Academics, Campus Wide, College of Science and Mathematics

First aeronautics student takes solo flight

By Jenna Johnson | June 2, 2021

Harrison Hunt was the first Charleston Southern aeronautics student to take a solo flight. Photo by Richard Esposito

Harrison Hunt made history a few days ago, making his mark as Charleston Southern University’s first aeronautics student to take a solo flight.

The flight—in a Diamond DA-20 aircraft—was next level for Hunt in what he recounted as a liberating experience. “I was a bit anxious at first because I knew I would be by myself with no instructor as a safety net. But the feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I had taken a massive step in the direction of becoming a pilot far overshadowed that.”

With dreams of being a pilot for as long as he could remember, the CSU sophomore changed his major to aeronautics from engineering during freshman year. “I initially planned to be an engineering major to pay for flight school and later become a pilot, but when CSU announced the aeronautics program, I knew I couldn’t let this chance slip through my fingers.”

Colonel Christopher “C.J.” Will, U.S. Air Force (retired) and founding aeronautics program chair, said that a typical student will solo after 10-12 hours of training in the aircraft, depending upon progression through the training syllabus. Some may solo in as few as eight hours.

CSU partners with CRAFT Flight Training and Simulation to offer FAA-approved simulators for flight instruction. In Hunt’s recorded video of the first solo flight, one may not be able to distinguish real from the simulated experience. Will said new simulators are that realistic.

“I love his opening narration, ‘Let’s get to it!’” Will said of the recording. “Harrison is an outstanding student and is also doing very well in CSU’s Air Force ROTC program.”

Currently, two students are flying in summer session. However, a full cohort begins this fall with upwards of 30 students expected in the inaugural class. Will said applications far exceeded expectations.

CSU’s Bachelor of Science in aeronautics (professional pilot) officially begins this fall and is the only collegiate program in the state of South Carolina. Students will be able to choose between three main tracks: commercial, military, or missionary aviation. Learn more about this unique degree offering at charlestonsouthern.edu/aeronautics.