Saturday, June 10, 2023

DSU graduates first Ag pilots

The first 10 students from Delta State University's Commercial Aviation Department (CAD) graduated with an Agricultural Aviation Operations Career Pathway Certification in a ceremony June 2 in an airport hangar at Cleveland Municipal Airport. 

Colonel Brad MacNealy, director of Flight Operations for the CAD told Magnolia State Live: “We’ve got what we feel is the premier aerial applicator course not only in the country, but in the world." 

The completion of the program allows graduates to be hired by an aerial applicator business without incurring increased insurance costs, removing one of the largest hurdles for new ag pilots. 

Glen Holloway, an ag pilot from Drew and Mississippi’s representative to the National Association of Aerial Applicators, said: “The national association is extremely excited about this program because it has been needed for a long time." 

The program was the result of DSU’s collaboration with area ag pilots, Cleveland Airport Board, and many others. (Magnolia Stat Live 06/09/23) Mississippi university graduates first class of Ag flight pathway students - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live

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