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.<\/p>\n
The program combines classroom instruction, flight simulator training and hands-on aircraft experience. <\/p>\n
Manager of the program, Chris Johnson, said the demand for pilots is growing now more than ever as many current operators are approaching retirement. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe now have baby boomers and people in their 50s and 60s that are retiring in the next 10 to 20 years,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cAviation is one of the few professions on the planet that has a mandatory retirement age of 65.\u201d <\/p>\n
More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n
TSC Vice President of Workforce Development Shelly Bell said the partnership creates another pathway for students. \u201cPartnering with Sterling, we\u2019re 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,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
The coursework is designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements needed to enter the industry. <\/p>\n
Enrollment is now open, with training expected to begin as early as this summer and classes officially starting this fall. <\/p>\n
The program is open to both TSC students and members of the public interested in becoming pilots.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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