Central Oregon Community College’s two-year aviation program allows students to quickly attain ratings and build flight time.

After nearly two decades in the U.S. Navy, Chris McNulty is letting his passion soar. The 37-year-old Bend resident was a helicopter crew member when he was in the service, but he’s ready to pilot fixed -wing planes. He’s a graduate of Central Oregon Community College’s two-year aviation program and is working on getting enough hours of flight time to qualify for a position as a regional pilot.

That should take about 15 months of flying, the minimum requirement to pilot at that level. In the meantime he’ll be instructing upcoming aviation students.

“I have a background in flying from the Navy,” said McNulty. “Being a pilot in aviation is something I feel that is exciting. It’s a passion of mine.

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