OpenAirplane expands to Hawaii

KAPOLEI, Hawaii – OpenAirplane has inked a new partnership with Barber’s Point Aviation Services to provide Hawaii-based and visiting pilots easier access to aircraft for rental and use on the island of Oahu, through its Universal Pilot Checkout (UPC) system.

The OpenAirplane UPC allows aircraft owners, FBOs, flying clubs, and flight schools around the country to easily verify a pilot’s qualifications in different models of aircraft. Pilots gain access to planes around the U.S. without the need for local checkouts.

“We’re excited to finally be flying in the islands,” said Rod Rakic, co-founder of OpenAirplane. “Hawaii has been one of the top destinations our community has been asking for since we launched. Having flown from Barber’s Point, I can tell you it’s definitely a peak experience, and a bucket list-worthy place to fly for any pilot.”

Barbers Point Aviation Services is a Cessna Pilot Center, located on John Rodgers Field (PHJR) at Kalaeloa Airport, previously Barbers Point Naval Air Station, and will offer both a Cessna 172 Skyhawk and a Cessna 150 for use within this network.

“Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth to fly, and here at BPAS we make it easy for pilots to enjoy the island,” comments Regi Perry, owner of BPAS and Barber’s Point Flight School (BPFS). “We’re looking forward to extending our brand of service with aloha to more pilots visiting us from around the world. OpenAirplane helps us to offer a great new experience to our customers.”

The OpenAirplane network now includes 55 locations across the U.S. offering over 180 aircraft for rent. More than 6,700 pilots have already signed up to fly with OpenAirplane.