News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Fifteen Cumberland County students began the journey to earn their private pilot licenses Wednesday.
The opportunity comes through a $974,000 grant the county school system received earlier this year. City Manager Greg Wood said the aviation program begins after the first of the year.
“We know for sure it is the only one in the state, and we think it may be the only one that is actually happening like this for the entire country,” Wood said. “It’s pretty exciting to be a gateway to aviation for these young folks.”
Wood said grant funding allows 40 to 45 high school students in total to participate. Wood said students will have three flight simulators, one for each high school and one more at the airport.
“They are top of the line and the best,” Wood said. “You can actual use them towards hours of your IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) training.”
Wood said Azure Flight Support will facilitate the program in conjunction with the school system. Wood said Crossville plays a role in the program since the city owns the airport.
Wood said Cumberland County Schools CTE Director Dr. Scott Maddox has been the driving force behind the program.
