight training provider, understands what it means to flight train in this specific way,” Ginder says. “Our partnership offers us the flexibility within a term-based semester program. They have been responsive with curriculum changes if we need to update material to more modern coursework. And we are one of only a few programs in the state [of Arizona] that supports the post-9/11 GI Bill for veterans beyond the private pilot certificate. 

An added benefit is classroom instruction by UND staff. On the day FLYING interviewed Ginder, he had just taught an aircraft systems course before the interview.

“[Some of the supporting coursework the community college will teach]…mainly it is staffed by my team,” he says. “You are getting folks that are regularly flying. You are not getting a professor who doesn’t actively fly. You are getting folks who are engaged in the training, in the aircraft, teaching in the classroom.” 

Synergy with UND Provides Students a Higher Level of Depth

Both UND-Grand Forks and UND-Arizona share the same Part 141 Certificate and Part 145 repair certificate. This translates into an extra level of structure and, ultimately, success for students. 

“Part 141 provides a higher degree of structure, and it’s implied that it provides a higher degree of discipline, preparedness, and depth of the program,” Ginder says. “Students can expect to have a full training course outline and possibly multiple syllabi…that state lesson by lesson: What we are doing today? When we fly tomorrow, what are the items I’ll be asked to perform in the air? What is the depth and level of knowledge expected in the air? Part 141 provides that structure.”

Ginder adds that the Part 141 examining authority also significantly aids the program. 

“It keeps the students moving. They are not sitting around waiting for stage checks,” he says. “With it, FAA holds us to a higher standard—for example, on our students’ first attempt percentages. In other words, do they pass their check rides and airman’s knowledge tests the first time around? So, by being held to those standards, there are some other things that are afforded to us, such as exercising examining authority under Part 141. What that means is we do not work with designated pilot examiners from the FAA. So we don’t have to seek out individuals to get check rides. The FAA grants us, by the way we conduct our school and our business, the ability to issue our pilot certificates without dealing with the designated pilot examiner (DPE ) or the FAA check ride portion.”

Best Value on the Market

UND-Phoenix has obtained a solid reputation for consistently delivering quality and value to its students and producing in-demand graduates who have their choice of any and all job opportunities. 

“Our students are picking where they want to go,” Pineo says. “We have students going to Allegiant, Pinnacle, SkyWest, Mesa, Republic—all the major regionals [airlines] and all the corporate-type aviation companies.”

Says Ginder: “We have not had anyone not get their first choice accepted on where they want to go work. Whether that is from the collegiate side or the accelerated program being placed directly into wherever they want to go. It is not, ‘I hope I get this job.’ It’s, ‘I applied for this job. I got it,’ whether that is a corporate operator or someplace such as Frontier, SkyWest, or another regional.”

While every flight school represents a substantial investment, UND-Phoenix offers a significant value.

“If you compare our pricing with other accelerated programs, you’ll find that we are probably in the midrange of expense to the student,” says Pineo. “But if you look around the industry at our reputation and our graduates, we are probably in the high range. Sometimes your track record speaks for itself. And I certainly like to think that when you look at our graduates—how successful they are and how desirable they are to hire based on the reputation of the program—that says a lot.”

Options Abound with UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center

UND-Phoenix has created a flight training center that perfectly blends academic opportunity with the ability to quickly join the workforce seniority pool. 

Add in the fact that all coursework at CGCC transfers to UND and the flight school gives students interested in furthering their academic aviation study a multitude of options. For example, students can start working on an aviation studies degree, which is available online with UND’s main campus, while working as a flight instructor.

With a perfect blend of academic rigor, significant value, and access to the largest training fleet in the world, UND-Phoenix provides one of the best returns on investment of any fight school.

UND Phoenix by the Numbers

UND Aerospace Foundation

Phoenix-Mesa Undergraduate & Accelerated Programs
5865 South Sossaman Road
Mesa, Arizona 85212

info@undaerospace.com   | 480-809-4499

Associates Degrees Offered: 

• Airway Science Technology, Flight Emphasis
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Certificates Offered:

• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Rating
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Accelerated Degree Costs:

• Accelerated program total cost from an ab-initio start (no private pilot certification): $102,186.90
• Accelerated cost if you come in with private pilot certificate (-$17,622.70) = $84,564.20

This program is private through MEI and includes ground school costs.

CGCC Degree Costs:

• Chandler Gilbert Community College ab initio: $84,740.90 + Tuition of 75 credits, ($6,375) = $91,115 total (approximate for the associate’s degree and flying)
• Chandler Gilbert Community College if you come in with private pilot certificate: (-$17,622.70) = $67,118.20

This program covers private through CFI single-engine.

Average Degree Hour Requirements

• Private pilot course averages 50-55 hours.
• Instrument course averages 35 hours, in the beginning. 
• Multiengine add-on is 14-20 hours.
• CFI certificate is a 25-hour course.
• Instrument instructor averages 25 hours. 

The post About UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“We have a structured curricula that takes students through each of the training stages. The way we do things, the way we operate is modeled on the airline environment,” said James Constable, chief marketing officer for AeroGuard Flight Training Center. “At AeroGuard, it’s not a case of jumping in a plane with a flight instructor, and them saying, ‘What do you want to do today?’ Our students have missions, line items for training and completion standards; that is the goal and that’s what we do here—prepare people for very long and very successful careers after they leave us.” 

• READ MORE: FLYING’s Flight School Guide Gives High Marks to AeroGuard Flight Training Center

FAA Part 141 School

Far exceeding the training services provided by an FBO, AeroGuard is an FAA Part 141 school that offers courses aligned with both Part 141 and Part 61 to meet students’ needs. AeroGuard also has an FAA-Approved Reduced Hours CPL course based on its rigorous curriculum and structured environment, enabling students to complete training in less time and at a lower cost. The school operates a campus-like facility at its headquarters in Deer Valley, just north of Phoenix. “We have 35,000 square feet here, four buildings, a ramp area, 10 classrooms, and lots of briefing rooms,” Constable said.

