Whiskey Foxtrot
Aviation
Part 61 flight school
About Us
The Sky Acres Airport located in Lagrangeville, NY is a relaxed, general aviation airport which features a café, self service fuel, and maintenance facilities. The airport has been family owned for generations and is a popular fly in destination for the general aviation community.
When most people come to Sky Acres, one of the first things they notice is the relaxed and friendly nature of the airport. There are no big fences topped with barbed wire or security cameras everywhere. Instead you have people sitting at the café, a stones throw away from the airplanes parked on the ramp, enjoying breakfast and lunch. You have people walking their dogs in the grass. Best of all, it is a community that is interested in aviation and likes hanging out at the airport.
Whiskey Foxtrot aviation is a Part 61 flight school that has been training aviators out of the Sky Acres Airport since 2020.
Our team works together with the main goal of getting our students to where they want to be. Whether it's to become a private pilot and fly for fun, or whether it's to go all the way to the airlines.
We can take you there.
Our school holds classes twice a week, which allows the students to get to know each other, and be with others in the same situation, allowing them to bounce off ideas, and struggles with each other.
This atmosphere creates a support system between the students and instructors.
These are bonds that will last a lifetime.
Flight School Near Me
Our Team
Sue Smey
Private Pilot, Instrument Rated, ASEL, Owner
The name "Whiskey Foxtrot" has more of a meaning than just the words. The initials W.F. stand for Women Fly. We are here to encourage all women of all ages to not only think outside of the box, but to actually STEP outside of the box.
One of Oprah's famous quotes, "Whatever you fear most has no power, it's your fear that has the power.", has such a deep meaning.
Just having the courage to step out of that box can be so scary for most. I am here as a testament that I chose to face that fear, and look at me now. I am a pilot, I own a flight school, and most importantly I am so empowered.
Traditionally, this field has always been considered a man's job but the number of women is growing. Women now make up about 7% of all certified pilots, and we here at Whiskey Foxtrot are here to make that number grow.
We are here to teach, support, and be by your side as you take the journey of your life.
Normal is boring..... Be a pilot!!!
Luc Grégoire
CFI, ASEL
Luc's flying experience dates back to 1999 when he was looking to fill the void of his passion for sailing, which he left behind in Canada.
Following a long corporate executive career, Luc decided to take his hobby to the next level and become a CFI to give back to the flying community, both by instructing as well as volunteering for the PALS organization ( Patient Air Lift Services), flying remotely-based patients to urban medical centers.
Having a daughter and two granddaughters, Luc was inspired by WF's mission to increase the interest of women towards aviation, whether professionally or, to discover the pure joy and freedom of flight.
Luc keeps his Piper Arrow at Sky Acres, which he uses for PALS and his fun adventures, including accessing various points of the Appalachian Trail, with over 400 miles under his boots so far (train name - Flyer!)
Luc provides training towards private or commercial licenses and high-performance and complex airplane endorsements. He can also conduct your bi-annual flight review or help you regain proficiency if it's been a while since you've flown. He is also happy to take you up to discover the wonder of flight. Above all else, Luc places emphasis on safety and is always eager to share a good story from decades of fun flying adventures.
George Amenta
CFI, ASEL
George started flying when he was in high school and got his pilots license before his drivers license.
He attended Dutchess Community College and received his instrument and commercial ratings while obtaining an Associates Degree in Aviation Science.
He has been involved with aviation in the Hudson Valley since 2015 and says it is one of the best areas to learn to fly.
He offers training to those looking to get a private or commercial license, as well as giving high performance and complex endorsements.
Ian Mactaggart
CFI,ASEL
Ian's aviation journey began early, growing up around Sky Acres Airport. At just four years old, he would enjoy Sunday breakfasts at the Hangars Cafe, watching planes soar above, sparking a lifelong passion. His journey into the cockpit started with his first discovery flight at Sky Acres, and he soon took to the skies himself. Ians first solo was on runway 35 with Whiskey Foxtrot Aviatin, where he became the first student to earn a Private Pilot License in 2021
Ians experience spans an impressive variety of aircraft, from the historic WW2 Spitfire and the legendary Supersonic Concord to a classic 1938 Piper Cub and an Amphibious Dehaviland Beaver. He
s navicated the Affrican Bush in a rugged Cessna Caravan, each experience adding to his unique adventure-filled flight path.
Our Aircraft
Whiskey Foxtrot aviation offers both Cessna and Piper aircraft for training. Our aircraft are maintained by Swift Aviation located at Sky Acres. Current aircraft rates for both dual and solo flight are published below. Our aircraft rates are billed off the hobbs and include fuel.
Cessna 150 - N23390 C150
The Cessna 150 is the fifth most produced aircraft ever, with nearly 24,000 built. Cessna first began manufacturing these aircraft in 1959 and built this plane solely with the training market in mind. N23390 is equipped with a Garmin 430 and dual Garmin G5's.
Dual rate $250 per hour
(fuel and instructor included)
Solo rate $200 per hour (fuel included)
Piper Warrior - N82743 PA28-161
The first of the Warrior series came out in 1974. Warriors are primarily distinguished from their Cherokee predecessors by their double-tapered wing planform and two-foot-wider wingspans.
Dual rate $250 per hour
(fuel and instructor included)
Solo rate $200 per hour (fuel included)
-
How much does it cost to obtain my private pilot’s license?The price varies because everyone learns at a different pace and therefore it takes different amounts of time to complete. In addition to the flying there are other costs such as a headset, home study materials, and exam fees. The price range we often see is anywhere from around $14,000 to $18,000.
-
How long does it take to get my private pilot’s license?The completion time varies greatly due to a number of factors. The summers typically have better weather and provide more time to fly whereas the winter months typically bring less favorable weather for flying. The more often you are able to fly, the quicker you tend to pick up on things and learn. For someone who is able to make it out and fly at least 2-3 times per week, 5-6 months is possible, whereas someone who is only able to fly once a week will take much longer.
-
How many times a week can I fly?As many times as you like! We are open 7 days a week year roundweather permitting. You have the option to fly as much or as little as you want. We have some people who fly 4-5 times a week and others who fly once or twice a month.
-
What is the benefit of a Part 61 flight school?Part 61 refers to the part of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations the school operates under. The Part 61 training environment tends to be more relaxed and provides a more personalized training experience. The FAA outlines the requirements to obtain the license but does not specify how to meet those requirements. This gives the instructors great flexibility in adapting the training to best suit the student.
-
How old do I have to be to start taking lessons and is there an age requirement to get a private pilot’s license?You can start flight training at any age. You must be at least 16 years old in order to solo (a training requirement), and at least 17 years old to obtain your private pilot license.