Melodie and Leaf Air totally brilliant! Out of this world experience! Total dream. Biggest thanks! Total MAGIC! Eli Scott, November 18, 2023
I wanted to send a little note to express my thanks for the air tour on Friday. We’ve just arrived back in the UK, and my boyfriend Michael said it was his favorite part of the trip. We had quite a packed itinerary, so that’s no small statement! I think it was Jim’s calm, confident and warm manner, he’s what made it such a good experience. Jessica Pyle, November 9, 2023
Had an incredible experience flying around the Adirondacks! The leaves were peaking and the plane was so beautiful. We’d definitely visit again! Cara DeStafano, October 23, 2023
This was an awesome way to view the changing foliage and Lake George. Our pilot Jim was very experienced and made the flight comfortable. I would recommend this to anyone looking for the best possible way to see the leaves changing. Caylen Sweeney, October 22, 2023
This was an AMAZING flight, the pilot (Jim) made us both feel extremely comfortable and was very knowledgeable with the history of Lake George and it’s surrounding areas, we highly recommend this to anyone coming to the area, both hosts made it a priority to ensure our trip was hosted at the best possible time and date, We will 100% be back to experience the different seasons! John Chapman, July 28, 2023
Definitely recommend the experience of seeing Lake George & surrounding areas from a new point of view. Our pilot, Jim, was gracious, friendly, knowledgeable, & really put our anxiety at rest right away. This was out of our comfort zone for sure, but no more! We all know what a beautiful area LG is, but getting to see it from this perspective was amazing. Highly recommend giving it a go. And thank you, Jim! We will be back. Michele Keeley, July 8, 2023
Working with Melodie was a pleasure. Super quick to respond to any messages and questions I had before/after booking the experience. I booked the experience for my husband (I tagged along in the back) and he enjoyed the chance to be able to have this flying experience. Melodie was thorough and knowledgeable about the aircraft while giving instructions on how to operate the airplane. It is even making him want to possibly take more lessons in the future. My husband was surprised how much he was able to do on a first time experience with Melodie’s instruction. We would recommend flying with Melodie and Leaf Air to anyone interested in piloting. Lynn Farrell, June 1, 2023
Hands down the best experience I’ve ever had. Me and my boyfriend both got to fly the plane. Jim was super friendly and beyond knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this to anyone who’s even slightly curious, because it’s defiantly something you’ll remember forever. Marissa Hann, June 20, 2023
My son and I had a great time with Jim Barrett’s aerial tour around Lake George. Jim even let my son fly the plane for a bit; my son loved the experience. Salman Baset, May 27, 2023
It was a really good experience, Melodie was a really good and nice pilot, it’s worth it! we would love to go back! Gitty Grunblatt, May 24, 2023
It was my first time taking a tour of the Adirondack mountains and Lake George by plane, and this experience didn’t disappoint! Jim was kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable throughout out the tour. Thank you for providing outstanding service. Abby Fortune, April 9, 2023
Great guy, great flier, smoothest landing of my life. Went all the way up Lake George and into VT during an hour scenic flight. Thanks Jim! Chris Hoyt, Summer 2022
Surprised my husband with this experience and he was blown away! Exhilarating experience of the Adirondacks and Lake George from the very best vantage point. Working with Jim and Melodie was a breeze. Angela Stallone, December 29, 2022
Being a former Marine who worked on jets and has enjoyed the air wing so much, l think the experience is so different and personal. Makes me want more. As for my wife who had much intrepidation and was fearful, Jim put her at ease and made her very comfortable. So she had enjoyed the flight as well. Thank you for a wonderful experience as we celebrated our 25th anniversary, it will not to be forgotten. Lisa & Johnny Contreni, October 22, 2022
This was this was a once in a lifetime event, that my amazing wife set up for my 40th birthday. Edward (Jim) was extremely hospitable, made everybody feel amazingly comfortable, and his personality and guided details on the tour were second to none. This got me excited about flying, and I hope to share this experience with everybody that I love. Would definitely recommend this, I look forward to our next flight. Thank you, Edward (Jim)! Jesse Tyree, September 30, 2022
Well worth the money. The views are beautiful and Jim’s knowledge of the history of the land makes it even better. Kevin Lanham, September 10, 2022
Highly recommend this experience. The pilot was very friendly and knowledgeable. The scenic views made it a spectacular day. Garrett Shutts, September 1, 2022