AeroGuard also operates three other growing campuses, one south of Phoenix, in Chandler, one in Austin, Texas, and another in Fort Myers, Florida. All of its training facilities are purposely located in the “sunbelt,” to optimize year-round flying opportunities for students. And, while the school does not have residence halls, it can coordinate optional housing in local apartment buildings for the students who need it. “At the moment we have room for just over 100 students,” Constable said. “There’s an additional cost for housing, but it’s one less thing for our students to have to worry about when relocating to AeroGuard. We also connect students together for roommate and cost-sharing purposes.” 

All of AeroGuard’s facilities incorporate the latest Redbird simulators, and train students from zero experience through the successful completion of seven FAA certificates/ratings needed to launch their career as airline pilots: private, instrument, commercial single-engine, commercial multiengine, certified flight instructor, certified flight instructor – instrument, and multiengine instructor. 

Emphasis on Professionalism

The training is intense and accelerated. “It’s a full-time program,” Constable said. “We don’t recommend the students try to maintain outside employment; it’s a focused program with the goal of getting them to the airlines quickly.”

Professionalism is part of the training program, as well, from preflight to post-flight, down to the uniforms the students wear. “We’re trying to prepare our students for life as a professional pilot. Our processes, policies, the way we operate all align with that goal,” Constable said. “A lot of other flight schools, it’s very casual, shorts and flip flops, that’s not our style.” In fact, if you’re looking to fly recreationally by earning a private pilot certificate, he says, look elsewhere. “We only do career-based training here,” Constable said. “Our focus is on commercial, professional airline pilots.” 

To that end, AeroGuard has elected to have one close domestic airline partnership with SkyWest Airlines, as well as agreements with several international airlines.

A Pathway to Success

Acknowledging the significant investment of time, effort, and treasure it takes to become an airline pilot, AeroGuard has created a streamlined path for its students, offering them CFI roles upon graduation. This creates a path for students to build flight time experience while earning a paycheck and advancing toward their career goals.   

This guaranteed CFI role, facilitated by AeroGuard’s international airline partnerships, that provides many students with opportunities to train and build flight time. 

Typically, working as a CFI is one of the quickest ways to earn the flight hours and experience necessary for becoming an airline transport pilot. “From the beginning of our program to becoming a first officer at a regional airline, it usually takes two to two and a-half years,” Constable said. “As a student, it’s about one year’s time.” The rest of the time is spent working as a CFI for the school or gaining flight hours elsewhere.

Guaranteed Interview With SkyWest

According to Constable, a second advantage for AeroGuard students is the school’s close partnership with SkyWest. “AeroGuard maintains one integrated partnership with the largest regional airline in the U.S., providing tangible benefits to students, versus many-partnerships without gain,” Constable said. All AeroGuard students are eligible to participate in SkyWest’s Pilot Pathway Program, which includes mentorship opportunities and guarantees a first officer interview with the airline after they have completed their training and earned the required flight hours. 

“And, there’s a very high acceptance rate going through that interview,” Constable said, which is a testament to the quality education students receive at AeroGuard. Moreover, the interview with SkyWest may be the first step in an AeroGuard graduate’s flight path to a right seat at one of four major airlines with which SkyWest partners: Southwest, Delta, United, and Alaska. 

“Our partnership provides a clear path from training to SkyWest first officer, Captain, and ultimately to fly for one of our major partners through our Guaranteed Interview Program, if that’s their career objective,” said Tracy Gallo, senior vice president of flight operations for SkyWest. “In addition to the training they receive at AeroGuard, we regularly hold workshops and provide opportunities for their students to receive mentorship from SkyWest pilots.”  

AeroGuard students who become SkyWest cadets also qualify for tuition reimbursements of up to $17,500 to help them advance their dreams of becoming commercial pilots. 

According to Gallo, AeroGuard graduates hired by SkyWest are for success. “[AeroGuard has] established a reputation for training well-qualified pilots who have chosen to come to SkyWest after completing their training,” he said.  Another perk of AeroGuard’s relationship with SkyWest: Students start earning seniority with the regional airline the day they sign up for the Pilot Pathway Program, and there is no commitment on the student’s part. “Ultimately, if they choose to join SkyWest, it helps them to have higher seniority, picking their domicile base, flight benefits, that kind of thing,” Constable said, but AeroGuard graduates are not locked-in following training, including the CFI job at AeroGuard itself.

Seeking a College Degree and Flight Certifications?

While most major airlines no longer require new-pilot hires to have a college degree, a degree can help candidates in the application process, and may also help them fund their flight training. AeroGuard offers an option for students who wish to earn a degree simultaneously with their flight certifications through its partner institutions: Liberty University and Purdue Global University. The online programs give students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation (Liberty) or a bachelor’s degree in professional flight (Purdue). It can take degree-seeking students a little longer to complete their flight training as they balance other course work, Constable said; but this is partly offset by the R-ATP the degree allows graduates to pursue. The R-ATP reduces the FAA-required flight time to 1,000 hours versus the usual 1,500 hours, to be hired as a first officer.

A Standardized Fleet

AeroGuard operates a standardized fleet of Piper aircraft. Students fly Piper Archers and Piper Seminoles for single and multiengine training, respectively, with two Cessna 152s in the AeroGuard fleet to train students in spin and upset recovery. 

The operation of a standardized fleet improves efficiency and the student learning experience; whichever assigned aircraft a student receives will operate the same way, providing a consistent training experience. Additionally, the all-Piper, low-wing fleet makes it easier for students to transition from single-engine to multiengine training, as they already have familiarity with the aircraft’s basic handling and flight deck.  

