SHAMOKIN — Todd Aungst, the owner of Penn Selin Air Center, the new tenant at Northumberland County Airport, has a plan that could land a charter service in the region, possibly within six months.
“Right now, if people need to get to commercial jet airports, they have to go long distances, to Williamsport, Harrisburg or Wilkes-Barre,” Aungst said. “Our service would facilitate consumer traveling to those larger airlines in much faster time. But first we need to get a Charter Certificate.”
Aungst said he is working with the Federal Aviation Agency, in Harrisburg, to get that license.
Transportation would be in a smaller, twin-propeller airplane, which could hold up to five passengers.
Meanwhile, Penn Selin, which made the move from Penn Valley Airport, in Selinsgrove, to Northumberland County Airport, in Shamokin, in September 2008, is emphasizing its aircraft mechanical services and active flight school.
“We’re glad to be here,” Aungst said of his new home. But he realizes that Penn Selin has to overcome the bad publicity the airport garnered when Brian D. Snyder, the owner of its previous tenant, Smooth Landings, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to forging the name of another mechanic for annual inspections and aircraft repairs, and backdating unauthorized maintenance performed after his licenses were revoked.
Snyder admitted transporting a stolen aircraft across state lines.
“We’re a whole new game here. We have nothing to do with Snyder, and I hope the community will recognize this,” Aungst said.
Penn Selin has been in business since 1987. “It’s my dream to grow this business,” Aungst said. “I enjoy the various hats I wear.”
When he isn’t running Penn Selin, he pilots a local business’ corporate jet, a Citation.
“I fly the ... jet two or three times a week out of Penn Valley Airport. All together, I’ve probably logged about 11,000 hours in their jet.”
Penn Selin offers fliers a variety of aircraft: Cessnas, Beechcraft and Piper single and double engine planes.
At the flight school, Aungst said, prices can cost $130 per hour; less if multiple hours are bought in advance. The instructor charges an additional $30 per hour.
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Tenant hopes to bring charter flights to airport
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