Aviation students no longer asked to travel for exams

BY: ALIX DOYLE
progress@eku.edu

Students studying aviation at Eastern are soaring because of recent changes regarding testing from their degree.

In the past students had to travel to Mt. Sterling or Lexington airports to take their aviation exams; tests are now being offered on Eastern’s campus.

The Federal Aviation Administration exams include: private pilot, commercial pilot, instructor pilot, instructor pilot-instrument and advanced ground instructor.

Exams will now be administered in the Student Success Building.

Ralph Gibbs, Eastern’s director of aviation, said he expects the option to make it easier for aviation students, particularly during exam week at end of each semester.

“This is just another example of how EKU works tirelessly to improve student success,” Gibbs said.

The aviation program at Eastern gives students an opportunity to jump ahead in their careers. Since there is a mandatory retirement age of 65 for pilots, an expected pilot shortage is coming quickly.

Residential students with aviation majors have an option to live on a preferred floor of Clay Hall.

“The Flight Deck” is on the top floor of Clay Hall where majoring Aviation students can study together and participate in weekend actives with those also majoring in their area. However, there is a $10 extra fee in order to live on “The Flight Deck.”

Students studying aviation also can take part in Eastern’s American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), which is a club for aviation majors. This organization promotes a professional attitude in all students studying in airport development administration, management, operation and all related fields apply to aviation.
The program is held on Eastern’s Richmond campus, and all flight training is performed at the Madison County airport.

For more information about the program, visit aviation.eku.edu.