News release prepared by: Rebecca Van Allen, 785-826-2642, blv90@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011

AVIATION STUDENTS ACHIEVE PILOT AND FLIGHT RATINGS

SALINA -- Kansas State University at Salina aviation students have earned a variety of pilot and flight ratings during the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters.

Students receiving a private pilot certificate have completed a minimum of 35 hours of flight time during 30 lessons. The certificate means pilots can fly with passengers in good weather both day and night.

To earn the instrument pilot rating, students complete an additional 35 hours of flight instruction above the private pilot certificate and complete 30 additional lessons. The rating means a pilot can fly in inclement weather with passengers both day and night.

A commercial pilot certificate is earned when students complete a minimum of 40 hours of cross-country flight training and 15 hours in a complex, high performance airplane. Pilots with a commercial pilot certificate will have completed a minimum of 190 total hours of flight training since their first flight.

With a multiengine airplane rating, students have demonstrated proficiency in a twin-engine airplane. A pilot with this rating is licensed to fly an airplane with two or more engines.

Students have the opportunity to earn a certified flight instructor certificate upon completion of their commercial rating by passing a written and practical exam administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. As a certified flight instructor, pilots can train students in the operation of a single-engine airplane.

Students receiving a certified instrument flight instructor rating have completed 15 additional hours of flight training beyond the certified instructor rating certificate. The certification lets pilots can train other pilots who desire to obtain an instrument rating.

To be certified as a multiengine instructor, pilots must have 15 hours of twin-engine training, receive an endorsement from their flight instructor and pass a practical exam demonstrating their skills in this type of aircraft. A multiengine instructor trains other pilots desiring a multiengine rating.

K-State Salina students earning pilot and/or flight ratings include:

Arland Miller Jr., non degree-seeking student, Bennington, multiengine commercial pilot certificate; Matthew Pedroza, senior in professional pilot, Bogue, private pilot certificate; Gregory Fotovich, junior in professional pilot, Kansas City, Kan., private pilot certificate; Patrick McElligott, sophomore in professional pilot, Milford, private pilot certificate; Mason Angel, freshman in professional pilot, Paradise, private pilot certificate; Kayode Fawusi, junior in professional pilot, Wichita, private pilot certificate; and Robert Willing, junior in professional pilot, Yates Center, instrument pilot rating.