Tyler Groves of Brookland, Arkansas completed his first solo flight at the Melbourne Municipal Airport on January 18, 2018. Tyler makes the thirteenth Ozarka College student to complete the solo flight. He plans to earn an Associate of Science degree in Aviation - Professional Pilot and then fly cargo or be a firefighter pilot.

Tyler shared that he started flying, because this has been his dream since he was a kid. When asked about his solo flight, he said, "It took feeling free to a whole new level. " Ozarka College Flight Instructor, Tim Ambrose said, "Tyler did a great job despite the weather setbacks we had in the first semester. He will do great in the future as a pilot. "

Prior to taking a solo flight, students are required to receive and log flight training for maneuvers and procedures ranging from proper flight preparation procedures to emergency procedures and equipment malfunctions. Additionally, they have to pass an aeronautical knowledge test. Upon completing solo flights, students begin flying to larger airports with an instructor. Just prior to certification, students will fly solo to the Little Rock Airport.

For more information about flight training or the aviation program, please visit fly.ozarka.edu or call John Catlett, Aviation Director and Flight Instructor at Ozarka College, at 870.368.7926.