My husband and I are celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary and knew we wanted to do something new and out of our comfort zone…so we went on the airplane tour. We were nervous because we did not know what to expect, but also excited. The experience was amazing!! So much better than expected. The ride was smooth, the weather was perfect and our pilot Jim was the best we could have had for our first flight! My husband will be reminiscing on this adventure for years because he loves the wonder of flying. Jim reviewed landmarks and gave us some historical facts and folk tales about the lake George area and beyond. After this experience, I feel like I can do almost anything! Haha. Don’t walk…run to book your tour with Jim now, you won’t regret it! Safe flying to all! Chris F., Summer 2022
So much more than I expected. My fiancé (now husband) came here on our wedding weekend. Decided we wanted to try something new & exciting and this did not disappoint! Being able to see the entire length of Lake George & learn about the history of some of the islands was great! Even better was being able to see how big the Adirondacks truly are & can even see the High Peaks from so far away! Jim & Melodie were both welcoming. Jim made take off and landing so smooth (coming from someone who isn’t 100% keen on flying). Also, coming from someone who isn’t the greatest w/ flying, THIS was definitely worth it!! Ashley Salamon, August 15, 2022
Such a great adventure! Had to wait out a storm, but worth the wait! Andrew Mullen, August 9, 2022
Jim our pilot was absolutely amazing, my wife was little scared before starting the tour and after 1 minutes she was just amazed! He took us around the lake George and the time literally fly 😊 I will be coming back for my pilot lessons because Jim is a instructor also! …Mani Agg, 2022
After we realized our plans for the following day wouldn’t work out, my wife and I reached out to Jim at Leaf Air to see if our spontaneous idea to go for a scenic flight over Lake George and the surrounding area would be possible. He graciously accepted and we soon took to the skies. He was very professional, provided knowledgeable insights for what we were flying over, and was great company for the hour or so we spent together. If we lived closer, I’d definitely seek out Jim’s experience for my future pilot training as he was clearly technically proficient. We went from not knowing what to do on the last day of our vacation to making a lifelong memory with Jim. Absolutely recommend. Tom Oggeri, July 23, 2022
Made me and Madison’s day! On to the Log Jam. 15.7/10 recommended! Billy Callahan, June 25, 2022 (Date Night flight)
Thank you to Jim scenic flight over Lake George to celebrate our anniversary. Robert was definitely surprised and we had a great time. The best part was we got to see many landmarks that have been a part of our relationship story. And the icing on the cake is our package included a gift certificate to one of our favorite restaurants, the Log Jam! Leanne Wells, April 30, 2022
Leaf Air, Thank you for a once in a lifetime experience. Sara Cooper, Feb 20, 2022
We had a great time and imagine we will be flying with Leaf Air again this summer! Tommy can't get enough. It's a perfect gift for an aspiring young pilot and he really looks up to Jim! Until next time! Zhenelle LeBel, January 4, 2022
Thank you for your good wishes! I'm grateful for the time I spent flying with Jim and Melodie. Stephanie Hand, December 25, 2021
We had such an amazing experience flying with Jim. Everything was smooth from our interaction and communication to take off, flight and landing. He helped me carry out the perfect engagement to my now fiancé as we did a flyover above our cabin. Would highly recommend using Leaf Air. Rhys Marten, October 20, 2021
We had an incredible scenic flight today! Thank you Leaf Air, pilot Melodie Viele, for making it so special. We enjoyed every second and can't wait to go back! Karen Munski Houlahan, October 17, 2021
From scenic flights to earning your private pilot's license. Great place to fly. Got to fly the Cessna a little, What a nice plane! Our 2nd scenic flight with Jim at Leaf Air. Michelle Brown & Richard Durant, October 17, 2021
Had an amazing time last night celebrating Dylan's 30th birthday up in the clouds of Lake George, NY! Leaf Air and our pilot, Jim, did an exceptional job accommodating us and providing us this one of a kind experience and we would highly recommend this to anyone traveling in the Lake George area. 5 stars! Marydawn Addison, October 10, 2021
We seem to pick a crappy days for flight lesson but Leaf Air's Cessna 172 was a lively and fun to fly airplane. Our pilot, Melodie Viele, was amazing and has over 35 years of experienced which made the whole experience very comfortable. Desiree Farley, September 5, 2021
Breathtaking plane ride over Lake George and the high peaks region. Happy early birthday, gorgeous! Ask for Jim, he is the man and made the experience even more special. Brandon P. August 22, 2021
Cooper's birthday surprise was to take a scenic flight around Lake George. We definitely got our money's worth! Jim was our pilot and he was awesome! He let Cooper fly! If anyone is planning a trip to Lake George, go do this! Super affordable and out best money spent on this vacation! Rob M, August 5, 2021
I've been training with Chris at Leaf for a year working on my instrument and commercial, toward my CFI rating. He is an outstanding instruction with many, many years of experience. I highly recommend him as well as the rest of the staff! They are top notch! They have 3 beautiful airplanes, well maintained and equipped with modern GPS, and fully rated for IFR use. 5 stars! Bob B, August 2021
