GOODMAN, Miss. — Holmes Community College is taking its career-focused programs to new heights with the launch of a flight training school and new Aviation Management courses.
The flight training school will prepare students for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications, including private, instrument, and commercial pilot licenses — important steps toward careers in commercial, corporate, or private aviation. Students will also gain foundational skills relevant to air traffic control, with plans to expand into advanced certifications such as multi-engine endorsements.
Training will take place at the Kosciusko-Attala County Airport, using three aircraft: a two-seat Cessna 150 and two four-seat Cessna 172s, which are widely recognized as safe and reliable training aircraft. Cameron Clark, the program’s instructor, will provide one-on-one instruction. Students can start at any time with a self-paced schedule coordinated with Clark.
To enroll, students must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, hold a valid driver’s license, and be able to read, write, and speak English. While students do not need to have completed an FAA medical exam before their first lesson, they must obtain at least a Third-Class Medical Certificate before flying solo. Clark recommends completing the medical exam early to ensure readiness.
“This program allows students, even those starting from scratch, to pursue private, instrument or commercial licenses,” Clark said. “The training and licensure gained can open doors to careers flying for commercial airlines, corporate aviation or private operations.”
Starting this August, Holmes will also offer Aviation Management courses for college credit, which can transfer to other institutions. Courses include Introduction to Aviation, Private Pilot Ground I, and Private Pilot Ground II, covering flight principles, aircraft systems, the National Airspace System, airport operations, and FAA pilot certification requirements.
Holmes President Dr. Jim Haffey said the new programs reflect the college’s commitment to workforce development and career readiness.
“These initiatives provide students with unique opportunities to pursue aviation careers and earn FAA certification,” Dr. Haffey said. “When looking around our district at available hangar space for three airplanes, availability of certified instructors and instructional space, we eventually decided on the Kosciusko airport as the best fit for student pilots and their ability to have a safe, accessible environment to train. The beauty of aircraft as training devices is, they tend to be very mobile! So, we will offer the ability to move the aircraft to various airports in our district to fit individual training needs.”
Slots in the flight training program will be limited, and an interview process will be used to prioritize students interested in aviation careers. Those interested in the flight training school or Aviation Management courses can contact Emily Bennett at [email protected] for more information.
