Questar III aviation students, flight instructors, teachers and administrators with the Richmor Aviation King Air aircraft in the background.
Thirteen students enrolled in Questar III’s Aviation Program at Columbia-Greene Educational Center were recently honored for reaching a flight milestone – soloing an aircraft for the first time.
Surrounded by families, staff and representatives from Richmor Aviation, students received flight jackets and certificates at a ceremony held at Columbia County Airport in Hudson.
Students included JP Wengler, Avery Pelnat, Sidney Kohrs, Tom Manetta, Kevin McGee, Alex Jameson, Niklas Soderstrom, John Ryan, Gavin Beals, John Eisner, Jillian Reeves, Robert Moore and Bernie Watt.
Questar III culinary students Elizabeth Hamm, Kate-Lynn Ramirez and Brianne Cidras helped cater the ceremony.
Refreshments were provided by Questar III culinary students under the supervision of Culinary Instructors Chef Peter Desmond and Chef James Rhoads, Jr. The group included Krista Vitale, Dakota Huntley, Debbie Quijada, Amanda Repko, Kate-Lynn Ramirez, Elizabeth Hamm and Brianne Cidras.
Mary Ann Beals, parent of Gavin Beals from Columbia High School in East Greenbush, spoke warmly about the aviation program. “It’s really been a great program for our son, one he will never forget,” said Beals.
Mahony said he is always moved when students receive their flight jackets.
Aviation student Gavin Beals receives his flight jacket.
“In the world of aviation, this is the first step of continued achievements and future success in this career field. It is the result of dedication and collaboration from students, parents and flight instructors,” said Mahony.
Questar III aviation students receive both classroom and flight instruction from instructors John Mahony and Bill Serritella and staff from Richmor Aviation.
Starting this fall, students can choose from an additional aviation program based at the Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy.
A new Aviation Maintenance Technology program will provide students with a foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience in aviation production, maintenance and repair.
