Ryan Ridenour '27 is Taking New Pilots Under His Wings While Earning His Degree Student Profile
Meet Ryan Ridenour
- Job Title & Employer
- Flight Instructor, High Flight Academy
- Major/Program
- Aviation Management
- Graduation
- 2027
- Hometown
- Apollo, Pa.
- High School
- Kiski Area High School
- Dream Job
- Working with a commercial, private or cargo airline
- Hobbies & Interests
- I like spending time outdoors, traveling, cooking and hanging out with friends.
"Don’t discount the network of people available to you. Your professors, classmates and other students can all become valuable connections throughout your career."
Why did you choose Point Park University?
I chose Point Park for its aviation management program because I believe it will prepare me for a career in the aviation industry by building my knowledge and leadership skills.
What do you enjoy most about the aviation management program?
What I enjoy most about the aviation management program is the connections I have built with my professors. I appreciate developing meaningful relationships with them while learning from their experiences. They have helped me grow professionally, develop my career goals and better understand the opportunities available to me. I also appreciate that they genuinely want to see their students succeed.
How has the partnership between CCBC and Point Park helped you on your aviation journey?
The partnership between CCBC and Point Park has helped me continue my aviation journey by allowing me to combine my flight training with my college education. It has given me the opportunity to build my flight experience while working toward my bachelor's degree, which has helped me stay on track with my goal of becoming a professional pilot.
How did you start working with High Flight Academy? What are you most excited to do in this new role?
I started working with High Flight Academy as a student when I began my flight training. After earning my ratings and becoming a certified flight instructor, I was excited to return and teach at the same school where I started my aviation journey. I’m most excited to help students work toward their own aviation goals and share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my training.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to build a career as a professional pilot. I would like to fly for a commercial airline, but I also want to keep an open mind about opportunities in private aviation and cargo. For now, I’m focused on gaining experience as a flight instructor and continuing to build the skills and flight hours I need to take the next step in my career.
What advice do you have for prospective Point Park students?
My biggest advice for prospective Point Park students is to make connections and go out of your way to get to know people. Don’t discount the network of people available to you. Your professors, classmates and other students can all become valuable connections throughout your career. Take the time to build those relationships because you never know where they may lead.
More About: Rowland School of Business Success Stories, aviation management, Rowland School of Business