News from the Aviation Technology Program at UC Clermont College

Dan Whitaker recently earned his Commercial Pilot Certificate for Multiengine Aircraft. With his Commercial Multiengine Pilot Certificate, Whitaker is now approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly aircraft for compensation. Whitaker is the son of Jim and Mary Ann Whitaker of Newtown.

Weston Neal also earned his Commercial Pilot Certificate. With his Commercial Pilot Certificate, Neal is now approved by the FAA to fly aircraft for compensation. Neal is the son of Bob and Mona Neal of Liberty Township.

Stephen Mattes earned his Instrument Rating on his pilot certificate. With his Instrument Rating, Mattes is now approved by the FAA to fly aircraft solely by reference to instruments. Mattes is the son of Carl and Nancy Mattes of Milford.

Adam Hacker earned his Recreational Pilot Certificate. To obtain his Recreational Certificate, Hacker passed an oral and a flight exam with an FAA designated flight examiner. Hacker is the son of Teresa Millisor and James Hacker of Delhi.

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 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. Some pilots become flight instructors.

Being a pilot involves safety, use of crew resources, knowledge of weather, 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 Whitaker and Neal complete the two-year program through UC Clermont, both will have also earned an associate of applied science degree.

When Mattes and Hacker complete the two-year program through UC Clermont, each will have earned an associate of applied science degree and a Commercial Pilot Certificate.

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