Instructors

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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. 

 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. 

 Bill began working on his PPL in 1972 at just 17 years old! Since then, he has amassed over 13,600 hours and taught hundreds of students how to fly airplanes, seaplanes, gliders, helicopters, and balloons. His desire to give back to the aviation community is what inspired him to become a certified instructor in every category and class of aircraft and as a result he has changed many lives for the better. Bill can’t wait to fly with you! 

 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. 

Mike got his Private Pilots’ license right here at Barnes Airport in 2008. Since then, he has flown everywhere from Deadhorse, Alaska to Lima, Peru, flying everything from the Cessna 207 to the Boeing 767. He even got to land a Boeing 737 on a gravel strip. Now, Mike flies the Embraer 190 for JetBlue, which has led him back to Western Mass, close to family and back to his true passion, General Aviation. Mike loves to share his love of all things aviation with the next generation of aviators, while honing his skills and learning from every pilot he flies with.

 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! 

Brian began flight training in 2013 when he was 14 years old.  After earning his private pilot certificate at 17 years old, he moved to Daytona Beach, Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle.  Brian worked as a ground instructor for Embry-Riddle while simultaneously completing his instrument rating, commercial certification, commercial multi add-on, and finally, his certification as a flight instructor.  Brian looks forward to flying with you!