Students of All Ages Flying High at Austin Aeroflight

By Catherine Monson 'Austin Daily Herald'

Students at Austin High School have, in addition to the usual school subjects, the opportunity to receive flight instruction and training to become pilots at Austin Aeroflight. Senior Tyler Wilson received his private pilot certificate this week, and while he acknowledged that it is a big time commitment on top of regular school requirements, he says it is worth the effort for his favorite hobby. To be eligible for the program, students must be 17 years old and have at least 40 hours of documented air time, 20 hours of instruction, and 10 hours of solo flying. A solo-flying permit can be obtained at age 16. There are three students currently in the program along with five adults, most of which are getting a license just “for fun,” says instructor Kyle Nelson. Wilson says he is not interested in flying as a career, but enjoys it so much that he hopes to do it for the rest of his life.

September 16, 2009