ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) has welcomed Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC)        Cadet Flight Training Summer Academy participants for a two-month flight training journey.

Approximately 20 participants in the flight training academy sat eagerly as academy instructors provided an overview of the program and meticulously outlined guidelines and procedures. “Safety" and "achievement" were highlighted as top priorities.

"Your health, safety, and achievement in this program is of utmost importance to me," Sheryl Bradford, professor and STEM coordinator, emphasized.

U.S. Air Force (USAF) JROTC and U.S. Navy (USN) students were selected through the training corps headquarters from various JROTC programs that are offered at high schools across the country. The eight-week accelerated course includes flight and ground training items, and the goal is to finish strong and leave with a private pilot's license.

Ground training will occur via classroom lectures, question-and-answer modules, and practice tests. By week four, students will complete a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written test. Students will also fly twice daily, with a total of 40 hours of flight time at the completion of the academy. On inclement weather days, students can expect to engage in flight simulator training.

Teamwork was also highly stressed. "We expect you to take care of each other and treat one another as teammates. You're successful when the team is successful," said Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Kenney, director of the flight academy.

With the first couple of weeks behind them, the journey ahead promises much to accomplish, but not without understanding their progress. At each two-week mark, students will have a progress check, and they will also be encouraged to provide instructors with feedback.

ECSU is proud to host this valuable training opportunity for JROTC cadets and looks forward to seeing the progress and achievements of these future aviators.

For more information about the ECSU Cadet Flight Training Summer Academy, please contact Kuldeep Rawat or visit www.ecsu.edu.