Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony
Earning your Private Pilot Certificate is the first step towards an exciting career as a professional aviator.
We are proud to share the second annual Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony is tentatively scheduled for the evening of Thursday, September 7, 2023.
More Details to Come.
Alumni
Click here to indicate your interest to participate in the 2023 Pinning Ceremony
The Inaugural Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony: Event Recap
The Inaugural Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony took place on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM as part of the Aeronautics & Engineering Expo hosted at the Kent State Airport (1G3).
Approximately 110 students pursuing a B.S., Aeronautics, Professional Pilot concentration participated in this ceremony and earned their first set of wings, symbolizing their successful completion in earning their private pilot certificate from Kent State University.
Students were pinned by over 25 alumni of the program from a span of graduation years, ranging from the 1970s - 2020.
Students who earned their Private Pilot Certificate at Kent State University or have completed their first flight course at Kent State University were invited to participate in the ceremonial pinning of wings. Private pilots will received 2 sets of wings from an alumni professional pilot from Kent State University. The wings differ in size and include a larger set to be worn at formal events and gatherings and a smaller lapel set to be worn in business casual settings.
Our industry partners were proud to honor this accomplishment and attended this ceremony. Leaders and talent recruiters were in attendance and talked with students about their career goals and the opportunities that exist within their companies and organizations.
Students recognized at this ceremony:
- Received custom-designed metal Kent State wings and secondary lapel pin;
- Created connections with KSU alumni pilots and industry partners;
- Celebrated their achievements with family, friends, and support systems, who were also invited (and always encouraged!) to attend.
Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony attendees were invited to stay and enjoy the A&E Expo for the entire day (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
Inaugural Ceremony Details
Welcome and Introduction
Keynote Address
Presentation of Pins
Ceremonial Readers
Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony
What is the Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony?
The Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony is a unique and special ceremony for the private pilot community at Kent State University and signifies the successful completion of the Private Pilot Certification in the educational progression toward becoming a professional pilot.
Who is eligible to participate?
The Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony honors and recognizes students who have successfully earned their Private Pilot Certificate at Kent State University, as well as those who have entered the program with their Private Pilot Certificate prior to beginning the program but have completed their first flight course at Kent State University.
When is the annual private pilot pinning ceremony?
The Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony will take place in the fall, annually, and be hosted in accordance with the A&E Expo.
The 2023 Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony is tentatively scheduled for the evening of Thursday, September 7, 2023.
Dress Code
Ceremony Participants: Business Casual
Ceremony Guests: Casual
This event is taking place during the A&E Expo. This family and community event has been a fixture in the Stow/Kent community for more than two decades, and we are thrilled to bring this event back and showcase our Airport and FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center to the community.
Cost
Admission to The Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony is based on event location and will be included in the formal Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony invitation.
Parking
Due to onsite parking availability, parking arrangements will be made in advance. Details will be included in the formal Private Pilot Pinning Ceremony invitation.
Questions?
All questions about eligibility and participation can be directed to cae@kent.edu.