G.I. Bill helps veterans pay for flight school

Veterans from across the nation are coming to Central Oregon to enroll in flight training. Central Oregon Community College offers a professional pilot program that gives students training and skills — and thanks to the G.I. Bill, veterans who qualify get their schooling paid for through the VA.

“I was getting ready to separate from active duty Air Force and was trying to figure out where I wanted to go,” veteran and Central Oregon native Riley Harris said Friday.

Harris was eligible for education benefits and enrolled in the helicopter pilot training program through COCC, but he didn’t stop there. He also enrolled in the airplane pilot training program to earn both certifications.

“I found out about the aviation program, so I called and found out I would be 100 percent covered with benefits,” Harris said. “I thought it was an incredible deal, so that pretty much sucked me in from the get-go.”

A program that would cost thousands of dollars is free for vets who qualify. COCC’s aviation program boasts about a 70 percent completion rate, and has seen more than 200 students in its nine years of existence.

Leading Edge Aviation and Professional Air – both located at Bend Airport – serve as flight providers.

“We’re happy to provide the flight part of the training for veterans,” said Courtney Massey, marketing director at Leading Edge. “It’s great to enable people to go out, follow their passion, and be properly trained for the career that they’re looking for.”

“Going through the community college, getting your degree, and also doing your flight training, I think, is a really good way to ensure you’re going to get a job in the future,” she added.

Students who complete the program often become flight instructors. Harris was recently hired to train students through the COCC aviation program.

To learn more, visit: http://www.cocc.edu/aviation/