To read more profiles of student-pilots, visit https://emu.edu/now/news/category/academics/emu-at-lancaster/
Tanner Haines, of Lititz, Pa., was inspired to explore a career in aviation by one of his father’s friends who is a pilot for Southwest.
He is a student in EMU Lancaster’s leadership and organizational management (LOM) bachelor’s degree program with a concentration in aviation. By the completion of the four-year program, graduates have a four-year degree and several flight certifications.
Haines completed the checkride for his private pilot’s license in early January. He writes more about his experience in the aviation program below.
What was your first solo experience like? Anything like you expected?
My first solo was a very surreal experience because it was like a childhood dream coming true. It was nothing like I expected and it is definitely something I will always remember. My friends and family congratulated me and it was great to be recognized because it really is a big accomplishment.
What was it like to pass your private pilot check ride?
Passing my private checkride was probably one of the biggest accomplishments in my life so far. It is such a great feeling when you taxi back to Aero-Tech and you shut the plane off and you are told that you are officially a licensed pilot.The best part is knowing that all of the hard work and long days of school, studying, and flying have finally paid off. It still has yet to sink in that I’m officially a pilot but I would like to take my parents flying and I think the day I do that it will sink in.
Did you do anything special to celebrate after your successful check ride?
To celebrate, I went to dinner at the airport with friends and family. After that I went home and slept for a long time because it was such a long and tiring day.
Why did you choose EMU for this leg of your education?
EMU is so close to where I live and I wanted to stay home and work. I was introduced to EMU by one of my friends from high school. He took me flying and I got to meet some of the people at Aero-Tech and I was hooked.
What have you most enjoyed about the program so far?
I’ve enjoyed the flying the most so far. It is crazy to me that there are other people spending hours in classrooms for college everyday and I get to wake up and fly an airplane for my school. Also once people find out that you’re a pilot, they will ask you so many questions about what it’s like. It really is a great program for people who are serious about aviation. It is fast-paced and if you can keep up with the studying it is the #1 flight program for you. I’ve also enjoyed making friends and making personal connections because that is really important in the field of aviation.
What are your professional goals after graduation?
My goal is to become a commercial airline pilot.