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PAST ISSUES

     "When I'm flying up in the air I feel like nothing can bother me and everything is just perfect," said Rob Harpin. Harpin, a sophomore Media Production major, has been flying planes since August 31, 2007.

     It took Harpin 68 hours to get his private pilot single engine license for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk that he flies state to state. The Skyhawk is provided by the Robertson Airport in Plainville, CT. "My teacher, Gabe, was great," said Harpin. "He was very informative and helped me learn the ropes very quickly."

     Harpin flies as a recreational sport and has no desire to pursue a career as a pilot. Most of his flights take place over the summer where he can enjoy the weather and fly alongside one his good friends, Ryan Taylor.

     He has flown dozens of times and has taken three state to state trips, flying between Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

     When Harpin first started flying planes he used to get out of school at 11 a.m. every day during his second semester senior year in order to practice. 

     "My father has been a pilot for 22 years and has forever inspired me to fly planes on my own. He has worked with Dunham Bradstreet, Cognizant, IMS Health, Seagrams and Pfizer.  Although, I do not wish to pursue a career as a pilot I think being able to fly on my own is not only a great experience but also something really fun to do," said Harpin.