Making It Happen

AeroGuard offers two pricing models for its flight training; a flat rate and a pay-as-you-go hourly option. Within these programs, students can pay as little as $80,000 plus check ride fees for seven FAA ratings using AeroGuard’s Reduced Hours 141 CPL Program. The school has several loan partners that will work with students to finance their education. Additionally, students who elect to pursue a bachelor’s degree in concert with their flight training may be eligible for federal student loans and grants through the FAFSA, as well as Veterans Administration and G.I. Bill funds (for qualified veterans). 

Regardless of how students choose to pay for their training, one thing is certain, Constable said: “AeroGuard gives its graduates a foundation that they’re able to build on that will benefit them throughout their career…An AeroGuard graduate will stand out in their class at the commercial airlines.” Learn more about AeroGuard Flight Training Center at flyaeroguard.com.

By the Numbers

400 students (current enrollment)

70 aircraft, mostly Piper Archers and Piper Seminoles; and two Cessna 152s

4 locations (Deer Valley/North Phoenix, and Chandler, Arizona; Austin, Texas; and Fort Myers, Florida)

1 year as a student; 2 years from start to airline (includes time-building as a CFI for AeroGuard or elsewhere)

$85,000, flat-rate cost (includes check rides)

7,000-plus graduates since 1999

2 optional online degree programs (Purdue Global University and Liberty University)

1 regional airline partner (SkyWest Airlines)

The post About AeroGuard Flight Training Center appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Adjacent Riverfront Property Allows for the Ultimate Escape

Tucked half a mile  from the southern entrance of The Fields—where development is underway at the highly anticipated 1,500-acre, luxury fly-in community in Southeast Tennessee—sits a serene section of the Sequatchie River planned for near-term development. With nearly a mile of meandering shoreline, the property will form the epicenter of water sports and riverside amenities at The Fields, including guided and unguided fishing, paddling activities, a unique dining experience, as well as a concert and events venue for residents and guests.  

“The vision for amenities at The Fields was to incorporate the Sequatchie River from day one,” says Jon Ricketts, managing partner. “It’s a hallmark of the valley and compliments the outdoor recreation and lifestyle community that we are developing. We are excited to add this section of The Fields into the broader master plan and offer our residents and guests another space to explore and enjoy.”

In addition to amenities, this space will also host the full-service outfitter at The Fields, equipped with the latest in outdoor gear and accessories for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, cycling, climbing, and hiking. The outfitter will serve as a base camp for all the leased-equipment needs of residents and their guests who wish to pursue outdoor recreation while there. Residents and guests may also take
advantage of concierge services to schedule excursions as well as attend to any repair needs related to outdoor recreation activities. 

Unique Concert Venue

The Sequatchie River is the perfect location to enjoy outdoor activities. In addition to the recreational experiences for residents and their guests, the property will feature an intimate outdoor venue for riverfront concerts. Seasonally, The Fields plans to host a series featuring new and established artists, offering a unique setting alongside the river. With beautiful views of the sunset in the Sequatchie Valley, the location has the potential to become a bucket-list destination for music enthusiasts across the country.

Culinary Experiences

The Fields will feature multiple unique culinary experiences. In addition to the onsite farm-to-table grocery store and restaurant adjacent to the runway and FBO, the riverfront property will contain an indoor/outdoor brewery and restaurant for both convenient, and high-quality dining options in a picturesque setting.

Early Phase Master Plans Show Additional Designs

Concurrent with the river property development, architectural renderings are being finalized which tie in the private airport (Phase 1), homesites (Phase 2), and a resort hotel/spa and equestrian center (Phase 3). “The master plan has evolved over the past 12 months into a final product that reflects the natural flow of the property. We were able to expand the proposed runway by both length and width while preserving access to contiguous phases and residential acreage. Our land development and usage strategy will continue to lead us as we announce future phases and opportunities,” Ricketts says.

Residential Lots 

The residential design of Phase 1 allows for both diversity of lot size and diversity of hangar/housing style. From the plan, the viewer is drawn to estate-sized lots to the northern and southern borders of the fly-in community. Interior to those are a variety of single-family hangar home lots, ranging from one-half acre to greater than an acre, with the ability for buyers to acquire multiple lots if desired. The Fields will also offer hangar townhomes and hangar condos—all accessible to the planned taxiways and runway.  With over half of the available acreage under reservation, The Fields will move into individual lot selection in December.

Equestrian Center With Resort and Wellness Center

Situated to the southwest of Phase 1 and Phase 2 is the planned home of the The Fields equestrian center and resort and spa. The development strategy behind this acreage is to give a dedicated space for residents and guests to spread out while enjoying amenities, such as the stables, trailheads, and the general serenity of the Sequatchie Valley. “Apart from the runway, the resort hotel and wellness center has generated the most enthusiasm among future residents at The Fields,” Ricketts says. “The ability to walk, bike, or take a golf cart a few minutes down the path to experience the wellness center offerings, as well as enjoy the restaurant and lounge area at the hotel is both convenient and exciting, it’s what new urbanism design planning is all about.”

Fly Here, Live Here, Stay Here

The Fields will be built around a 4,300-foot paved runway with taxiways to every lot developed in Phase 1. Lot reservations are underway. Contact us at flythefields.com as soon as possible to learn more about becoming a resident in this unprecedented, exclusive airpark.

The post Luxury Fly-In Community Offers Retreat appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

In 1984, the company sold its ground school and focused its efforts entirely on the publishing of educational resources and the manufacture of pilot supplies. Ironically, today, the company that got its start at Boeing Field still has a link to the pioneering aircraft company. Boeing sells ASA books and products through its distribution arm, Boeing Distribution Services, Snider says.

