Fairmont State University’s Aviation Center of Excellence has welcomed Jeremy Griffin as its first full-time Assistant Chief Pilot. Jeremy began his new position within Fairmont State’s Aviation program back in June. Griffin previously worked as a part-time flight instructor for the program.
“Jeremy is a game changer for helping students pursue in-demand careers as pilots,” said Chief Pilot and Director of the Aviation Center of Excellence Joel Kirk. “Currently, pilot training provides one of the best returns on the investment of education dollars one can make—our graduates have a 100% job placement and some may secure a six-figure starting salary.”
Assistant Chief Griffin brings over 30 years of experience to the position. He is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 and primarily served as a gun pilot for AH-64 Apaches and H-60 Blackhawks. Griffin has extensive experience as a special operations evaluator and instructor pilot, and is one of the few pilots in the United States rated in Russian helicopters. Griffin is also a certified Airline Transport Pilot, Multi-Engine Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument in both rotary and fixed-wing aircrafts.
“I grew up here in Bridgeport and to come home after retiring from the military is pretty neat and surreal after 30 years,” said Griffin. “I am pretty fortunate. It’s a really great opportunity to be back in my hometown and help young people learn how to fly.”
In addition to his immense field experience, Griffin also possesses a degree in Aviation from Liberty University. Griffin will be taking over as the Aviation program’s lead for multi-engine training, using his substantial knowledge to train the next generation of aviators.
To learn more about Fairmont State’s Aviation program, visit the College of Business and Aviation homepage.