Thank you Jim! Patrick and I had an amazing sightseeing flight!! We've been coming to Lake George for many years, but this was the first time seeing all the beautify from that wonderful viewpoint! Absolutely gorgeous!!! Patricia McK, October,2020
Yesterday was one of the most magical days ever! We had a great pilot named Jim that helped my boyfriend create such a beautiful moment for us. On our way back from our scenic flight over Lake George, he flew us low over Lake George Village and down on the beach was written "Marry Me!" My boyfriend proposed on our flight and we had a celebratory fly over a cloud! Thank you so much to everyone at Leaf Air for helping make this a true day to remember! Maria Lara, August 2020
When deciding on a flight school in pursuit of your career or for just earning a certificate, I would highly recommend Leaf Air. The owner Jim Barrett runs an incredible Part61 operation with beautiful aircraft and knowledgeable flight instructors. Putting safety first, Leaf Air will allow you to excel both quickly and cost effective. Your experience will be fulfilling, and the professional staff will improve you as a pilot and aviation enthusiast. Wes, CJ, Chuck and Steve will take great care of you and provide an environment that is fun and exciting. Dylan Till is an exemplary Certified Flight Instructor who will not only teach you essential flight skills up in the air but also on the ground. He will care for you like family while also providing you the experience to become a professional pilot. Overall, I cannot speak highly enough about my experience at Leaf Air and I am beyond grateful to have achieved my Private Pilot License through them. Jared Miglorie, August 2020
I would highly recommend Leaf Air for your flight training needs. CFI Kyle Hartman worked with me to prepare me for my CFI Checkride over a six week period. Kyle’s top-quality instruction and professionalism not only helped me to be well prepared for the rigorous CFI Checkride, but also set an excellent example for me emulate as I begin to teach my first students. Jim and the Leaf Air team were very helpful in accommodating my training schedule and getting me check ride ready. Patrick, August 2019
Aviation is a fickle thing, requiring a balance of safety, preparation, training, weather, and equipment. During my flight training, Leaf Air was instrumental in enabling me to balance these with ease and understanding, maintaining an open dialogue and offering pressure-free instruction. Flight instruction with Chris Abrams was flexible, thought provoking, and professional. Techniques are taught with an eye toward practical implementation and a thorough understanding of the flight test standards. At no time was I urged to plan unnecessary flight time and I was fully in control of my own progress.
After all of the time studying, practicing, and reviewing with Chris, I felt over prepared for my flight exam which is a great spot to be in. I am now a licensed private pilot and am thoroughly enjoying exploring the northeast with the skills I've developed working with Leaf Air. I highly recommend their service and would make the same decision to work with them all over again. -Andrew Romanazzi, Engineer, Licensed 02/2019
I had a great experience flying with Jim and Chris at Leaf Air while earning my private pilot certificate in roughly 3 months. Leaf Air has clean, well-maintained and safe aircraft and is not a huge operation focused on churning out tons of pilots. Jim will work with your schedule and provide personalized instruction with the goal of making you a safe, resourceful pilot. As an instructor, Jim is patient and thoughtful - he will always try to figure out why you did something and get to the root cause before simply correcting a mistake. This will not only help you hone your stick and rudder skills but will also emphasize sound decision-making habits needed for a lifetime of enjoyable, safe flying. While I completed the majority of my training with Jim, he and Chris make a great team, seamlessly picking up where the other left off and getting you used to flying with someone else in the right seat. It was great to get another set of eyes on my flying and this also made my practical test with the FAA examiner feel pretty close to just another flight. If you are considering pursuing your private pilot certificate, I would highly recommend considering Jim and Chris at Leaf Air." David McCarey, October 2018
"I would like to offer an unsolicited endorsement of Leaf Air, especially James Barrett and Christopher Abrams, the flight instructors who support Leaf Air. I started my flight instruction with them in the summer of 2008 and completed my private pilot's license with their help and instruction early in 2010. I started my instrument training with them and expect to complete my instrument training by the end of 2010Throughout the course of my relationship with Jim and Chris, they have been professional, polite and extremely accommodating. I would recommend them as flight instructors without hesitation to anyone interested in pursuing private pilot or instrument rating. The quality of their instruction is topnotch, and their concern is consistently on safety and client satisfaction." Sincerely, Richard A. Sauders, M.D.
