Instructors

David Bloomberg

David is a part-time flight instructor here at Northampton Aeronautics, and has been instructing at the airport since becoming an instructor in 2000. He specializes in tail-wheel flying. He has his ATP certificate, and holds a CFI, CFII and MEI ratings.

David owns two airplanes of his own that he keeps here at the airport, a 1946 Taylor Craft Airplane Tail-Dragger and a Cherokee 180.

Hillary Carl

Hillary holds her Commercial Pilot Certificate and does scenic flights and Groupon flights here at Northampton, while working toward her CFI. She is also an apprentice with Aero Design at Barnes Airport in Westfield, and is working toward her A&P certification. Hillary is a proud owner of a Cessna 150 and a member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots.

Terrence Ezold

TJ began his stint as an educator as a private music teacher and public school band director. He has since transferred his teaching skills to the aviation world and is working as a full-time flight instructor. He still teaches private music lessons, so you can learn to fly and learn an instrument at the same time! TJ also plays in a Traditional Irish band called Banish Misfortune.

Austin Grenevich

Austin has been flying since the age of 15 and got his PPL at Spencer Airport. He went on to attend the aviation program at Bridgewater State where he got his Instrument, Commercial and CFI ratings, and in Northampton Austin got his Multi-engine and CFII.

Austin’s favorite thing about instructing is to see his students have the same great experiences in their training as he did.

Mike Kuehlmuss

Mike started flying in Germany in 1986. After moving to the US he continued getting more advanced pilot ratings while working as an A&P/IA.

Besides being a fixed wing CFI, he also holds a commercial Seaplane and lighter than air pilot ratings. You might just find him working on one of his airplanes, teaching someone to land, or floating above your head in a balloon.

Rich MacIsaac

Rich is the manager of the airport and flight school. He is also an instructor. He has been working here since August 2004. Rich has been flying since 1997 and has been instructing since 2001. He has his CFI, CFII and Multi-engine rating.

Joe Marino

Joe is a CFI and CFII. He is part owner of a Beech Bonanza based here at Northampton. Joe is also an active Angel Flight pilot, donating his time and energy providing air transportation for medical patients in the New England area.

Vinnie Melling

Vinnie has been a licensed pilot for fifteen years and a Flight Instructor for the past twelve years. Vinnie has his Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Multi-engine and Ground Instructor ratings.

Vinnie's favorite part of flying is that teaching an individual a skill like flying, and helping that person realize a dream that has often been with them since they were a child is as exciting and rewarding as it gets.

Joe Occhiuzzo

Joe’s love for flying began at age 6 when he went for his first flight with his grandfather. Fast forward a few years to 2007 when he got his private license.

Joe went on to buy an airplane and continue his training, obtaining an instrument rating, then a Commercial Multi and CFI in Northampton. He also was lucky enough to be sent to Flight Safety to get a SIC type rating in the Learjet 31A which he flew as co-pilot. From 2007-2011, Joe managed the FBO at Barnes in Westfield.

Happy to be passing on his love for aviation, he is thrilled to be instructing at the very airport where his Grandfather landed to meet Joe when he was born.

Mary Shea

Mary Shea is the most veteran flight instructor at the airport, and has been instructing here since 1974. Northampton Aeronautics, Inc. is excited to have her knowledge and expertise on its staff.

Mary began flying in 1958, obtained her private pilot's license in 1966 and then her commercial license in 1970. Not many pilots can claim they've taken their license test in a Piper Colt, but Mary can.

Her favorite part of flying has been establishing herself as a distinguished and experienced female pilot, in a profession that was once largely dominated by men.

John Smith

John has been working as an instructor at Northampton Aeronautics since 2005, and prior to that served as a flight instructor at Turners Falls for eight years. He has his ATP certificate, CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings. He also specializes in Tail-wheels.

John's favorite part of flying is that he enjoys helping people achieve their goals and getting them to the next level. John is the proud owner of a 172 and a Piper Cub.