Campus News

Top Westminster Aviator Named Flight Instructor of the Year for SLC

Flight instructor Julie Paasch receives top aviation award out of 1,800 area instructors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Krista DeAngelis, (801) 832-2682

Feb. 24, 2009


SALT LAKE CITY– Top Westminster College flight instructor Julie Paasch was recently selected as “Flight Instructor of the Year” by the Salt Lake City Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office area.

The Salt Lake City FSDO Office area includes Utah, Southeastern Idaho and the western slope of Colorado. There are approximately 1,800 certified flight instructors in this area.

The Flight Instructor of the Year award recognizes Paasch for her professional activities as a flight instructor, service to the aviation community and continuing professional education and development. As chief flight instructor at Westminster, she is responsible for overseeing the training and safety of approximately 130 flight students.

“Julie is really one of those professionals who goes to the extreme to do as well as she can,” said Gerry Fairbairn, director of Westminster’s aviation studies program. “She’s not only interested in her own improvement, but she is always looking to help everyone else. This award really recognizes that aspect, as well as the outreach she does.”

Last year, Paasch received her “Master” Certified Flight Instructor title, one of only a handful in the country, and has been recognized on numerous occasions for her outstanding aviation skills. Paasch has a B.S. degree in aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and has 2,700 flight hours.

Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information, visit www.westminstercollege.edu.