MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Ohio State University at Mansfield is reaching new heights by becoming the first Ohio State regional campus to offer aviation classes.
The classes–AV 2000 Introduction to the Aviation Industry and AV 2100 Private Pilot Fundamentals–were introduced last year.
Depending on interest levels and support, more aviation courses could be added in the future, potentially leading to an Aviation Studies degree program.
“Community stakeholders have expressed strong interest in supporting an aviation program here, coupled with initial interest from the Columbus campus in supporting a satellite program. There also is a great need in the airline industry for pilots, which will only increase in the years ahead as large numbers of current pilots retire,” said Dean and Director Stephen Gavazzi.
Associate Dean Norman Jones added, “Lahm Airport is a great asset to our community, and OSU’s aviation program is a first-rate path to careers not only in flying but also in the aviation industry more broadly. Ohio State Mansfield is exploring the possibility of bringing those two assets together.”
Talks of expanding the program to include a flight school are ongoing. Gavazzi said, “Flight school is an important part of the aviation program. Our intention is to examine the viability of housing the program at Lahm Airport in conjunction with efforts to attract donors who would be willing to support the launch of the program.”
Col. Gary McCue, Wing Commander at the 179th Airlift Wing, discussed how the local unit of the Ohio Air National Guard could benefit from this, noting, “It would definitely build on our capacity.”
“We’d be very excited to see something like that out here,” he said.
The 179th Airlift Wing is located at the Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport.
Gavazzi noted, “This is all very preliminary work that we are doing on this. We wish to adopt a ‘slow and steady’ approach that would examine student interest levels in conjunction with the exploration of local benefactors who would provide donations in support of the flight school.”
We wish to adopt a ‘slow and steady’ approach that would examine student interest levels in conjunction with the exploration of local benefactors who would provide donations in support of the flight school,” Dr. Stephen Gavazzi said.
