OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. — Two West Liberty University students are charting new territory for the school’s aviation program, becoming the first to earn private pilot licenses through the program.
Brady Bauer and Jeremiah Ratcliffe found a passion in the skies.
They spend most of their time in and around the pilot deck, the class sometimes even flying to Charleston.
The resources are only miles away from the university.
“Having the aviation program in our backyard is a really big deal,” Ratcliffe said.
“I never saw myself doing this until it happened, really,” Bauer said. “I didn’t even think it was a possible path for me. I love that the university is so close to home and I don’t have to go far. “
Aside from Bauer and Ratcliffe, there are over a dozen students enrolled, with even more ready to fly in the fall.
Aviation Coordinator Tasha Taylor has been along for the ride since the program started — and says she’s proud to see it grow.
“There is such a need for this industry, especially in our area to give these young people the opportunity to be able to become pilots,” she said.
“We were really excited to partner with Marshall University for students to have the college experience and also learn to become a pilot.”
Students train with hands-on learning at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport and also use an on-campus flight simulator to build necessary skills. Part of the simulator is already in use, with more features planned.
“It’s an exact replica of our airplane, except we don’t have to pay for any of the flight hours with it,” Ratcliffe said.
“Safety is at the front of everything we do in the aviation program, and those experiences will just help me learn along the way,” Bauers aid.
If all goes to plan, the simulator will have a grand opening in April.