Bernie Watt, a former Aviation student at Questar III’s Columbia-Greene Educational Center (CGEC) recently passed his practical test to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
Watts’ interest in aviation began in his early teens. At 14, he took a discovery flight with Questar III Aviation teacher, John Mahony and fell in love with flying. Two years later, as a junior at Ichabod Crane High School, he enrolled in the two-year Aviation program at CGEC.
“It is a lot of responsibility to fly a plane,” said Watt. “Students who enroll in the Aviation program at QIII need to be dedicated and put in the time after school and on weekends.”
After graduation from high school, Watt went on to Schenectady Community College where he double majored and received his Associate of Science degrees in Aviation Science and Math & Science.
“The process to become a Certified Flight Instructor is lengthy,” said Watt.
Before applying to take his CFI practical test, Watt secured his private pilot license, became instrument rated and then secured his commercial pilot license which required 250 hours of flight time and an additional medical exam.
The CFI practical test is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and consists of taking two written exams, six to eight hours of oral questioning and approximately two hours of flight time. “It was a long road and a lot of hours to get here but well worth it,” said Watt.
Watt is currently working as a Lineman at Richmor Aviation where he hopes to transition to a flight instructor position. In the future, Watt would like to continue his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and obtain enough flight hours to become a Charter Pilot.
