Ozarka College has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to offer an instrument rating course as part of its 14 CFR Part 141 flight school. This FAA approved course allows pilots to earn an instrument rating with less flight experience. An instrument rating allows pilots to fly aircraft under instrument flight rules (IFR) and into weather conditions requiring reliance on flight instruments without visual references such as rain, fog, areas of low visibility and inside of the clouds.

This coursework allows students to more affordably take the next step in training after achieving their private pilot certificate. According to Nick Lenczycki, Director of Aviation at Ozarka College, "This course is vital for low-time pilots, like the students in our program, as it allows them to earn their instrument rating without 50 hours of cross-country time. This will potentially save each student thousands of dollars. " Lenczycki continued, "By offering more advanced coursework, the College will better prepare students for a rewarding career in the aviation industry. "

This new course was made possible with funds provide from the state of Arkansas. Representative Michelle Gray awarded $10,000 of General Improvement Funds to Ozarka College on February 10, 2016. The funds were used to add improved navigational equipment to one of the College's training aircraft, improving navigational accuracy and enhancing overall safety. With this new equipment, the College was positioned to apply for the additional authorization.

For more information about Ozarka Aviation, please call Nick Lenczycki at 870-368-7926.