Education & Classes in Fort Mill

Whether Big Air Aviation's students are first-time fliers or seasoned jumbo-jet pilots, they all start in the same spot: the passenger seat of Cessna 152 Sparrowhawk. Starting off behind the yoke of the small, light aircraft presents a completely different flying experience from a 747 at an airport. “A commercial jet is like a cattle prod,” says Rob Craig, the founder of Big Air Aviation. “But this thing—you can go wherever you want to go.” Once student and teacher have ascended into the clouds, the student gets the chance to chart an individual course over the green foothills of Rutherford County, speeding over treetops or slowing down to high-five hot air balloon captains.

Rob says introductory lessons are brief: an overview of measurement instruments, controls, and rotor petals is enough to equip students for a brief flight. It’s this accessibility that proves the Cessna 152 Sparrowhawk’s biggest draw, and over the years, Rob has watched many of his former students transform what began as a hobby into a full-time career.

Marlen Kuszmaul, a fervent gardener and chef with 23 years of experience, combines her passions under one roof as owner and chef at Rose Cottage and Gardens. She offers a menu brimming with tasty treats, along with a Sunday buffet-style lunch. Guests can enjoy these delectables on the backyard patio, which bursts with colors from the perfectly manicured garden and plays host to weddings and other events. Rose Cottage and Gardens also offers catering services.

An accomplished ceramics artist and painter—who also enjoys restoring old photographs and playing the bagpipes—Timmy Hord shares her vast artistic expertise in her studio and classroom, located inside Art in the Dairy. Furnished with pottery wheels, Timmy’s studio hosts both wheel-throwing and hand-building personalized classes, during which students are guided through the process of making their own beautiful and functional decorative clay works.

Assurance Firearms, LLC. molds its students into more responsible gun owners with safety classes and practice sessions on its range. The staff teaches beginners the basics of handgun safety and shooting fundamentals during Basic Pistol Shooting courses. During NC Concealed Carry courses, they teach an understanding of the law, and help students hone the skills needed to obtain their concealed carry licenses. The range also offers Lady Lion self-defense courses, which teach women constant vigilance against aggression and how to defend themselves from an attacker.

Started in January of 2010, what began as a mere hobby for friends Emmy Preiss and Harriet Mills has grown into a flourishing business with 16 branches in three states. The duo corrals together local artists that lead students of all abilities through hands-on painting classes. Pupils sit side by side at painting stations equipped with easels, vivid pallets of paint, and water to clean off brushes. Finished pieces blanket the walls to both inspire students and hide the studio's multitude of personal safes. Youngsters can join in on the self-expression as well through Art Buzz Kids' programs, which rolls out birthday parties, summer-camp sessions, and Mommy N' Me classes.

The FAA-certified flight instructors that represent Alpha One Air Service impart winged wisdom to their students, whether the goal includes a casual discovery flight or full pilot certification. Before taking off on their own to play chicken with a gaggle of geese, students learn about safety regulations and procedures in a safe environment. Novices hoping for a glimpse of flight training before diving into a full certification regimen can sign up for the Discovery flight program, which allows students to take the controls of a light aircraft while an instructor watches closely. On-ground training and in-flight piloting sessions can be scheduled for different days.