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GOODMAN, Miss. — Holmes Community College is expanding its career-focused programs with the launch of a new flight training school and the addition of Aviation Management courses.
The flight training school will prepare students to earn private, instrument and commercial pilot licenses certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), key steps toward careers as commercial, corporate or private pilots. Students will also gain foundational skills for air traffic control careers with plans to expand into advanced certifications including multi-engine endorsements. Training will be conducted at the Kosciusko-Attala County Airport using three aircraft: a two-seat Cessna 150 and two four-seat Cessna 172 airplanes, widely recognized as safe and reliable training aircraft.
The flight school is a Workforce Development initiative with no college credit earned. Cameron Clark will teach one-on-one instruction and students may begin any time they would like with a self-paced schedule worked out with Clark. Students must be at least 18, U.S. citizens, have a valid driver’s license and be able to read, write and speak English. To fly solo, students must pass a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical exam performed by an authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). While not required for the first lesson, students must obtain at least a Third-Class Medical Certificate before soloing; early completion is recommended to ensure fitness to fly.
“This program allows students, even those starting from scratch, to pursue private, instrument or commercial licenses,” Clark said. “The training and licensure gained can open doors to careers flying for commercial airlines, corporate aviation or private operations.”
Beginning in August, Holmes will offer Aviation Management courses as Career-Technical Education classes for college credit that can transfer. Courses include Introduction to Aviation, Private Pilot Ground I and Private Pilot Ground II. These courses provide students with knowledge on flight principles, aircraft systems, the National Airspace System, airport operations and FAA pilot certification requirements.
Holmes President Dr. Jim Haffey said the programs reflect the college’s commitment to workforce development and career readiness.
“These initiatives provide students with unique opportunities to pursue aviation careers and earn FAA certification,” Dr. Haffey said. “When looking around our district at available hangar space for three airplanes, availability of certified instructors and instructional space, we eventually decided on the Kosciusko airport as the best fit for student pilots and their ability to have a safe, accessible environment to train. The beauty of aircraft as training devices is, they tend to be very mobile! So, we will offer the ability to move the aircraft to various airports in our district to fit individual training needs. We will also be offering discounts for training to employees, and employees with a license will be able to eventually rent the planes.”
There will be an interview process for slots once they become scarce, and priority will be given to students interested in a career in aviation. Individuals interested in the flight training school or Aviation Management courses can contact Emily Bennett at ebennett@holmescc.edu for more information.
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