North Shore NewsBy Noah Grodzin
Located towards Ka‘ena point in between the ocean and the Leeward shadow of Mt. Ka‘ala on the North Shore of O‘ahu sits Dillingham airfield.
A serene airport home to the only glider port in the state of Hawai‘i and also home to Jeni Pfister and North Shore Gliders one of four glider companies at Dillingham.
North Shore Gliders focuses primarily on teaching aviation with an eye on the future and the next generation of aviators.
For over the majority of her life Jeni Pfister probably has spent more time in the sky than on the ground. Jeni is truly a flying wahine, first learning how to and falling in love with flying under the guidance of her father, a crop duster in eastern Washington. Jeni went on to get her own commercial pilots license and foster a career in aviation where she has just about done it all, from flying skydivers, to powered hang gliders, tow planes, and gliders.
Arriving in Hawai‘i 15 years ago and settling directly on the North Shore Jeni had her family plane she grew up flying and her favorite glider, a Schweitzer 2-32 shipped over from the mainland both of which she still uses today. A glider ride with Jeni is like taking a walk in the park with an old friend although it’s a walk at 3,000 feet in elevation! Her knowledge and wisdom shine through, Jeni has successfully led many on to get their commercial pilot licenses. As young as 14 years old, interested aviators can solo gliders and obtain their glider licenses by age 16; and then from there they can go on and get a commercial pilot’s license. Students can launch a career and it can all start right here on the North Shore.
Once a month Jeni partners with the local young Explorers Eagle Scout Troop and she recently donated gift certificates to Operation: Christmas Cheer which will go to North Shore students, perhaps help launch a few more young careers.
A glider ride itself is an incredibly peaceful and dreamy experience. A glider ride on the North Shore of O‘ahu makes that experience magical. Whether you’re looking for an experience or perhaps to pursue a license or both there is no better person than Jeni to start with. Mahalo Jeni for your contributions to the local aviation ‘ohana and helping the future keiki aviators of tomorrow!