TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Tallahassee State College (TSC) is partnering with Sterling Flight Training to launch a new Professional Aeronautics Certification Program to prepare future pilots and address the nationwide pilot shortage.
The program combines classroom instruction, flight simulator training and hands-on aircraft experience.
Manager of the program, Chris Johnson, said the demand for pilots is growing now more than ever as many current operators are approaching retirement.
“We now have baby boomers and people in their 50s and 60s that are retiring in the next 10 to 20 years,” Johnson said. “Aviation is one of the few professions on the planet that has a mandatory retirement age of 65.”
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TSC Vice President of Workforce Development Shelly Bell said the partnership creates another pathway for students. “Partnering with Sterling, we’re just providing another opportunity for our students to find something that they are passionate about and get the education and training that will lead to successful employment,” she said.
The coursework is designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements needed to enter the industry.
Enrollment is now open, with training expected to begin as early as this summer and classes officially starting this fall.
The program is open to both TSC students and members of the public interested in becoming pilots.
A free community event celebrating the launch of the program is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Sterling Flight School in Tallahassee. The event will include aircraft displays and informational sessions.
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