Our Team
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Eric Santos - atp, cfi, cfii
Eric is an accomplished aviation professional with 20 years of experience across various sectors of the industry. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, along with Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) ratings. Throughout his career, he has worked in multiple roles, including leadership positions, flight instruction, and airline operations. Currently, he flies for a cargo airline while continuing to mentor and support aspiring pilots. Passionate about aviation education and community development, Eric also sits on the Board of Directors for a non profit organization that directly contributes to the development of the next generation of Dominican-American pilots.
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MK Aaronson - cfi, cfii, mei
MK started her aviation journey as a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines in 2020, working full time while simultaneously achieving her ratings. She initially received her PPL at a Part 61 operation with a runway of only 2400 feet, then continued the rest of her training at a Part 141 flight school. Her commitment to education, mentorship, and advocacy can be showcased in her community involvement with Women in Aviation International, Experimental Aircraft Association, and The Ninety Nines. She has a passion for teaching, empowering aspiring aviators to reach new heights. In her free time, you can find her at the airport with her dog, Dexter, or exploring new hiking trails here in Oneonta.
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Justin Osterhoudt - ATP, cfi, cfii
Justin did initial flight training at the Cooperstown Westville Airport, with his first solo flight at the Oneonta Airport in 2001. He continued professional flight training through college and began his career with Cape Air in 2008. Since 2008, he has continued to teach flight instruction and accrued over 1,000 hours of dual given and 10,000 total flying hours while flying professionally for companies such as Cape Air, American Eagle Airlines, Planesense, and XOJET. Justin is currently qualified as a Captain and Line Check Airman on the Boeing 757 and 767 for Air Transport International.
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Martijn Kamerbeek - Community outreach
Martijn has lived in Otsego County for over two decades and been involved in the community as a firefighter, ambulance driver, adjunct instructor at SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College, and most recently as airport commissioner — while simultaneously working towards his Private Pilot Certificate. When he is not dreaming about flying, he is spending time with his lovely wife and two children.
the Fleet
Building your skills in both high-wing and low-wing aircraft has never been easier! Our diverse fleet gives pilots the opportunity to master different airframes, gain confidence, and advance their training with ease, with the choice of either aircraft being readily accessible.
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The Sundowner is powered by a Lycoming O-360 180-horsepower engine and is IFR certified. It features a Garmin 430, dual Garmin G5 electronic flight instruments, dual Garmin G106A VOR/LOC/GPS indicators, and a Garmin GTX327 transponder.
Performance enhancements include a PowerFlow tuned exhaust system and a Madras droop tip STOL kit for improved efficiency and handling.
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The Cessna 172 is powered by a Lycoming O-360, a four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed engine, producing 180 horsepower. IFR certified, the Cessna is equipped with an ASPEN PFD, Dual navcom with GS, Garmin Transponder, and KLN89B GPS.