A crew of 20 flight students on 10 planes from the Davenport and Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) aviation program spent winter break logging 645 accumulative hours of flight time in one week – an unusual feat in college flight training.
The pilots, 10 instructors and a mechanic flew to Flagler, Florida, and back traversing various conditions including winter storms, rural terrain, metro areas and mountains. This experience allowed them to not only capture a large number of flight hours in a short amount of time but also hone their skills across terrain not found at that time of year in northern Michigan.
The student pilots on this endeavor are part of a unique partnership offering students both flight instructor certification and aviation management training. The more than 25-year partnership between Davenport and NMC allows students to complete their business degrees locally while also gaining valuable experience, such as during the Florida trip.
Brent Walters is originally from Traverse City. While exploring colleges, he went on a test flight and knew immediately that he wanted to be a pilot.
He secured his commercial flight instructor’s license through NMC in 2022, then went on to secure his instructor’s certificate while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in business management degree with a specialty in aviation from Davenport University. He graduated from Davenport in December of 2023 and continued teaching. This year was his fourth year on the Florida trip, his third time as an instructor.
“The Florida trip is a really good experience for flight planning, weather planning, navigating different terrain and communicating with various air traffic controllers,” said Walters. “It enhances your ability in a short period of time as a pilot. You learn in the moment.”
Kayla Burt is originally from Cheboygan, Mich. She moved to Traverse City in the fall of 2021, after graduating from high school and started her aviation training through NMC right away. She enrolled at Davenport in 2022. In 2024 she achieved her CFII (certified flight instructor + instrument) certificate. This was her second flight to Florida.
“The first time, I airlined (was a passenger) back and forth as a student; This time I got to fly all the way down,” said Burt. “Training in Traverse City, we’re not used to all the different types of flying. Flying around the mountains was an amazing experience. Was I petrified? Yes. We also got to experience up to 30 knots of wind, which is our maximum.”
Overall, she flew almost 1,500 nautical miles, Burt said.
“I got to really bond with my students,” she said. “We’re pretty close now and we have some sort of trust as well because of the experience.”
Davenport University’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management with an Aviation Specialty offers students an opportunity to build on their existing aviation knowledge gained at NMC while gaining essential business and leadership skills. The program is designed for those looking to enhance their career prospects by combining technical expertise in aviation with the managerial skills that are increasingly sought after by employers.
This degree covers critical areas of business, including leadership, risk management, decision-making, and organizational growth. Students also gain proficiency in project management, data analytics, quality management, and business strategy, preparing them to handle various challenges in the business world.
Davenport allows students to transfer their associate degree credits and Flight Instructor Certificate, which means they complete their bachelor’s program in under two years.
A BBA with an Aviation Specialty provides a solid foundation in both aviation and business management, preparing graduates for a range of career opportunities in the aviation industry and beyond.
Walters is putting his training and degree to good use. He recently took a job in Fairbanks, Alaska, flying cargo to small, remote towns. Burt is graduating from Davenport this Spring and is considering pursuing her master’s degree. She will remain in the area, however, and continue flight instructing until she has secured enough flight hours for her transport pilot certificate.
At 10 years old, Burt was sure she wanted to be a Delta pilot. She said she still strives for that goal but is open to other opportunities.
“I’m exploring all my options now, including aviation management,” said Burt. “I knew my goals and achieved them at 21. Not many people can say they’ve done that.”
Several features make the Davenport aviation program stand out:
- Flight Instructor Certificate Recognition: The program awards academic credit for a completed Flight Instructor Certificate, providing an opportunity to accelerate progress toward the degree.
- Advising and Support: Students in the Traverse City area have access to experienced academic advising and support throughout their studies.
- Partnership with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC): Davenport’s long-standing relationship with NMC allows students to transfer credits from their Associate of Applied Science in Aviation, as well as receive credit for their Flight Instructor Certificate. This partnership acknowledges the experience students bring to the table.
- Financial Aid Consortium: A financial aid agreement between Davenport and NMC allows students to attend both institutions simultaneously, helping reduce costs through the combined financial aid options.
- Flexible Learning Options: The program offers both in-person and online courses, giving students the flexibility to manage their schedules while progressing toward degree completion.
- Real-World Application: Coursework emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, with case studies and client-based projects designed to mirror real-world business challenges.
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