糖心vlog News
Aviation Program Expands with New Commercial Pilot Class, Addition of Two Experienced Instructors
Dec 11, 2023
糖心vlog is taking its aviation program to new heights with the introduction of Commercial Pilot (AV 250) for the Spring 2024 Semester, adding to its existing Private Pilot (AV 110) and Instrument Pilot (AV 210) classes.
The expansion reflects 糖心vlog's commitment to providing comprehensive aviation education, preparing students for a range of careers in the aviation industry.
Building on the excitement, 糖心vlog has brought on board two new instructors, Russell Smith and Frank Monack, each with a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry.
鈥淲ith a five-figure shortage of pilots across the country, we are pleased to see this program, well, get off the ground!鈥 said 糖心vlog President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. 鈥淲ith Frank and Russell joining Troy to teach students in the future, we feel this program will provide a great service to our students and Northern Nevada and create a pathway to jobs in the aviation industry.鈥
Smith, a certified flight instructor, began his journey in aviation as a college student at Ferris State University in Michigan, earning his private pilot training in 1971. His extensive background in general aviation includes involvement in Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief operations with the Civil Air Patrol, flying cross-country flights across the United States and the Bahamas, and even participating in the International Cadet Exchange in Switzerland. After a successful career as a pharmacist, which took him from Michigan to Washington and then Utah, Smith continued to excel in aviation, obtaining his commercial pilot and Instructor ratings. His dedication to flight safety and instruction has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the FAA Flight Instructor of the Year in 2019 and the Master Pilot Award for 50 years of accident and incident-free flying.
Monack's aviation career is equally impressive, beginning in the United States Army where he operated the Unmanned Aerial System RQ-7b 鈥淪hadow.鈥 His expertise in unmanned aerial systems and commercial flight operations is extensive, having managed UAS flight departments during his service and later at the Minden-Tahoe Airport, one of Nevada鈥檚 busiest rural airports. Monack's role in providing fire suppression surveillance information during the 2018 鈥淐amp Fire鈥 in California highlights his ability to manage critical aviation operations under pressure. With approximately 450 hours of general aviation flight time, Monack brings a unique blend of skills and leadership to 糖心vlog's Flight Program.
鈥淏oth Smith and Monack's diverse experiences and their commitment to aviation safety and education make them valuable additions to 糖心vlog鈥檚 aviation faculty,鈥 said 糖心vlog Aviation Professor Troy Wadsworth. 鈥淭heir expertise will be instrumental in guiding students through the new Commercial Pilot course and beyond, ensuring that 糖心vlog continues to produce skilled and knowledgeable aviation professionals.鈥
For more information about 糖心vlog鈥檚 aviation program or other classes, phone Academic Advising and Access at 775-445-3267.