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College’s aeronautical technology program only one of its kind in the area
San Jacinto College students such as Taylor Huckabay find out what it’s like to actually pilot a plane thanks to the College’s cutting-edge flight simulator equipment.
San Jacinto College Central is the only two-year college in the Houston area that offers a degree-granting aeronautical technology program, and the only two-year college in the area that maintains a partnership with Delta Connection Academy, the highly-acclaimed academy that has produced more certified pilots since 2001 than any other flight school in the nation.
Robert Willhoite, the College’s aeronautical technology program director, is optimistic about the future for aviation careers in spite of the sluggish economy. “Even though the airlines and the economy are at a low point, the future is bright,” Willhoite commented. “Our students can be assured that when they are ready to work, the airlines will be hiring again. My observation is that people learn to fly because of the love of flying. Being able to get paid is just a benefit.”
One young man with an avid love of flying and lofty goals is aviation student Taylor Huckabay, and valuable hands-on training he is receiving at the College is steering him on the right course. “I chose San Jac because I heard they had an outstanding aviation program, which they do, and because their classes transfer to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, located in Clear Lake.”
Huckabay plans to transfer from San Jacinto College to Embry and graduate with a bachelor degree in professional aeronautics.
He has always been attracted to aviation and says he wants to be an astronaut. “But at the moment I am just making the best possible grades I can while hoping to become a commercial pilot with a major airline,” he remarked. “But I’m wishing/praying that an opportunity will pop up and provide the chance for me eventually be an astronaut.”
Huckabay says aviation instructors at San Jacinto College have challenged him, and made him learn what he needs, rather than just memorizing information for a test. “I feel as if each teacher is actually more of a friend that is always there for me when I need help, instead of just someone that teaches a class and walks out of the room when they are done without caring,” he commented. “Any time I have had a question, the teacher will answer, explain why, how, or what, and even go into a personal experience to help me relate what I am learning to real life. The instructors really take an interest in each individual student and make sure that each one gets the personal assistance they need to achieve their goals.”
The College’s Central campus offers one-year certificate of technology training in the field of aircraft dispatcher, as well the field of career pilot. A one-year pilot development program is also available. The College offers two-year associate of applied science degrees in aviation management, aircraft maintenance management specialty, and pilot development program. The associate degree pilot development program prepares a student with no prior flight experience for an entry-level position as first officer with a regional airline.
San Jacinto College serves more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come to San Jacinto College with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.
For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150 or visit www.sanjac.edu.
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