Instructors

Rika is a second generation pilot who solo'd at Westfield-Barnes Airport at the age of 16. She returned to flying in 2016. She  earned her Flight Instructor rating in August 2019 and her Instrument Flight Instructor rating in February 2020. She created Fly Lugu Flight Training to serve an unmet need in the community. Serving on the Advisory Council of Westfield Technical Academy and Baypath University she recognized an opportunity to "bridge the gap" and champion STEM education in our local community. Rika is an active member of the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots, Women in Aviation International as well as Western Mass Wright Flight and Kiwanis Club of Westfield. Her goal is to engage the greater Westfield community with the wonderful world of aviation and help new aviators achieve their goal of being skybound. 

Mitchell is a Western Massachusetts native. He began flight training in 2020 at American Flyers in Addison, Tx, earning his Instrument, Commercial and eventually his CFI rating in 2021. When he isn’t flying he enjoys spending his time in the outdoors. Mitchell is really excited to teach you how to fly! 

 Fred began his aviation journey in 2014 and has since accomplished many feats including receiving his helicopter rating in 2017 and his Certified Flight Instructor rating in 2020. Before working at Fly Lugu he served in the United States Marine Corps and Fred wants to help aspiring aviators from civilian backgrounds and those in the Armed Forces. Between his love for aviation and military experience, he is ready and eager to help aspiring aviators reach their goals in aviation. 

 Alex began his pilot career after moving from his home in Miami, Florida to Daytona Beach where he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to pursue a degree in aeronautical science. After receiving his degree and commercial multi certificate at ERAU, Alex became a certified flight instructor so that he could offer the aviation community the quality of flight instruction he believes every student deserves. Alex is committed to making learning to fly as fun as it sounds and is looking forward to being your instructor! 

 Chris began flight training at in 2016 at the age of 19, earning his private pilot’s license and his instrument rating. Chris enrolled in Vermont Technical College’s Professional Pilot Technology Program in 2018 where he earned his commercial pilots license and CFI. Chris is also a full time Crew Chief in the Massachusetts Air National Guard where he maintains the F15C Eagle. Chris looks forward to flying with you. 

 Chris started flying with George Merriam at Skylark Airport in 2008 and completed his private in the winter of 2011. After joining Clarkson University’s class of 2016, Chris found time between his studies to knock out his instrument at Potsdam Airport. For the past three years, Chris has been working but reached out again to George to work on his CFI; passing his checkride in his 1947 Cessna 140! Chris specializes in tailwheel and stick-n-rudder flying but would be glad to work with you! 

 John has over 12,000 hours of flight instruction. He holds an ATP, MEI, CFI-I and CFI. Additionally, John holds an aircraft mechanic license with Inspection Authority. He has been rooted in the general aviation community since 2000. He looks forward to sharing his experience and skill with you to get you to your next rating.