News from the Aviation Technology Program at UC Clermont

Jared Holthaus, Daniel Whitaker, Ryan Lauderdale and Austin Raisor soloed in their single-engine aircrafts recently. This was their first flight as student pilots without their instructor in the aircraft.

Jose Sandoval Duran also earned his Instrument Rating on his pilot certificate. With his Instrument Rating, Sandoval Duran is now approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly aircraft solely by reference to instruments.

Additionally, Micah Innis earned his Recreational Pilot Certificate. To obtain his Recreational Certificate, Micah passed an oral and a flight exam with a FAA designated flight examiner.

Holthaus is a resident of Milford. Lauderdale is the son of Susan and Joe Earl of Hamilton.  Raisor is the son of Tony and Shari Raisor of Cincinnati. Sandoval Duran resides in Greenhills. Innis is the son of Steve and Terri Innis of Pierce Township.

These students are enrolled in the Aviation Technology: Professional Pilot Program at UC Clermont College. The laboratory portion of the Professional Pilot Program is taught at the Clermont County Airport.

Aviation technology combines flight training with associated on-the-ground skills to prepare these students for a career as a commercial pilot. While most of us think of pilots flying passenger airliners, in reality they fly many types of aircraft for a variety of businesses.

Besides pilots for the major and commuter airlines, there are cargo jet pilots, corporate jet pilots and charter services pilots as well as those who fly pipeline and power line aerial inspection, do aerial photography and conduct sight-seeing flights. Some pilots participate in firefighting, rescue searches and law enforcement. Others become flight instructors.

Being a pilot involves safety, use of crew resources, knowledge of weather and navigation, and intimate knowledge of the aircraft and the mechanics of flight. Aviation technology insures these students learn these skills along with their flight training.

When Holthaus, Whitaker, Lauderdale, Raisor and Innis complete the two-year program through UC Clermont, each will have earned an associate of applied science degree and a Commercial Pilot Certificate.

When Sandoval Duran completes the two-year program through UC Clermont, he will have also earned an associate of applied science degree and is considering completing a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati.

For more information about professional pilot training at UC Clermont College, visit www.ucclermont.edu or call 513.732.5200.