Fourth graders' dreams take flight at Greenwood Lake Airport

WEST MILFORD — Michelle Kachler’s fourth grade class at Ringwood Christian School recently visited the Greenwood Lake Airport in West Milford. Though the fog that morning concealed the mountainous landscape upon which the airport sits, that did not stop the students from learning about the wonders of flight. Chuck, one of the airport’s flight instructors, shared his experience as a pilot, and also about all of the fine details that make a plane fly.

Chuck brought the class out onto the tarmac to see some of the small planes, each with its own unique name. The students learned that a pilot has a very extensive inspection check list to go through before even turning the plane on; safety is very important. They also learned other interesting facts, like how the gasoline of an airplane needs to be clear; if there is a tint of blue or red, that is not a good sign and it is not safe to fly.

Each student had the opportunity to tie a special knot on a rope that keeps the airplanes secure on the tarmac, as well. It was a very informative trip, one that the fourth graders were excited to experience.