First Flight Up in the Air

Football Field over Farmingdale, New York

Aviation has been a deep passion of mine since I was 6 years old. I would go out to the Airport every weekend with my parents, and I would sit and watch all the planes takeoff at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York. I would be there from eight in the morning until three in the afternoon. As I got older, I began to grow more and more interested in Aviation and became more involved, as well. For example, in 2016, I volunteered at the Air Power Museum on the grounds of Republic Airport.

My father, Giovanni Portelli, owns a landscaping and irrigation business. In 2009, when I was 8 years old, on a weekday, I was studying and received a call from one of my father's customers, Al. As I began to speak with this man, I realized he was a pilot himself. I began to go into a deep discussion about his aircrafts and what he did for a living. I was so fascinated and intrigued at what this man had at his disposal. As we progressed into the conversation, he proceeded to ask me if I would like to go flying with him in his aircraft. I was in shock, just trying to  absorb what he just asked of me. I quickly responded with a jolt of excitement and said, "Yes!"

Flying over Jones Beach. 

The next day, I got to see Long Island up at 4000 feet, and it was just spectacular. No words could describe how cool it was to be sitting inside of such a complex machine, flying and being around what I love.

Getting ready to board Al's Helicopter.