In January 2022, Greg Robbins became the newest owner and president of ASA. A professional pilot with commercial, multiengine, instrument, and seaplane ratings, Robbins led the sales department at ASA before purchasing the company. 

“ASA has a long 82-year history of providing quality training materials to those learning to fly as well as those maintaining the aircraft that are flown throughout the world,” Robbins says. “I’m proud of the 14 years I’ve spent working alongside the ASA team who creates these wonderful products; we have some of the most talented people in the industry. I’m excited to watch the company continue to evolve to meet future challenges and opportunities. With the many new emerging technologies for education as well as new modes of flight, it’s an exciting time in aviation and at ASA.”

FAR/AIM: ‘Best Out There’

One of ASA’s most iconic and most popular products is its FAR/AIM, which debuted and has been a best-seller for the company since 1945. The FAR/AIM (which stands for the combination of two reference guides: pertinent federal aviation regulations and the Aeronautical Information Manual) curates the FAA regulations and procedures relevant to pilots, drone operators, and instructors, and publishes a new edition of the book each year. While there are other companies that publish a FAR/AIM, ASA’s version is the “best out there,” Snider says. 

“It comes down to format, size, readability, quality of paper,” he says. “Despite digital technology, e-books, and online learning, people are still buying FAR/AIM books. We sell thousands of them each year.” ASA also sells a digital version of its FAR/AIM, an app that can be downloaded for $10.

Prepware: A Digital Solution for Learning

ASA provides valuable resources for pilots of all stages, including test preparation materials. The company has produced “Test Preps” for more than 60 years for general aviation pilots, flight crew, and aviation maintenance technicians. An electronic version of its test preparation products, Prepware, simplifies the training process. The online practice testing management system/downloadable software allows pilots to take mock FAA exams and receive immediate results. “The program provides comprehensive preparation study tools for FAA knowledge exams, practice tests, study and test tools, to help pilots learn how to be safe, competent aviators from the most trusted source in aviation training,” Snider says. 

ASA’s Prepware School program works in conjunction with individual Prepware subscriptions to allow flight training schools, colleges and universities to manage their students’ progress and assign quizzes and study materials in an online format. “[Prepware School] gives instructors access to all of the databases from private pilot all the way to ATP, and aviation maintenance,” Snider says. 

Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce

Recognizing the need to grow tomorrow’s aviation workforce—especially pilots and maintenance technicians to combat the projected shortage—ASA has partnered with AOPA on its aviation STEM high school curriculum, donating its ASA Prepware School software to participating high schools. 

ASA also launched its own high school/STEM curriculum a few years ago: the Aviation High School Facilitator Guide and related Student Notebook. The materials are designed to teach students the basics of aviation and aerodynamics with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. “High schools can purchase the books and integrate the curriculum into their coursework however they want,” Snider says. “It has modules that non-aviator educators can understand but that still allows them to introduce aviation to students at the high school level.” 

ASA is also actively involved with and provides support to the University Aviation Association—where Robbins is an executive board member—the Aviation Technician Education Council, the National Intercollegiate Flying Association, the Aviation Accreditation Board International, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and Choose Aerospace, an organization devoted to building the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians. Through Choose Aerospace, ASA offers a book scholarship and two cash scholarships to students studying to be maintenance technicians.

Books, Apps, and So Much More

While it may be best known for its FAR/AIM and FAA test prep materials, these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ASA’s product offerings. The company also sells complete pilot training kits, pilot/aviation mechanic manuals and handbooks, FAA knowledge exam guides, aviator field guides, and textbooks on aviation law, airport management, human factors, and more. 

ASA has a variety of digital products, as well, including apps for iOS and Android for its FAR/AIM, Prepware, Checkride, and Aviation Dictionary. 

Its pilot supplies are also world-renowned. From organizers, plotters, flight bags, fuel testers and pitot tube covers, to wheel chocks, log books, kneeboards, and headsets, if you’re a pilot, ASA has what you need. 

According to Snider, some of ASA’s legacy pilot supplies are still “hot items” today. Its manual plotter and the E6B slide-rule-style flight computer, for example, remain go-to tools. “We still sell a lot of E6Bs,” Snider says. “At tradeshows, we get a lot of people that come by our booth and they say they are still using them…they’re reliable and they don’t require batteries.” 

If you prefer the electronic version, ASA has those also. In fact, its CX-3 Flight Computer is so popular that the company has struggled to keep it on the shelves, especially during the post-pandemic supply shortage. Snider says the good news is the CX-3 is expected to be resupplied in time for the holidays this year. 

With more than 80 years of dedicated service to aviation education, ASA is much more than a business. “We hope people see us as a trusted training and lifelong career partner,” Snider says.

The post About ASA appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

When someone asks about The Fields, managing partner Jon Ricketts explains that the luxury fly-in community is designed “by pilots, for pilots.” He says, “It’s the concept behind everything we’ll do at The Fields.” Centered around a private 4,300-foot asphalt runway that can accommodate single- engine and twin piston and turboprop airplanes—up to light jets—the 1,500-acre planned residential development and resort will include luxury amenities with homes that are connected to the runway, located in Sequatchie Valley, Tennessee. All homes in phase one will have attached hangars and be a part of the luxury aviation community. The resort will also include a spa, a winery, and outdoor adventure center; and will be home to the new FLYING Media Group headquarters and studio, with a media center adjacent to the runway.

Lot reservations opened to the public in January 2022, and since that time, Ricketts and his team have talked to hundreds of interested residents, most of whom are pilots, family members of pilots, and FLYING Magazine readers. As a developer for The Fields, he says these conversations have been invaluable in validating and refining the plans for the fly-in community and its array of resort-style amenities.