"Jim, I enjoy flying with you! You correct without causing the student to feel "stupid". You are patient with student efforts to implement your advice. You are just in your requirements and evaluations." Thanks, Pastor Guy Goodell
"I highly recommend Leaf Air for flight training. I started my training in April 2008 while stationed at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa, and finished my private pilot certificate in May 2009. During all of my training, regardless of which instructor I flew with, safety and good “head work” or situational awareness was always emphasized and stressed upon. I have since received a commission in the Navy and owe a lot of my success throughout flight school to the fundamental foundations of safety and situational awareness that were instilled in me while training at Leaf Air. While at Leaf Air, I was able to develop my stick and rudder skills while being safe and being aware of other pilots that may or may not be flying safely. Glens Falls is a great place to train because it gives you experience with the difficulties of flying into an uncontrolled field but also is close enough to controlled airspace to get good training with getting into and out of towered fields. All in all, my experience with Leaf Air was invaluable. Jim and the staff of Leaf Air, ensures that the pilots they produce are of the highest quality and over all well rounded. Leaf Air does not produce many pilots, but they do produce some of the best and the safest." Sincerely, Matthew Wallner, Ensign USN
"I send mentored graduates of flight academies To Fly with Jim Barrett as the ultimate "finishing school" for pilots. Jim respects each pilot’s ratings, always curious to observe basic flying skills, the foundation for a lifetime of safe flying. When Jim detects any weakness, he first tries to figure out in his own mind why a pilot performed or reacted in a manner, which caught his critical eye, and always encourages pilots towards excellence and mastery. Observing Jim from the back seat has given me additional markers to improve my own general aviation flying. During World War II, the German U-boat threat along the east coast obliged Boston-native and legendary pilot examiner Guy A. “Gus" Ham to relocate his Army Air Corps flying screening program from Cape Cod to Glens Falls. After the war, finding the Glens Falls community most agreeable, Gus stayed and ran the local flight operation through the 1960’s. Jim and I share the treasure of having Gus certify us both To Fly! And now Jim is continuing this storied tradition of flying training and scenic flights here in Glens Falls." Thank You, Gary Loughrey - Retired Air Force C141 Flight Examiner/Instructor/Aircraft Commander; Commercial Airline Pilot
"To all those considering a flight school, I would like to first take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Jim Barrett and Leaf Air for making my dream of becoming a pilot a reality. I would also like to recommend the flight school to prospective students looking to be future aviators. I received my Private Pilot Certificate through Jim Barrett’s tutelage in February of 2013. I found his instruction to be second to none, and through hard work, determination, and Jim’s talent as a teacher, I passed the FAA practical test standards the first time. The learning atmosphere was always positive, and failure was never an option. On occasion, I still continue to fly with Jim today to broaden my knowledge as a private pilot and to prepare for my next goal, an instrument rating. I continually rent from Leaf Air. The aircraft is meticulously cared for and maintained to FAA standards. Availability has never been an issue, and cost has always been reasonable. I am employed as a Detective Sergeant with the Vermont State Police, and free time is not often a commodity I get to enjoy. With the rigors of the job and quality time with the family limited, I wanted a flight school advantageous to my life. I did not have to look far after finding Leaf Air. Even with the fact I commute to Glens Falls, New York from Vermont to fly, I’ve never regretted my decision. Flying takes cognitive skills, and many times my landings would be less than perfect during lessons, and each time I’d hear that familiar Jim Barrett voice, “Do it again,” and off we’d go to try another one. So in closing, I simply say this: I’d “Do it again,” If I had to do it all over." Sincerely, David Sutton
"I am writing this letter of recommendation in support of my flight instructor, James Barrett of Leaf Air LLC, PO Box 142 Glens Falls, NY 12801. I recently received my private pilot certificate for fixed wing aircraft thanks to James Barrett's excellent training program. I am a canine handler with New York State Police and am employed full time. I received my training form James Barrett over a six month period and was able to pass my practical test on my first attempt with no problems.We followed the approved Jeppeson syllabus for flight training step by step throughout the entire process. I had very few lessons cancelled throughout the training. All cancellations were notified to me as early as possible and were only due to weather and illness. The learning environment was very positive and comfortable, coupled with both home study and face to face instruction. My instructors training aircraft is in superb shape and is strictly maintained to FAA standards. James Barrett's training program is an excellent program that I would recommend to all." Sincerely, Trooper Brian D. Rumrill
"I really miss the time that I spent with Leaf Air. As a college student from China, I had a dream to be a pilot when I was four years old. At the beginning, I was afraid of talking through radio because I am a foreigner, however, you encouraged me to keep talking through radio and listening to Live ATC at home to improve the ability. Finally I made talking as my nature in the sky. You are a very patient instructor who keeps encouraging me when I keep having bad performance. You are an experienced instructor, and you are really good at finding proper ways to explain everything to me. As a foreigner, I never felt any communication barrier when we talk. By looking at my logbook now, I can think of almost everything your taught me in every lesson. You never wasted my time, and you helped me to save my money. I will never forget how nice you were to take the responsibility of my learning. " Tao Huang, licensed in May 2017