A new flight school has opened at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, adding a local training option for East County residents interested in private flying, advanced ratings or aviation careers.

East County Magazine reported that Gillespie Flight Center founder Paul Kassel opened the school in February after remodeling an unused building on the south side of the airfield into a classroom and office space. The school has five aircraft tie-down areas and offers training in Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, according to the report.

Kassel told East County Magazine the project is personal: he grew up in El Cajon, took his first flight at Gillespie Field as a child and now runs the family business with his son, Chase, a student pilot. The center currently has five certified flight instructors, including base manager Sharon de Oliveira.

For Santee residents, the new center is just a short drive west on state Route 52 and gives East County families a closer look at a field that already shapes daily life around Santee and El Cajon. Gillespie Field is one of the region's key general aviation airports, and new pilot training can draw students, hobbyists and career-track aviators from across inland San Diego County.

The flight center is also hosting a summer barbecue, open house and pilot meetup Sunday, June 14, at 1715 N. Marshall Ave. in El Cajon. East County Magazine reported the event flyer lists free food, cold drinks, a flight-credit raffle and information about the school's training program.

Source: East County Magazine.