The focus of the development is to blend adventure outdoor sports and activities with aviation. The property will include some of the largest mountain biking trails in the South, along with rock climbing walls, hiking trails, and other outdoor adventure activities that take advantage of the property’s natural landscape.

Fish Camp and Outfitter

The Fields is creating an outdoor dreamland for families that want to take advantage of the great natural features of Tennessee. In May, The Fields closed on a 50-acre adjacent property that sits along the Sequatchie River, offering nearly a mile of shoreline. The river is perfect for catching smallmouth bass, including rock or redeye bass. The river is also flooded with pan fish, largemouth bass, and a variety of catfish. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)—the state-run agency that oversees wildlife resources —stocks with trout the creeks that flow into the river during the spring.

Plans along the river call for constructing an outfitter that will offer an array of guided activities and outdoor equipment that can be rented or purchased. The river runs at a slow pace of just 1.5 mph, offering a day of kayaking up and down the area. The outfitter will also host a chef-driven restaurant and lounge that will feature farm-to-table food and gourmet products.

Residents and guests who want a little more active adventure, can head to nearby Dayton, Tennessee, and spend a day boating on Lake Chickamauga, a 36,000- acre lake that is a part of the Tennessee River system. The town is known as “Bass Town U.S.A.” for its ability to attract fishermen from all over the country for leisure or tournaments.

If fishing isn’t your game, Chickamauga Lake and Nickajack (another lake just south of The Fields) offer some of the best boating, jet skiing, and waterskiing in the South. There are dozens of marinas in the area that offer boat slips, but also plenty of ramps that can be used if someone wanted to keep their boat at The Fields and drive it to the lake.

The area is also the perfect spot to fly an amphib, as ICON Aircraft representatives discovered during a photo shoot of the recent FLYING Adventure issue. The hundreds of lakes and rivers that meander around the mountains make for some incredible flying experiences, and since the Tennessee River and connected lakes are incredibly wide, it’s the perfect spot to land on water.

Plenty of Biking, in the Mountains or on the Roads

The topography of The Fields is one of the most compelling features of the development. The Sequatchie Valley—a nearly perfect straight valley—sits nestled between the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge and can be seen from space. This breathtaking ridgeline offers some of the most unique flying in the U.S., but it also offers truly interesting outdoor adventures that are best discovered on two wheels.

The west side of the development backs up to the Cumberland Plateau and rises more than a thousand feet above the valley. The brow and mountain top offer some of the best views in the entire region, but also mountain biking trails that lead to four year-round springs on the property. There are even two major waterfalls on property, which can only be reached by hiking or mountain biking.

In addition to mountain biking, the valley is also the perfect place for road biking. The 70-mile valley is nearly flat at its base and since it is nearly perfectly straight and lies between two mountain ranges, it offers a unique experience that street bikers can only dream of.

Fly the Fields, Even if You Aren’t a Pilot

The Fields, located just 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is inspired to be a “luxury rural resort with an aviation theme,” but the goal of The Fields is to make it desirable for all members of the family, including those who aren’t pilots.

Development planning is underway and construction is set to begin in the next few months. For ongoing updates, visit FlytheFields.com.

The post Where Luxury Amenities Meet Aviation and Outdoor Adventure appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“It’s not an airpark, it’s a way of life” is how Craig Fuller, the CEO of FLYING and visionary behind The Fields, opened the presentation to a group of pilots who had come to hear about the large aviation-themed community and resort in East Tennessee. While all of the people in the room were pilots and nearly all owned air-planes, they came to hear about the broader amenities and what life would be like as a member of The Fields. 

Many of the pilots and their families were attracted to the unique luxury fly-in community because of its promised resort amenities such as a spa, vineyard, hiking trails, rock climbing, equestrian, and fishing, with an active aviation community.

Located in scenic Sequatchie Valley, in the heart of Southeast Tennessee, The Fields is an aviator’s dream, ideal for backcountry, sport, and seaplane pilots who want to explore with their airplanes. Just outside of Chattanooga, the development spans 1,500 acres and offers valley and mountain bluff residential properties with a private asphalt runway planned. The Fields’ runway will accommodate pistons, twin turbo airplanes, and more powerful aircraft. Hangars will connect directly to taxiways and allow for residents to park their airplanes at their homes.

Luxury Amenities

An inviting community center will welcome residents, aviators, and outdoor enthusiasts living and/or visiting The Fields to gather together after a day of hiking, fishing, or flying. Luxury rental villas will be developed to accommodate overnight and short-term visitors looking for a weekend getaway. A swimming pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, playground, bowling alley, and nearby light retail and commercial properties are planned, as well as a high-end, craft farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store. Over time, the community is expected to host a number of renowned restaurants, a vineyard and winery, and a resort and spa. 

In its former life, the property was a working family farm, and the original barn—that dates back to when FLYING Magazine first launched in the 1920s—is still on site. There are plans to turn the barn into a wedding pavilion that can host hundreds of guests under its 50-foot-high rafters.

“We plan to create a one-of-a-kind, rural adventure resort that can host almost any kind of event, but is still centered around the lifestyle of an active aviator,” Fuller says.

Outdoor Adventure Park

The Fields takes advantage of the natural features that make southeastern Tennessee a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. As part of the development plan, several hundreds of acres at The Fields will be reserved for outdoor activities. The rear section of the property has topographic features that are ideal for developing a 4×4 adventure park for residents. The Fields also has multiple year-round waterfalls that make for some unbelievable hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the valley, and a mile of riverfront shoreline that offers some of the best fishing in the area.

