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Adam Hobbs of Alma, a freshman at Henderson State University, recently passed his commercial check ride with Richard Miller, FAA designatied examiner. Hobbs has logged approximately 265 total flight hours and his instructor is Chris Ward.
In other aviation news, Brian Hyatt, a freshman aviation major from Arkoma, Okla., recently soloed in a Maule. His instructor is Matt Disch. Chad Winn of Paragould, a senior aviation major , was congratulated for his multi-engine rating by Dr. Jerry Robinson, FAA designated examiner.
Henderson has Arkansas's only university program offering a four-year bachelor of science degree specifically for aviation. Utilizing experienced faculty, 15 aircraft and more than 15 flight instructors, Henderson provides students with the training and education necessary to prepare them for a career in the professional aviation industry.
The Department of Aviation operates from the James T. Caplinger Airway Science Academic Center. The $3.5-million, 37,000 square foot facility includes two flight simulators, dedicated aviation computer facilities, a distance-learning lab, FAA knowledge test facilities and high tech classrooms.
Henderson partnered with the City of Arkadelphia recently to build a new airport terminal, aviation flight-training facility, and maintenance center at the Arkadelphia Municipal Airport, which the university's aviation department operates for the city under contract.
Henderson's aviation program began in 1938 when the Civilian Pilot Training Program gave civilian pilots about 40 hours of flight training to prepare them for military flight schools during World War II. The school's commitment to aviation continued throughout the 1940s when the federal government established units of "newly created college training programs" for aviation cadets, of which 750 were trained in Arkadelphia.
The aviation degree program began in 1972 with the first graduate of the program earning a degree in 1976.
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Richard Miller, left, congratulates Adam Hobbs.
Instructor Matt Disch, left, congratulates Brian Hyatt on his solo flight.
Dr. Jerry Robinson, left, congratulates senior Chad Winn on his multi-engine rating.
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