Published on April 18, 2016
Additionally, he had to pass an aeronautical knowledge test. On April 13, 2016, Harness flew one of Ozarka's aircraft, a Cessna 172, without an instructor to the practice area west of Melbourne. He practiced maneuvers on his own and returned to the Melbourne Municipal Airport without incident.
Harness is part of the inaugural class of students in the Associate of Science Professional Pilot - Aviation degree program. Ozarka College began offering flight training at the Melbourne Municipal Airport on July 1, 2015. Degree-seeking students began flight lessons in January of 2016. Students in the program are working toward FAA certification as Private Pilots. Flying the aircraft without an instructor, or solo, is an integral part of that process. The College expects all of their students to complete their first solo by summer 2016.
"Students gain confidence when they solo, " said Nick Lenczycki, Ozarka College Director of Aviation. "Jacob handles the aircraft well. By completing this solo, he will demonstrate that he is ready for the next step in his training. " Once students complete their solo flights, they begin flying to larger airports with an instructor. Just prior to certification, students will fly to the Little Rock Airport on their own.
For more information about flight training at Ozarka College, the aviation program, or to schedule a discovery flight, please contact Nick Lenczycki, Ozarka College Director of Aviation, at 870.368.7926.