Farmington, NM – San Juan College will begin offering helicopter flight training in partnership with Enchantment Helicopters of Albuquerque beginning in January 2010. The program will be designed as an Associate of Applied Science degree in Helicopter Technology. A Certificate program will be available as well for previously degreed students. Training in both programs is expected to cover four semesters. It is anticipated that financial aid will be available to qualified students.

Applications for this new program are now being accepted. Previous flight time is not required. Students will be expected to meet San Juan College's admission requirements (placement exam, high school diploma or GED graduate).

"The opportunities in this field are tremendous," explains Bill Lewis, dean of the School of Trades and Technology, who will oversee the program. "There are a variety of career paths for helicopter pilots – emergency medical services, traffic watch for news bureaus, border patrol, agriculture, construction, offshore drilling, and law enforcement, to mention a few. The diversity of careers in this field is quite extensive. We're very pleased to partner with Enchantment and are looking forward to this new endeavor which will add depth to our existing flight programs, giving students options in flight training."

While the College will provide the classroom instruction and the degree, Enchantment will provide flight instructors and helicopters. Enchantment also operates a flight school out of Albuquerque's Double Eagle Airport.

"Enchantment Helicopters is honored to be working with San Juan College and we look forward to teaching helicopter pilots in this program," says Enchantment CEO Doug Christian.

For more information, go to the web site at www.flightcareers.com or call 800-232-6327 or 505-566-3348.

NOTE: A news conference to unveil the program and introduce the community to Enchantment Helicopters will be held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, on the ball field north of the Farmington campus. It is anticipated that Enchantment will have a helicopter flown up for the announcement.