Red River Flight Academy instructor, Jerry Yates congratulates WOSC aviation student, Nicholas Carver, on his first solo flight while his wife, Sarah Carver, snips his shirt tail. This was done to commemorate the accomplishment. In the early days of aviation, and before radio communcation, instructors would tug on the shirt tail of their students to gain attention and communicate directions. The ceremonious removal of a shirt tail after a first solo fight signifies the instructor’s confidence in the student's skills and achievement.
Through this program students are able to receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Aviation with an option in Professional Pilot. This degree requires general education and flight training courses. Students receive instruction in Private Pilot, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot. After FAA testing students can achieve a Private Pilot certificate. The Part 141 requires a minimum of 35 flight hours to complete the certification. The total may be reduced if an approved simulator is used; Western provides the approved simulator used in this course. An Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Mechanics is also offered at Western.
Tuition assistance and Veterans educational benefits are available for students enrolling in the aviation program.
For information on specific benefits, contact Western’s Veterans Affairs specialist at 580-477-7721 or a regional Veterans Affairs office at 888-442-4551.
Western’s aviation program is sustained by the Jack and Jewell Walker Lectureship in Aviation. Several scholarships also exist for aviation students. The Frank A. Haferland Scholarship Endowment, The Richard and Dorothy Maffry Scholarship, The Rodger L. Heath Memorial Scholarship and the Jack and Jewell Walker Scholarship Endowment may be applied for through the WOSC Foundation.
Nicholas Carver, a student of the Western’s aviation program completed his first solo flight in June. Carver is an active duty member at Altus Air Force Base serving as a medical administrator. He is also working toward becoming an Air Force pilot.
“The approval of this partnership by Western’s board of regents has made it possible for me to pursue my career as a pilot.” Carver credits the flight instructors for their professionalism. “Jerry Yates is a great instructor. He is very experienced and full of wisdom. I’m confident that I will be a good pilot because of him.”
An open house to commemorate the partnership and introduce the region to the academy is slated for the early Fall. All are invited to attend. For more program and scholarship information students should contact Western’s Dean of Technical Education at 580- 477-7940.
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