VA approves flight school for training veterans at Destin Executive Airport

DESTIN, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has approved a flight school to train veterans at Destin Executive Airport, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has announced.

According to the BCC, the VA recently approved the flight school, Destin Flight Works, to train veterans who would like to use their VA benefits for flight training at Destin Executive Airport (DTS). Destin Flight Works is an aircraft and helicopter training company approved by the Federal Aviation Administration under Title 14 CFR, Part 141.

“The aviation industry needs more pilots, and we are pleased that the VA is allowing Okaloosa County Airports to help meet that need,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner and Aviation Board liaison Carolyn Ketchel.

“Many of our residents are veterans, and now they will have the opportunity to use their VA benefits toward a future in aviation.”

The following courses/programs are approved for Veteran training under 14 CFR Part 141 and meet the criteria of Title 38 USC §3672(2)(A)(ii):

• Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Airplane Instrument Rating

The aircraft available for training include Cessna, C150, C172, and C182, and Piper Seminole twin, plus a Red Bird FMX full motion simulator, the BCC said in a statement.

“It’s an honor to be able to train our local veterans after all they have sacrificed for the country,” said BCC Chairman Trey Goodwin.

“This opportunity will allow the aviation industry to tap into the skills and experience that already exists with our veterans in Okaloosa County.”

Learn more about training at www.destinflightworks.com.

Veterans interested in learning more about VA education benefits should visit the official government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.