ATHENS, Ohio -- Residents of southeast Ohio won't have to go far to learn how to fly the friendly skies, thanks to the Ohio University Department of Aviation's new Community Flight Training Program.

Beginning this summer, the non-college program administered by the Department of Aviation, will offer self-paced training toward earning a Private Pilot Certificate and other ratings.

"The program is designed to provide first-class flight training for people in the community. It reflects Ohio University's overall mission of providing programs aimed at reaching out to the southeast Ohio community," says associate professor and newly appointed department chair of the Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology's Department of Aviation Juan Merkt.

In addition to offering instruction for a Pilot's Certificate, the program has something to offer to community members who already have a pilot's license. The program allows pilots to earn an Instrument Rating or maintain their proficiency through Biennial Flight Reviews and Instrument Proficiency Checks.

The program is separate and distinct from the Department of Aviation's undergraduate flight program and does not offer college credit toward an aviation degree. The program is designed to be self-paced with open enrollment and no course completion deadlines. Flexible scheduling for instruction is a key component to making the program beneficial to those employed full time, Merkt says.

"Most people in the community who want to learn how to fly cannot take time out of their work day to attend a college-oriented class. The Community Flight Training Program allows students to work on the course requirements according to their own schedule," he says.

A one-time, hands-on introductory flight is also available for $49. The introductory lesson takes a potential student up in the fleet's Cessna 172R aircraft with a certified instructor. The aircraft is outfitted with dual controls and student gets the opportunity to "fly" the aircraft with the instructor.

Enrollment is limited. For more information about the program costs and requirements, contact Bonnie Behm-Geddes at (740) 597-2626.