Bring your mountain bike, shotgun, fishing poles, and your sense of adventure. Mountain bike trails, skeet shooting, ropes courses, kayaking, and boating will be available at The Fields. Long-term plans include developing an equestrian center with boarding and trails. And the area has world-class rock climbing. In fact, the region has more miles of climbing walls than the Boulder, Colorado, area. For the hunter or fisherman, it’s a sportsman’s dream. The valley also offers hang gliding opportunities for pilots who want to get back to the basics.

Sales Have Exceeded Expectations

While the development has not yet broken ground, the response from the aviation community has been tremendous. With more than 600 inbound inquiries and more than 40 lots already contracted, Fuller says he’s overwhelmed by the reception the development has received. 

“We have exceeded the proforma plans we set for 2026. Based on initial demand, we have decided to accelerate our timeline for development,” he says. 

Feedback from the initial cohort of future residents demonstrates the uniqueness of the development, especially among aviation enthusiasts.

“Most airparks are old and aging. The Fields brings a new flavor to the concept of an airpark,” says CP Jois. He and his wife, Simi, a professional photographer, have committed to building a home and hangar at The Fields. “The valley presents a meditative surrounding,” CP adds. “[And] the people involved in the project—their passion is contagious. The recent makeover of FLYING magazine is a prelude to what The Fields will be.”

Another future resident, Ben Dorman, said the close proximity to Chattanooga (30 miles), a metro population with half a million residents, the variety of outdoor entertainment options, and the planned luxury amenities at the fly-in community persuaded him to put a deposit on a hangar home at The Fields. Dorman is also looking forward to living with his three aircraft: a Vans RV-14, Cirrus SR22T, and a Citation Mustang. “It is such a great experience to be around like-minded fellow aviators,” he says.

If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home

Once complete, The Fields will comprise 800 residential homes, many with hangars; 180 vacation villa rentals; 35 hangars; and an outdoor adventure center. The development will also be home to the FLYING Media Group headquarters and studio.

Fuller, who plans to hangar his ICON A5 and Tecnam Astore at The Fields, says the luxury fly-in residential development is perfect for the business professional or entrepreneur who can live anywhere in the world. “If you’re seeking a low-tax, business-friendly location, and you want to take advantage of an on-site runway and enjoy an adventure-resort lifestyle, join me and the FLYING community at The Fields.”

Interested in Learning More About The Fields?

Construction began this spring and home sites are available for presale. The first residents are expected in early 2023.

Visit FlyTheFields.com.

The post Excitement Builds For a New Luxury Fly-In Community appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Located just 30 miles northwest of metro Chattanooga and 90 miles southeast of Nashville, The Fields at Fall Creek will span 1,500 acres of breathtaking landscape that ranges from lush meadows and forests to rolling hills and mountain views. Groundbreaking will begin this spring, with some residents expected to move in as early as 2023.

When complete, The Fields will comprise 800 residential homes—many with hangars—180 vacation villa rentals, an outdoor adventure center, and, of course, its own paved runway. 

Plans for the fly-in community developed from an entirely different idea, initially. In July 2021, Fuller, who is the founder and CEO of FreightWaves—the world’s leading supply chain intelligence and news platform for the global logistics industry—acquired and became CEO of FLYING Media Group. Both businesses are based in Chattanooga. 

“When we acquired FLYING, we wanted to build a headquarters and media center connected to an airport. After talking to a number of the municipal airports around the area, we came up short and realized that the process would be bureaucratic and slow,” Fuller says. “We realized we would have to build our own airfield.”

Fuller, who is a pilot himself, was drawn to the natural beauty of the Sequatchie Valley. 

“I have always loved flying through the valley. It feels almost magical to look off both sides of the airplane and see the cliffs of the Cumberland Plateau and Walden Ridge,” he says. 

Finding a large, undeveloped family farm for sale in the Sequatchie Valley, Fuller realized he could create something much bigger than the business headquarters he first envisioned—a luxury fly-in resort and residential community that provides family experiences and outdoor adventures.

Initially, the community will cater to the piston pilot, with an emphasis on adventure and pleasure flying. A 4,200-foot privately owned runway will accommodate pistons and twin-turboprop airplanes. As the development grows, Fuller plans to expand the runway to accommodate larger and more powerful aircraft. Hangars will connect directly to taxiways, allowing residents to park their airplanes at their homes. 

“The Fields will be a powerful pilot and avgeek community, with activities focused in and around the airfield,” Fuller says.

The CEO-turned-developer expects the development to ultimately become a world-class resort that blends aviation with outdoor adventure. “We have started with a focus on aviation to build the amenities and attract residents who have a desire to live with their airplanes. We took a lot of inspiration from Alpine Airpark in Wyoming at the foot of the Grand Tetons, which is considered the world’s finest airpark, and attracts affluent residents from all over the world who take advantage of outdoor activities in the Tetons.”

While Alpine is attractive as an inspiration, it is limited in onsite amenities. Fuller plans to develop a world-class resort in the valley, with a focus on outdoor activities and countryside living. “We have been inspired by some of the finest countryside resorts in the world, including Blackberry Farms, Brush Creek, and Primland,” Fuller says.  

The high-end luxury homes will feature a modern farm-style aesthetic to reflect and honor the traditions of the area in which the community is located. The initial phase will develop 99 homes with aircraft hangars ranging from 1,500 square feet to 4,000 square feet, all with direct runway access. The airfield, community center, pool, playground, and nearby light-retail and commercial properties will also be developed during Phase I. There are also plans for a high-end craft farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store.

Residents will benefit from the state of Tennessee’s tax-friendly environment (no state income tax or capital gains tax). And Bledsoe County, where the community is located, has one of the lowest tax rates in Tennessee, and therefore, the country, Fuller says.

Another benefit: The Fields is located in class-G uncontrolled airspace and will offer the only paved airport within 30 miles, relieving its resident-pilots from the hassles of dealing with air traffic control and airspace congestion.

