ABC22/FOX45: Wright State celebrates 28 new FAA-certified pilots with wing pinning at Dayton Air Show

Wright State University students will receive their flight jackets and earn their wings after flight training this year.

Twenty-eight students have earned their Federal Aviation Administration pilot certification and will have a ceremonial wing pinning at the Dayton Air Show this weekend.

Diane Vitas, Director of Wright State’s Aviation Science and Technology Program, says, “Aviation is remarkable, wondrous, and contagious, but it’s a lot of work. Air shows can make it look so easy and effortless, but these students are right in the middle of the grind. Seeing firsthand that hard work pays off is something to celebrate and gives them extra motivation to keep going until the next milestone, becoming a certified flight instructor.”

Wright State University says its Aviation Science and Technology program can bring students with no prior aviation experience to become paid professional instructors and pilots.

Students receive hands-on flight training at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport in Miamisburg.

Students can get their pilot certification after completing a ground course and then being endorsed by their instructor to take a knowledge exam.

They can then continue to complete their training requirements, including flight training hours, specific maneuvers, and other ground instructions that will prepare them for a check ride.

Student can then continue on to a four-year program to graduate with their Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and Technology.

“Dayton International hosting its own air show makes it a great place to recognize the next generation of professional pilots, who are investing in their future through Wright State and our aviation program,” Vitas said.

Read the article at dayton247now.com.