In this episode, we dive into the August 2025 newsletter from Princeton Airport. We celebrate significant student accomplishments, including first solo flights and new certifications. We highlight the upcoming end-of-summer barbecue, the role of the community in fostering aviation passions, and the airport's investment in modern training resources with new aircraft.

We also cover essential operational info, special interest groups like the Princeton Flying Tigers, and opportunities for engagement with the airport through events, job openings, and photo contests. This episode encapsulates the vibrant, supportive, and evolving aviation community at Princeton Airport.

00:00 Introduction to Princeton Airport Community 00:24 Celebrating Student Achievements 01:25 Community Events and Barbecue 02:26 New Aircraft and Training Tools 04:17 Avionics and Flight Simulators 05:21 Operational Info and Tours 07:08 Engaging Columns and Flying Club 08:37 Photo Contest and Opportunities 09:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to The Princeton Airport Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the July 2025 Newsletter from Princeton Airport. It's a vibrant snapshot of summer flying, community events, and cutting-edge upgrades.

From the buzz of a well-attended BBQ and the thrill of student pilot achievements to the rollout of brand-new Skyhawks and high-tech avionics upgrades, this newsletter tells the story of a thriving general aviation hub. We’ll also explore essential reminders about staying safe during summer flights, navigating TFRs, and using simulators to build your skills even on rainy days.

Whether you're a private pilot, a student, or simply passionate about aviation, there’s something here to inform, inspire, and connect you to the heart of Princeton Airport.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus.

In this follow-up episode Pete continued his conversation with Colin Unsworth, ex US Air Force Colonel, and retired FedEx Captain.

Pete and Colin discussed a wide range of aviation topics and shared stories regarding flight training, weather conditions, military operations, flying passengers, flying cargo, flight emergencies, and even a UFO sighting.

So without any further introduction, let’s join the conversation with Pete Rafle and Colin Unsworth.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus.

In this episode Pete sat down with Bill Ducharme, born in 1930 and now quite possibly New Jersey’s oldest certified active private pilot. 

Pete and Bill discussed a wide range of aviation topics and shared stories regarding Bill’s early flight training, his experiences here at Princeton Airport, his love of Cessna airplanes, particularly the 152s, and his continued love of aviation all the way into his 90s. 

This episode is an enjoyable trip down memory lane, so without any further introduction let’s join Pete Rafle and Bill Ducharme.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus.

In this episode Pete sat down with Colin Unsworth, ex US Air Force Colonel, and retired FedEx Captain.

Pete and Colin discussed a wide range of aviation topics and shared stories regarding flight training, weather conditions, military operations, flying passengers, flying cargo, flight emergencies, and even a UFO sighting.

So without any further introduction, let’s join the conversation with Pete Rafle and Colin Unsworth.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with 1st Lt Robert McClellan, Commander of the Twin Pine Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

Pete and Rob discussed many of the benefits of being a Civil Air Patrol volunteer - whether a CAP Cadet or a senior member… whether a pilot or a parent… interested in aviation or aerospace, military customs and courtesies, even cyber. 

So without any further introduction, let’s join the conversation about the Civil Air Patrol with Pete Rafle and Robert McClellan.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete invited Col. John ‘Skip’ Rawson, aviator, businessman, and one of the colorful characters here at the Princeton Airport for a Part Two Interview. 

Pete and Skip covered a lot of ground in their last interview, but Skip still had plenty of stories to share about the  planes he has flown including the J-3 Cub, T-28 A, Cessna 337, the T-6 trainer, Lockheed Hudson bomber, Cessna 170, Stearman Biplane, the B-17, and even the Japanese replica “Zero” which were reworked T6’s.

In Episode 6 of the Princeton Flying School Podcast Pete Rafle sat down with Jeff Slutsky, Chief Pilot of the Princeton Flying School. Pete and Jeff talked about the current state of flight training, as well as some of the experiences that they have encountered as flight instructors here at the Princeton Flying School.

We trust this podcast episode will be helpful and informative, and may at times even be entertaining for Princeton Flying School students and alumni here at the Princeton Airport. 

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with Col. John ‘Skip’ Rawson, aviator, businessman, and one of the colorful characters here at the Princeton Airport. As we will learn, Skip began flying in Cubs at the age of 14.  He later flew B 47's and Constellations in the Air Force.  Skip has also flown many types of airplanes as a charter pilot.  He is a member of the Tora! Tora! Confederate Air Force flight demonstration team flying Japanese Zero replicas. So without any further introduction, let’s join the conversation with Pete Rafle and Skip Rawson.

Welcome to the Princeton Flying School Podcast with Pete Rafle, Princeton Flying School Instructor Emeritus. In this episode Pete sat down with Naomi Nierenberg, co-owner of Princeton Airport. They talked about the history of the airport, the early days of the Princeton Flying School, and some of the colorful characters who played a part in the history of the airport.