Classes Will Be Held At Pellston Regional Airport

Alanson, Michigan Superintendent of Schools Dean Paul has established an aviation program for high school students with classes to be taught at Pellston Regional Airport.

Paul is himself a pilot and CFI, and he said the effort came from his knowledge of a looming pilot shortage in the airline industry.

The Petoskey News reports that Paul did some research and found that the state already had standards in place for high school aviation programs, but there had never been one established in the state.

Paul said he has agreements with the Harbor Springs and Pellston school districts to participate in the program as well. He told the paper the airport management was solidly behind the idea.

The program also has ties to Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. Students who participate in the program that want to continue in a college aviation program can earn five college credits for completion of ground school and passing the private pilot written exam, and another five credits if the student has earned a private pilot certificate.

The college will accept those credits at no fee to the students, a savings of about $1,000, according to Alex Bloye, the director of aviation at the school.

Students will have to pay separately for flight time to earn their private certificate.

Paul anticipates about 10-15 students in the initial class. An open house is planned at the airport on May 17th.

FMI: www.alansonvikings.net