Flight School

Professional, Cost-Effective Flight Training

Welcome to BAS Flight School!

At BAS, we are committed to providing top-quality flight training tailored to your goals. Whether you're looking to fly for recreation or pursue a career in aviation, our experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. We take pride in fostering a supportive learning environment where students can build confidence and proficiency in the air.

Pilots landing small plane, cockpit view.

Cockpit view over coastal lake with pilot

Coastal landscape with clouds and mountains.

Sunset over islands with glowing clouds.

Yellow airplane flying over scenic landscape.

Snow-covered mountain peaks under clear sky.

Pilot flying small aircraft over scenic landscape.

Training That Takes You Further

Our well-maintained fleet of Cessna 172s ensures you have the best tools for success, whether you are working toward a private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial license, or flight instructor certification. We also welcome licensed pilots for review flights, proficiency training, and currency flights to keep skills sharp and stay current.

Small airplanes parked inside an open hangar.

Our Training Fleet

Train with confidence in a fleet designed to support every stage of your aviation journey.

5 Cessna 172s (Garmin 430, 430W, 650W)
Glass cockpit configurations
Maintained to the highest standards

FAA-Approved Flight Simulator

Our Aviation Training Device (AATD) meets Part 61 and Part 141 requirements.

Log instrument time
Practice real-world scenarios
Build proficiency in a cost-effective way

Snow-capped mountain with lake and forest island.

The BAS Advantage

Train in one of the most scenic locations in the Pacific Northwest with the San Juan Islands to the West, Mt. Baker to the East, and more.

Unbeatable scenery on every flight
Explore and build experience
Flexible scheduling to fit your needs

Transparent Pricing & Affordability

We believe in clear, upfront costs to help you plan your journey. We offer flexible payment options to fit your budget.

Aircraft Hourly Rates

Tail Number	Aircraft	Avionics	Engine	Rate
N3051E	Cessna 172N	G5, Garmin 430	160 HP	$175/hr
N737AB	Cessna 172N	Garmin 430	160 HP	$175/hr
N739QQ	Cessna 172N	GNC 355	180 HP	$175/hr
N21745	Cessna 172M TAA	G5, Garmin 430W, Autopilot	180 HP	$180/hr
N80928	Cessna 172M TAA	Dynon Glass Cockpit, GTN 650, Autopilot	180 HP	$185/hr

Fuel is included in all aircraft rental rates. In periods of unusually high fuel costs, a fuel surcharge may apply.

Simulator Hourly Rates

Aircraft	Model	Avionics	Rate
One-G Flight Simulator	Cessna 172	GTN 650, WAAS	$75.00/hr

Instructor Rates

10% Block Rate Discount

Package	Discount
10-Hour Aircraft Block	10% off aircraft rental rate
10-Hour Aircraft + Instruction Block	10% off aircraft rental rate (instruction billed at standard CFI rate)

Long-term Rentals

Additional Fees

Small airplane flying in clear blue sky.

Meet Our Instructors

Rudy Moon Chief Flight Instructor CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Rudy’s passion for everything with an engine started early, from cars to motorcycles. After graduating from Rotman Business School, he worked for five years as an operational risk manager at BMW’s global corporate office, where he fully enjoyed BMW cars and motorcycles.

Seeking more excitement and variety in his work, Rudy changed careers and pursued aviation.
He earned his Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, and Instructor License in Minnesota, followed by his Instrument Instructor and Multiengine Instructor Ratings in California. Rudy spent five years at a Part 141 flight school, serving as a CFI, CFII, MEI, and FAA Check Airman. His teaching roots run deep, having grown up with parents who were educators. This background led him to become a professional flight instructor, where he shares his passion for flying and engines with his students.

Dominick Van Veen CFI

Dominick was born in Canada and moved to Bellingham at a young age, where he grew up exploring the PNW and quickly grew a passion for any kind of airborne sports and outdoor activities.

After graduating high school he took a gap year to figure out what he wanted to do for his career. Inspired /intrigued by the lifestyle and stories from his dad, who is an airline pilot, he decided to give it a shot. Dominick very quickly developed a big passion for aviation, and is striving to become an airline pilot. Over the course of a few years, he developed the skills and requirements to instruct and share his passion for aviation. He can currently teach Private Pilots, Commercial Pilots, and initial Flight instructors.

Michael Connolly CFI, CFI-I

Michael first flew a Cessna at age 10 and spent the next few decades finding his way back to the skies. Now a CFI, CFII and Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI, IGI), he loves teaching pilots at all levels — whether guiding a student on their first flight, shooting an instrument approach to minimums, or refining commercial maneuvers.

A third-generation teacher, Michael has taught music, audio and video production in a variety of settings since his teens, and draws on a 20-year background in safety-critical engineering to prioritize safety in his instruction.