Adventure Center

The Fields’ property is so expansive—larger than New York’s Central Park—that it can host a number of special interest areas to create a more inclusive development that will appeal to more than just the pilot in the family.

The development will take advantage of the myriad natural features that make this area of the country a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. As part of the plan, several hundred acres at The Fields will be turned into conservation easement and reserved for outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, ropes courses, and four-wheeling/off road.

“Parts of the rear section of the property aren’t ideal for homes but have some topographic features ideal for a luxury 4×4 adventure park for residents,” Fuller says. Because the development includes both valley and mountain, there are rock faces off the side of the Cumberland plateau that are on property offering some of the most compelling rock climbing in the region. 

Long-term plans include developing an equestrian center with boarding and trails.

About the Fields

Located in the Sequatchie Valley, Tennessee, near the city of Dunlap (30 miles northwest of Chattanooga and 90 miles southeast of Nashville), The Fields at Fall Creek is a unique fly-in resort and residential community. With groundbreaking set for summer 2022 and move-in as early as 2023, The Fields will offer: 

• A 4,200-ft. runway 

• Valley and mountain properties suitable for smaller homes or large estates

• Farm-to-table restaurants, light retail, spa, and resort

• Outdoor activities including: rock climbing, equestrian activities, vineyard/winery, 4×4, hang gliding, kayaking, plus boating, and water sports on nearby lakes (totaling 500,000 acres of waterways)

Interested in Learning More About The Fields?

The post New Billion-Dollar Fly-In Luxury Resort and Residential Community Planned for Sequatchie Valley, Tennessee appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

A fine watchmaking piece at the cutting edge of technology, with exceptional value for money; that’s the promise behind the X41, a timepiece the likes of which is rarely seen in the current watch market. Pilots will appreciate the technical engineering that drives this groundbreaking watch, built by CODE41, a young Swiss watch brand. You can pre-order the sixth edition of the X41 now, long awaited by many of its members!

X41: a manufacture movement, exclusive to CODE41

Does the name CODE41 sound familiar? Not surprising: this Lausanne-based brand has made a name for itself in the watchmaking world with its non-conformist approach based on transparency, accessibility and the participation of its community in the development of its watches.

The X41 is the perfect example of this commitment by CODE41, who strives to offer an authentic Fine Watchmaking piece at an affordable price. Originally launched in March 2019, this self-winding watch is currently in its sixth edition. Priced from $6,045, significantly less than the competition, this watch proves it offers the same quality and features as others in its class. Starting with the design and architecture, drawn up exclusively for the CODE41 community, this watch is made up of 297 components and includes 33 jewels.

Produced and assembled by hand in Switzerland, with the sole exception of the balance wheel, means that 90% of the value of an X41 comes from Switzerland; a great score considering the majority of watches certified Swiss Made barely reach 60%.

The peripheral oscillating weight, an impressive technical achievement

Technically perfect, the main feature of the X41 is the peripheral oscillating weight. The oscillating weight is the mechanism that allows automatic watches to be wound via movements of the wrist. The drawback in standard models is that they tend to conceal the mechanism, thus increasing the thickness of the movement.

Here, CODE41’s partner factory has managed to develop a peripheral version, thus reducing the thickness of the movement and providing a more transparent view of the mechanism. An enormous challenge on a technical level, with few brands able to master such an engineering complication.

AeroCarbon and Grade 5 Titanium: between resistance and lightness

In order to reinforce the raw, technical side of the watch, CODE41 has chosen two high-tech materials for its case: AeroCarbon and grade 5 titanium.

The grade 5 titanium version is one of the developments from the fifth edition; this multifaceted material was the replacement for the grade 2 previously used for titanium cases. It is not only two times lighter and harder than steel, but it also offers greater resistance to scratching and allows for more detailed finishes.

More expensive, but also more technical, AeroCarbon is a high-density material used in aeronautics. Produced exclusively on demand, it’s comprised of blocks made from 300 layers, each placed at 90º to the previous and then compacted under 10 bars of pressure in an autoclave oven.

The main benefits? It’s extremely light, 2.5 more resistant than steel, and boasts excellent watertightness without the need for a titanium chamber.

Other technical characteristics

Watertightness: the X41’s case can endure immersion up to 100 meters (in calm water), making it ideal for adventurers.

Precise: -2/+10 seconds per day,

Reliable: includes a power reserve of 45 hours.

Also of note is the Grande Date display at 12 o’clock; this complication was added following numerous requests from the CODE41 community.

Finally, the sapphire crystal on the front and back of the watch is treated with an antireflective coating and has a nighttime display made possible by the Luminova technology on the hands.

Tempted by the idea of purchasing an X41? Edition 6 is available for pre-order now at https://code41watches.com/!

The post X41 Edition 6: High-Flying Watchmaking, from CODE41 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Nestled in the Sequatchie Valley, it’s a long and nearly perfect valley that can be seen from outer space. It is located just 30 miles from metro Chattanooga (including a major regional shopping area known as Hixson) and 90 miles south of Nashville.  

The Fields at Fall Creek will span 1,500 acres of breathtaking landscape, from lush meadows and forests to rolling hills and mountain views. 

When complete, it will be home to 800 residential homes, 180 vacation villa rentals, 35 hangars, an outdoor adventure center, and, of course, its own paved runway.  

It is a project of FLYING, which started out to develop a headquarters and media center located at an airfield. 

“When we acquired FLYING, we wanted to build a headquarters and media center connected to an airport. After talking to a number of the municipal airports around the area, we came up short and realized that the process would be bureaucratic and slow,” stated Craig Fuller, CEO of FLYING. 

“We realized we would have to build our own airfield.” 

