{"id":40293,"date":"2018-10-29T09:09:51","date_gmt":"2018-10-29T13:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=40293"},"modified":"2018-10-29T15:31:21","modified_gmt":"2018-10-29T19:31:21","slug":"first-student-pilot-in-emu-at-lancasters-new-aviation-program-completes-solo-flight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2018\/first-student-pilot-in-emu-at-lancasters-new-aviation-program-completes-solo-flight\/","title":{"rendered":"First student-pilot in EMU at Lancaster\u2019s new aviation program completes solo flight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ethan Sommers became the first pilot to solo in the history of Eastern Mennonite University at Lancaster\u2019s aviation program. A Lancaster, Pennsylvania resident, Sommers is a first-year student in the new\u00a0<\/span>leadership and organizational management bachelor\u2019s degree program with a concentration in aviation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time he graduates, Sommers will have earned a bachelor\u2019s degree as well as private and commercial pilot certificates with an instrument rating and a flight instructor certificate. Flight training is conducted through a partnership with Lititz-based <\/span>Aero-Tech Services, Inc.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Sommers soloed on Oct. 15. His flight instructor is Michael Hornberger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay tuned for more on EMU at Lancaster\u2019s first pilots!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

EMU News checked in with Sommers last week about his latest accomplishment. Here’s the Q & A:<\/span><\/p>\n

Why you are interested in aviation and when did you make the decision this was in your future?<\/b><\/p>\n

I am interested in aviation because it is something that I got to learn and experience through flying for my family vacations. Second I made the decision that this was in my future when I went for a discovery flight through Aero-Tech back during my junior year of high school.<\/span><\/p>\n

How did your first solo go?<\/b><\/p>\n

My first solo experience was a little nerve racking. Only did I start feeling this way at the point that my instructor hopped out of the plane and told me to have fun. Once I was up in the air, I remembered that this was something I had done many times before, and my confidence built. Once I was up in the sky, I just thought to myself about how much fun I was having. It was an extraordinary experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did you do anything special to celebrate this big step in your career?<\/b><\/p>\n

My dad had gotten me a shirt that read “first solo flight” with a big check mark through a box. I put this shirt on after I got out of the plane and we took pictures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why did you choose Lancaster at EMU for your professional preparation?<\/b><\/p>\n

I chose this route for education because for me it made sense to go to a program that is so close to home that I am still able to work and live at home. It is also the major I wanted<\/span><\/p>\n

What are three things you’ve have most enjoyed about the program?<\/b><\/p>\n

The biggest part of this program that I enjoy the most is the flying aspect. I find it to be so much fun to go up and fly a couple days a week. The second part is the convenience, given that it is so close to home. I\u2019m also pleased that the degree program is offered through a faith-based organization, which is important to me. <\/span><\/p>\n

What are your professional goals?<\/b><\/p>\n

My professional goals are to become an airline pilot in one of the major airlines.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ethan Sommers became the first pilot to solo in the history of Eastern Mennonite University at Lancaster\u2019s aviation program. 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