Meet Mike Carzoli, the owner of Blue Skies Flying Services and Pilot Shop. In 2017, Blue Skies received the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) award for Best Flight School in the Midwest region. Additionally, Jim Fellers of Blue Skies was awarded Best Flight Instructor in the Midwest region. We spoke with Mike to find out what separates Blue Skies from the rest of the flight schools in the Midwest and earns their operation such high praise.
Q: When did you know becoming a pilot was your passion?
A: I knew that flying was something I wanted to do since high school. After I graduated high school, I went to A&P School at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, still planning on flying when I finished. While I was out of class for Christmas break after my first semester, I received a job offer from an automotive dealer that I worked for during high school. After some soul searching and talking to my parents, I decided to take the job offer. I was getting married soon, so the need for money drove the decision.
For the next 20-plus years I had a very successful automotive career and had two kids along the way, but I was still always thinking about flying. In 1989, I went back to flight training and earned my private pilot certificate in early 1990. After a few years of flying and owning a Cessna 150, the next chapter of my life started to develop.
Q: How did you end up in Lake of the Hills, IL, and what prompted you to set up business there?
A: Sometime in 1992, I received a postcard in the mail from a real-estate agent offering rental space at a new office building under construction near the Lake in the Hills airport. It was a no-brainer, I had to open a pilot supply shop. Of course, if you’re going to open a business you have to come up with a name. Every hobby comes with its own jargon, like “smooth sailing.” I used to be an avid skydiver and we say “blue skies” when we wish someone well.
Blue Skies opened in May 1993 with the help of my friend Stan Serwitz. We both still worked our full time jobs so another friend, Dave Morrow, offered to help us during the week. In the beginning, the Pilot Shop would open at noon during the week with Dave working from noon until 3 p.m., then Stan would show up and work ’til about 5 p.m., and then I would work ’til close at 8 p.m. Mike and Stan would split the weekends along with help from Dave.
Q: Describe your flight school facility and fleet of planes.
A: Today, we operate a full-service pilot shop with an FAA testing center. We have about 2,000 sq. ft. to house the pilot shop, testing center, flight school operations, and classroom. Our flight school features a fleet of 8 aircraft and we offer training for the private pilot certificate all the way through Flight Instructor – Instrument. We also have a 9,000 sq. ft. maintenance hangar where we take care of our aircraft and offer a wide array of maintenance and repairs to a large clientele of aircraft owners.
Q: The AOPA recently awarded Blue Skies Flying Services the honor of Best Flight School in the Midwest region. What does this distinction mean to you, and what makes Blue Skies stand out from other schools in your region?
A: Receiving this award means the world to us. We have worked so hard to provide the very best training facility. We pride ourselves on a fleet of the best maintained aircraft around. While becoming the best professional operation we can be, we’ve never lost touch with the “Ma & Pa” type feeling that you still sense when you walk through our doors today.
Q: Jim Fellers of Blue Skies Flying Services was awarded the honor of Best Flight Instructor in the Midwest region. What is Jim doing that sets him apart from other instructors?
A: We are so blessed to have Jim. He is as patient a flight instructor as you could ever ask for. He never gets rattled in the cockpit and people just love to fly with him. I knew Jim before he became a CFI and when he completed the CFI training and passed his CFI check ride, I knew he was the guy I wanted. Jim has been with Blue Skies for close to 15 years now and has been my chief flight instructor for at least the past 10 years. All the other CFIs here respect and look up to Jim.
Q: How does Blue Skies fit in with the rest of the aviation community, nearby and beyond?
A: Over the years we’ve hosted many types of Aviation-related Saturday morning seminars. We are involved with the airport open house, which is a big draw from the local community. Every year, the local EAA chapter has a pancake breakfast that we promote and help out with any way we can.
Q: Are there any unique pros and cons to flying or learning to fly in this area?
A: One of the great things about learning to fly in this area is that we are right under the Class B of the Chicago O’Hare International Airport and just minutes away from being over farm country and our practice area. We also have several Class C and D airports close by for our students to practice at.
We also have Rockford Airport (RFD), which provides traffic and approach control. That is great for training and the people at RFD are great to work with.
Q: What is your favorite plane to fly and why?
A: My favorite plane to fly is the American Champion Decathlon. I love tailwheel aircraft. I love that plane, and I love to get a little crazy once in a while. Usually, early in the morning before anyone else comes to the airport, I will try to slip out for a little fun and then get to work.
Q: Why are Gleim Aviation training materials the choice for your school and students?
A: We have been using Gleim products since the inception of Blue Skies. I used the material for my training as well and just loved how the material was presented. We have been using Gleim for our ground school ever since the day we started classes. Jerry Coarson has been teaching our ground school classes for many years and has a long relationship with Gleim. I even had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Irvin Gleim many years ago at the office in Gainesville, FL.
For more information about Blue Skies Flying Services and Pilot Shop, visit http://www.blueskiespilotshop.com/
Gleim Aviation would like to congratulate Blue Skies Flying Services and Pilot Shop on receiving the 2017 AOPA Flight Training Excellence Award for Best Flight School – Midwest and thank them for their support and dedication over the years!
About Gleim Aviation
Since 1980, the Gleim Aviation team of pilots, instructors, writers, designers, and programmers has helped aviators pass millions of FAA knowledge and practical tests using the unique Gleim Knowledge Transfer System. Gleim is an environmentally-friendly company headquartered in Gainesville, FL.