Flight 101 Information

Harvey Bliszack along with a small group of aircraft owners and enthusiasts founded what is now called Flight 101 back in 1969. Prior to 1969, Harvey had spent a couple of years serving with Christian Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) as a pilot and aircraft mechanic in Africa. Upon returning to the U.S., Harvey still sought to be involved with aviation. Through the efforts of Harvey and nine other investors, the business rose from the ground in the form of the original 100' x 100' hangar and offices that are still here today. Over the years, the other investors moved on and Harvey bought their shares of the company until he became sole owner. During the 1970's and 1980's, the business provided maintenance for both hangar tenants as well as the public airport community. In 1990, Harvey Bliszack and Chip Rascher started Pontiac Flight Service, an on-demand, private aircraft charter service. Following that in 1991, the flight school called Flight 101 was founded by Chip Rascher to train new pilots. As both the charter service and flight school grew and became increasingly busy, the Harvey's maintenance division shifted its focus to in-house maintenance. Due to growth in both of these businesses, the hanger was expanded to its current 200,000 square foot size. In 2000, after 31 years as company owner, Harvey decided that it was time to move on and enjoy retirement. Chip Rascher purchased Pontiac Flight Service and Harvey's maintenance division and continued to serve as Owner/President/Chief Pilot. At the peak of business in 2005, the Flight 101 and Pontiac Flight Service fleets consisted of (4) Cessna 152's, (5) Cessna 172's, (1) Cessna 172RG, (2) Diamond DA-40FP, (1) Piper Seneca, (4) Cessna 421B, (1) Cessna 421C, and (2) Beechcraft King Air B200's! However like all of aviation, Flight 101 and Pontiac Flight Service saw a severe down-turn in business following the economic crash in 2007-2009. During this time, all 3 entities saw the need to reorganize and develop a new plan to serve aviation in the changing economic climate. Flight 101 seeks to serve the surrounding general aviation community with quality and affordable flight training. Our primary market is the General Aviation Enthusiast and we strive to meet those needs.