Sheriff’s deputy pursues dream of flying for law enforcement at Polk State Aerospace
Odalys Hurtado describes one of her biggest challenges as being a petite female in the law enforcement profession, but her ambition is greater than her stature, inspiring her to become a pilot so that she…
Polk State Flight Team soars to nationals
The Polk State Flight Team has earned a spot in the 2023 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON). Polk State placed second in flight events and third overall in the…
Polk State Aerospace graduate blazes trail to Delta
Inspired by a movie based on trailblazers, Ani Olafemi has become one himself. Olafemi, 31, is the first known Polk State College Aerospace graduate to work for Delta Air Lines. Hired in August, his class…
Polk State students soar in Air Race Classic
Three Polk State College students took to the sky from Lakeland Linder International Airport on a four-day, 2,500-mile journey as participants in the 2022 Air Race Classic. Emma Othmer and Autumn Richarz competed as The…
Polk State graduate trades public relations for the sky
As a teenager and young adult, Tyler Koonce had two passions – sports and aviation. He began his professional career in the former and plans on finishing it working in the latter. After 15 years…
Polk State Aerospace students to compete in cross-country Air Race Classic
The Red Eagles will take flight at Lakeland International Airport on June 21 as Polk State Aerospace students compete in the 45th annual Air Race Classic. More than 100 women pilots will embark on the…
Polk State Flight Team makes historic trip to nationals
Polk State College’s flight team made history this year with a trip to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) competition, but members and coaches believe this is just the beginning for the team. Polk State…
Polk State Aerospace to host open house June 9
Polk State College’s Aerospace Program will host an open house at Airside Center – East in Lakeland on Thursday, June 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to provide prospective students with information about degree…
Polk State grad shares how Aerospace Program puts exciting careers within reach
Shaundra Gibbs is a flight operations coordinator for Aero Air Charter in Pensacola, where she is exercising her education and training from both Polk State Aerospace’s aircraft dispatcher certification and aerospace administration degree programs. “When…
Polk State Aerospace student prepared for anything with education & training
What does Polk State College have in common with Jay Leno, Navy submarines, and a plane crash rescue? Well, they’re all part of Genesah Duffy’s journey. Duffy is a U.S. Navy veteran who was working…