News from the Aviation Technology Program at UC Clermont College

Adam Hacker soloed in a single-engine aircraft recently. This was Hacker’s first flight as a student pilot without his instructor in the aircraft. Hacker is a resident of Covedale.

Matthew Miller and Andrew Gilliland also earned their Recreational Pilot Certificate. To obtain the certificate, both passed an oral and a flight exam with a Federal Aviation Administration-designated flight examiner. Miller is the son of Dave and Kate Johnson of Mason. Gilliland is the son of Paul and Pat Gilliland of Union, Ky.

Michael Miller earned his Private Pilot Certificate. To obtain his Private Certificate, he passed an oral and a flight exam with an FAA-designated flight examiner. He is a resident of Cincinnati.

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 many 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. There are also 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 Hacker, Matthew Miller, Gilliland and Michael Miller 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.