Published on September 12, 2017
Ozarka College began offering aviation courses under a provisional certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during the 2015 fall semester. After meeting strenuous requirements, the FAA certified Ozarka's aviation program as a full-time part 141 flight school, effective July 19, 2017.
"There are only three other part 141 certified flight schools in the state of Arkansas, " said John Catlett, Director of Aviation at Ozarka College. "This is a big achievement for the College, the aviation program, and the community moving forward. "
To date, ten Ozarka students have completed solo flights, four have earned a Private Pilot Certificate, and three have graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Aviation - Professional Pilot. Ozarka also offers aviation courses through continuing education, which allows students to complete courses at their own pace versus on a scheduled degree plan. There are currently five students enrolled in continuing education aviation classes and eighteen students enrolled in the aviation degree program.
Photo Caption: John Catlett (center), Ozarka College director of aviation, accepts an official part 141 full-time flight certificate and letter of approval from Matthew Disch (right), FAA safety inspector/operations and Joe Meyer (far right), FAA designated pilot examiner. Also pictured is Kelly Shell, Ozarka College aviation administrative assistant and Tim Ambrose, Ozarka College flight instructor.