Flight Team to the Flight Deck: Clay Whatley (2016-17) – First Officer, CommutAir
Clay was a member of our early teams & is now flying the Embraer ERJ-145 for CommutAir, which operates as United Express. He currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee & is based at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas. During National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Region IX competition in 2017, he finished 3rd in preflight inspection, 7th in computer accuracy (E6B) & 9th in Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation (SCAN).
Clay’s favorite Flight Team memories were competing with friends against much larger teams & becoming a better pilot through practice and competition. He graduated from Polk State College in 2018 with a degree in Professional Pilot Science. He also previously earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Meteorology from Mississippi State University. Clay shared the benefits of flight training with Polk State Aerospace & the Flight Team.
“The Polk State program is streamlined to get you where you want to be,” he emphasized. “The pace is easily adjusted to fit your needs & is very cost-effective compared to similar programs. It is built with the idea of creating professional pilots day one so you are more than prepared to enter the industry when you graduate.”
Aside from flying, Clay enjoys hiking with his family and playing golf. His future plans include upgrading to Captain.
