Montauk Air Adventures, the birth of a new business for Montauk. This business, although new to Montauk, most certainly must feel like just another day at the job to paretners Ed Kenny and Michael Mancusso, who started this joint venture. Both men are commercial pilots as well as FAA certified flight instructors and have been around airplanes, airports and aviation from just about the time they learned to walk to present, building up flying times as well as achieving most of the ratings as well as licenses you can achieve in the field of aviation.

The two first met about 10 years ago and became friends while flying “formation” for the “Montauk Friends of Erin Flight Team,” in which both still donate their time and flying skills today.
I got the opportunity the other day to sit down for a few minutes and talk to these guys who have so much in common as well as share a profound interest in aviationl. Why they started such an unusual air adventure company, now with the ever rising cost of fuel. What their current plans are and where they see it all leading to.
One thing is for sure, these two men share a love for vingage airplanes, and the era in which men and women flew them.

Ed Kenny: “for me it was quite simple. I figured if I could interest Michael in this venture, he would have to slow down from all the other business he does, such as Captain & Corporate Pilot, Test Pilot, Air Show Pilot, “often referred to by his peers as the “gutsiest pilot on the International Circuit today!” He might be able to spend a little bit more time in montauk, and therefore I might be able to get him to give me a little more flight instruction time. Ou see, most pilots climb into the cockpit, grab hold of the stick and off they go…with Michael, he puts the airplane on just like you or I would put on a flight suit or other attire that you feel most comfortable in. He truly becomes one with his surroundings, man and machine, blended together as one unit. His aerodynamic knowledge coupled with coordination, courage and skill, makes him just about one of the best darn pilots I have ever seen. To receive instruction from him is an awesome experience.
You may schedule a personal ride or aerobatic lesson with Mike by going to our website: montaukairadventures.com. This has a link to Mike’s website. Flights may be scheduled there as well. In mid July you will be able to schedule all rides and flights on-line by going to our website: montaukairadventures.com and clicking on the “On Line Flights Link.”

Mike Mancusso: “for me, it is even simpler. I now have the perfect excuse to take my boat to Montauk and get some great fishing in!!
“Seriously, we both share a passion and an understanding that there is a lot to learn about these vintage aircraft; the feel, smell and sounds of a different ers. Men like my father and grandfather, and the men and women who shared the courage, fortitude and profound love of aviation, these people who did the hard work paving the way to give us the freedoms and opportunities that we so much take for granted today.
Our main focus will be a vintage bi-plane, an authentic, fully restored and certified, 1927 Travelaire 4000,” rides for two, but we can also give corporate rides, day or night for six in a World War II Twin Beech 18, as well as aerobatic rides in an Extra 300, the aircraft most widely used on the air show circuit today.” General flight instruction at all levels can be arranged. We will have assorted scenic tours with a narrative of the historical places, people and all other points of interest. Commercial Arial Photography and Advertising, banner towing, may become available in the near future.

Go down to the airport, see the airplanes, and if you get the urge, they will be glad to take you up for a ride and customize it for your level and interests. This is an experience that you will not soon forget. Souvenir photos along with their own Montauk Silk Scarfs are also available for purchase. Bring your camera for the most breath-taking scenery Long Island, Block Island, and the Connecticut shoreline have to offer. There is no better camera shot or angle of sundown or sunrise over Montauk’s Famous Lighthouse.