Airwolf Aviation Services At KGMU Now Approved For VA Flight Training

Airwolf Aviation Services located at the Greenville Downtown Airport (KGMU) in Greenville, SC is now an approved V.A. flight training school, making it the only one in South Carolina. Michele Rash, Owner of Airwolf Aviation Services, said that V.A.-approved schools that had operated in Sumter and Charleston are no longer active. "It has been a long road to approval but it will benefit many who are in need of job retooling and love aviation," said Rash.

The V.A. offers flight training benefits to those who want to advance their pilot qualifications. Individuals must have a private pilot certificate and valid medical certification before they start advanced career training. "When I retire from the military I will still need to work; and to reenter the civilian work force I will need new job skills," stated Kenny Monroe, a S.C. Air National Guard Recruiter. "My passion for aviation drew me to join the Air Force in the first place. When I looked at all my options for future employment I decided that being a pilot would be a great second career. Up until now, I would have had to go to another state for training; and since I am married, have two kids and my current military position is here, that would have been impossible to do." Monroe said.

Monroe has been waiting for Airwolf's approval and is now moving forward with the required prerequisite of private pilot training which he is getting from Airwolf, as well. "I have wanted to learn to fly ever since I was 16 or 17 years old, that's when a co-worker took me up in a private plane out of the Greenville Downtown Airport," Monroe said. That was back in 1987 when Monroe worked for Her Majesty, an industrial plant that made clothing. Today, this 46 year old Greer, S.C. resident is starting to fulfill his long-time dream.
 
"Our industry predicts a huge pilot shortage will occur as current pilots retire. It is wonderful that Greenville now has this great benefit to offer our local citizens who have served our country so well," stated Joe Frasher, Airport Director at KGMU.

(Pictured: Kenny Monroe and flight instructor, Sebastian Velasquez)

FMI: www.flyairwolf.com