Three Coe College students completed solo training flights Dec. 9, marking the first solo flights in the aviation management and flight operations program’s history.
The milestone represents a key progression in pilot training, where students transition from instructor-guided learning to independent aircraft operation. Solo flights occur after extensive training and instructor evaluation, demonstrating a student’s ability to operate an aircraft and make decisions independently.
“This was a momentous occasion for our program, but just as important, it’s a confidence builder for our students,” said Tim Busch, assistant chief instructor. “All the flight instructors and I knew they would handle it well and each of the flights went really smoothly.”
According to a release, all students in Coe’s aviation program begin flying during their first term, working toward their initial solo flight. The solo flight serves as both a traditional aviation milestone and a step toward meeting Federal Aviation Administration licensure requirements.
Coe College and its flight training partner, ATD Flight Systems, hold FAA approval to provide Part 141 flight training, which operates under more stringent regulatory standards than Part 61 training programs.
The aviation management and flight operations program combines academic coursework with hands-on flight training to prepare students for careers in aviation.