Having learned to fly in the Northwest, Michael feels fortunate to call this awe-inspiring region home. With its mountains, islands, airport camping, and nearby aviation playgrounds in Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest is an oasis of flying opportunities. He takes great satisfaction in sharing the knowledge gained from his aviation mentors to help cultivate the next generation of safe, well-rounded pilots.

Cameron Parker CFI

Around the age of 13, Cameron began showing an interest in aviation. Going to see the Blue Angels fly overhead during seafair, and going to the airshow at JBLM with his dad every summer we're some of his favorite memories as a kid.

He had always known he'd want to alteast become a Private Pilot, but it wasn't until high school when he'd realized he enjoyed it so much, that he'd decide to make a career out of it.

Cameron earned his Private Pilot's License and Instrument Rating in Puyallup, WA. Later he would decide to move and complete his training through CFI here in Bellingham. He began instructing at Bellingham Aviation Service in August, 2024. Since then, he has loved meeting and getting to work with all the great people that make up the aviation community. When he's not flying, he enjoys camping and golfing in the summer, and skiing in the winter.

Daniel Frianeza CFI, CFI-I

Raised in Whatcom County, Daniel has always enjoyed aviation since he was a little kid. In 2019 while still in highschool he got his first job fueling planes at Bellingham Aviation Services before going to flight school in Moses Lake for 2 years where he completed private through commercial.

After moving back to Bellingham in 2022 he worked as a ramp agent while completing his multi engine and CFI and in the summer of 2024 flew for an aerial survey company based in Oregon.

In 2025 he moved back to Bellingham and is now back at Bellingham Aviation Services as a flight instructor.

Dennis Smith CFI, CFI-I

Dennis learned to fly in Minnesota in 1977. In 1978 he moved to western WA and earned his commercial, instrument and CFI certificates/ ratings in Bellingham. In 1985 he moved to the Seattle area and worked for 23 years at Verizon Communications before retiring in 2008.

In that time he didn't fly at all as he had a family to raise. In 2006 he started to fly again at Paine field and renewed his licenses adding an instrument rating to his CFI certificate. In 2008 he started working at a flight school at Paine field and worked there for 10 years before moving to Lynden in 2018 and starting at Bellingham Aviation.

He works with Private, Commercial, and Instrument students/customers and also can prepare people for the CFI initial practical test.

Dennis has 3 grown children and 12 grandchildren that keep him busy and he enjoys travel, golf, skiing and bike riding.

What Our Students Say

Reid A. Patterson

President, B-1 Builders Inc.

In Bellingham Aviation Services, I have found a partner in my flying experience. They have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of excellence through their staff, airplanes, and instructors. I have not met one member of their team that I have not been delighted to know and interact with. They are courteous, friendly, and professional. I was impressed with their willingness to accommodate all my flying needs and desires.

In addition, I have found Mr. Jeff Eriksen to be an invaluable resource for me. Aside from being intelligent and professional, he has a unique gift of being able to break down the sometimes complex processes of flying an aircraft in a way that makes them more easily discernible by the student. As a result of his assistance, I feel more confident, capable, and safe as a pilot.

I have recommended Mr. Eriksen and BAS to anyone who even hints at the possibility of getting into flying. I look forward to a long relationship with this outstanding organization.

Pierre R. Constantin, D.C.

Constantin Chiropractic Clinic

If you have ever thought of learning how to fly, you should know about the program at Bellingham Aviation Services. Some time ago I decided to fulfill a lifetime dream and walked in the offices of BAS and was greeted by Mr. Jeff Eriksen. He took the time to make me feel welcome, and I immediately could sense the professionalism and expertise exerted within that organization.

In a time that is becoming increasingly hurried and stressful, I have been able to accomplish, at my own pace, the completion of my private pilot's license. It takes a special person to teach a fifty-year-old guy new tricks! Jeff did just that in a discreet and sophisticated style.

As a matter of fact, everyone at BAS was above and beyond my expectations. The teaching and support staff is most helpful and cheerful, the growing fleet is well maintained by a knowledgeable team, and I am looking forward to continuing to learn for years to come at Bellingham Aviation Services. Give them a call or do as I did and stop by; I promise that you will not regret it.

Rick Paulson

Over the past couple of years, I have had the beneficial and enjoyable experience of receiving flight instruction from Jeff Eriksen. He is extremely professional and competent in a manner that anyone can easily relate to, and every flight lesson challenges me to improve my skill level. The focus on flying safely makes me more aware of my situation and prepared to deal with any unexpected event. I find this approach very helpful, and it facilitates my own personal goal of being the best pilot that I can be.

Ready to Take Flight?

We’re here to support you through every step of your flight training journey.

Feel free to call us or submit the form below to get started.

Download Student Packet