Ozarka College aviation students achieve goals

MELBOURNE — Six students in the Aviation Program at Ozarka College recently completed milestones on their aviation career path. Preston Clairday of Melbourne received his private pilot license; River Donahoe of Hardy and Allexus Scott of Melbourne passed their private pilot checkride; Becca Ambrose of Wichita, Kansas, and Ben Cantrell of Danville passed their instrument checkride; and Simeon Sapp of Cherokee Village has completed his multiengine add-on checkride.

Clairday’s future plans are to one day fly cargo or an airliner internationally so he can travel around the world. Clairday said, “During my checkride, I was nervous but very confident in my ability to fly.” His instructor, Tim Ambrose, said, “Preston has been great to work with, and we’re all proud of his success in earning his private pilot license.”

Donahoe plans to one day get his commercial pilot license and his certified flight-instructor license to teach others. When asked about what it was like, Donahoe said, “Taking my checkride was both fun and frightening at the same time. I got to show how much I have learned through Ozarka College Aviation.” Tim Ambrose said, “River has done a great job in his training. We look forward to watching him achieve his goals with his training.”

Scott, when asked what her private pilot checkride was like, said, “At first, extremely nerve-wracking with a lot of overthinking. However, once the nerves settled and we got to know each other, it became the best day of my life so far.” Her instructor, John Catlett, said, “Allexus is a very determined student. She did very well on her checkride. I look forward to working with her for future training.”

Becca Ambrose intends to continue flying and wants to become a corporate pilot. Of her checkride, she said, “I was so nervous at first, but once the test began, I was relieved.” Tim Ambrose said, “Becca did an outstanding job studying and preparing for this checkride. We are all very proud of her for accomplishing another step in her dream of a career in aviation.”

Cantrell’s goal is to become a corporate or commercial pilot. About his checkride, he said, “It was very stressful.” Tim Ambrose said, “Ben is taking great strides in his training. I look forward to watching him complete his training. He will do great things, as motivated as he is in his pursuit of developing himself as a professional pilot.”

Sapp plans to work for an airline and also volunteer as a missionary pilot. When asked about his checkride, he said, “Nerve-wracking as usual, but it was exciting, and I am glad to have it under my belt.” Catlett said, “Simeon has been a great student. It’s been a pleasure to assist him with his training.”

Upon completion of Ozarka’s FAA approved Part 141 flight school, students have the opportunity to complete the multiengine commercial training at Ozarka College.

For more information about flight training at Ozarka College or the Aviation Program, call John Catlett, director of aviation, at (870) 368-7926 or email flying@ozarka.edu.

Discovery flights may also be scheduled with the Ozarka College Aviation Program.