“I have always loved flying through the Sequatchie Valley. There is something magical flying through the valley and looking off both sides of the airplane and seeing the cliffs of the Cumberland Plateau and Walden Ridge. We found a very large undeveloped family farm in the Sequatchie Valley that reminded me of Black Berry Farms, a world-renowned luxury resort located in East Tennessee. We realized this could become something much bigger—a luxury fly-in resort and residential community that provides intimate experiences and outdoor adventures.” 

So in 2021, FLYING began studying a more ambitious plan—one that would create the world’s finest fly-in luxury resort and residential community. 

The Airpark

Initially, the development plans to cater to the piston pilot, with an emphasis on adventure and pleasure flying. The airport will be a privately owned 3,000-foot runway, which will accommodate pistons and many twin turbo airplanes. As the development builds, there will be plans to expand the runway to accommodate larger and more powerful aircraft.  

Hangars will connect directly to taxiways and allow for residents to park their airplanes in their homes. The development hopes to create a powerful pilot and avgeek community, with activities focused in and around the airfield. 

“Being associated with FLYING will enable us to attract not only pilots, but also the broader aviation community, manufacturers, and suppliers that make aviation so impactful to the lives of pilots. We have been laying the groundwork with a number of manufacturers and suppliers to get them involved and active in the development of The Fields community.” 

If You Lived Here, You’d Be Home Now

The Fields is located in Bledsoe County, a 215-year-old community that its nearly 15,000 residents have called home for generations. It’s where cows outnumber people and historic churches dot the main highway. And it’s where fall trees look ablaze in reds, yellows, and oranges when the sun sets over the valley.

For the uninitiated, it’s a place like no other. And The Fields aims to preserve that charm.

The high-end luxury homes in this fly-in community will feature a modern farm-style aesthetic to reflect and honor the traditions of the area in which it is located.

The initial phase will develop 106 homes with hangars ranging from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet, all with direct runway access. 

During this time, the airfield, community center, pool, playground, and nearby light retail and commercial properties will also be developed. There are plans for a high-end craft farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store. 

Over time, the development is expected to host a number of renowned restaurants, a vineyard and winery, and a resort spa. 

Plans eventually call for more than 400 estate-style homes in the valley with an additional 200 homes that will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the valley. 

“Imagine having a brow home that is a 1,000-foot AGL and overlooking the runway down below on your back porch. You will be able to see airplanes take off and land. It will be an aviator’s dream,” Fuller said.

But whether on the mountain or down below, residents will likely not be disappointed by the stunning landscape.

Perks of The Fields

While The Fields is in a rural area, developers have been working with local providers to ensure the community operates as any suburban neighborhood—but without the hassle of traffic.

Residents will enjoy some of the fastest internet speeds in the world with the benefit of being located next to Chattanooga, a city that holds the distinction of being known as “Gig City.” 

Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax or capital gains tax. Bledsoe County itself has one of the lowest tax rates in Tennessee, and therefore, the country. 

It’s perfect for the business professional or entrepreneur who can live anywhere in the world and is seeking a low-tax, business friendly community, and who also wants to take advantage of an on-site runway and adventure resort lifestyle. 

It is also ideal for the professional who is looking for a second home or weekend getaway, perhaps for a pilot seeking open skies and unobstructed views of one of the most beautiful areas of the country. 

The Fields is also located in class-G uncontrolled airspace and is the only paved airport within 30 miles. This eliminates the hassles of dealing with air traffic control or congestion. 

Outdoor Adventure Awaits

The Fields is so expansive—larger than Central Park—that it can host a number of special interest areas to create a more inclusive development that will appeal to more than just the pilot in the family. 

“We’ve looked at master planned resort developments around the country and the thing that drives success is having a variety of things to do that appeal to a broad set of interests. Pilots will be excited to keep their airplanes in their attached hangar, but spouses and children will look for other things to do. We plan on providing many of those activities, right on property,” Fuller stated.  

The development takes advantage of the myriad natural features that make this area of the country a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. And as part of the plan, several hundreds acres at The Fields will be turned into conservation easement and reserved for outdoor activities. 

The property itself offers spectacular hiking, both low-impact and more challenging, with scenic brows overlooking the valley below. 

It is also a short distance from Fall Creek Falls, which is home to one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. But Fall Creek Falls is just one of hundreds of hiking trails within a short driving distance. In fact, those with a more adventurous spirit can take a quick hop over to North Carolina and hike the Appalachian Trail, which traverses more than 2,000 miles up the eastern United States.

The area has some of the most profound rock climbing in the world. In fact, the region has more miles of climbing walls than the region surrounding Boulder, Colorado. 

Long-term plans include developing an equestrian center with boarding and trails. 

Parts of the rear section of the property aren’t ideal for homes but have some topographic features where plans call for a luxury 4×4 adventure park for residents. Weekend visitors will also be able to rent off-road vehicles while visiting. 

For the hunter or fisherman, it’s also a sportsman’s dream. 

The state has more than 500,000 acres of lakes, and Dayton, Tennessee—less than 40 minutes away—claims the best bass fishing in Tennessee. And big and small game and waterfowl are abundant. 

For residents looking for other ways to connect with nature, The Fields will offer plenty of diversions, including mountain biking, rope courses, kayaking, off-road adventuring, and boating. 

And for the aviation enthusiast itching for a new way to fly, The Fields’ outdoor adventure center can arrange paragliding or hang gliding activities. The Chattanooga area is, in fact, considered a top international destination for both.  

Interested in learning more about The Fields? 

Visit www.FlyTheFields.com. Construction will commence in the spring and home sites are available for presale. First residents are expected in early 2023.

The post Uncontrolled Airspace, Unrestricted Adventure: Luxury Fly-in Resort Planned for East Tennessee appeared first on FLYING Magazine.