College turns to politicos to bail it out of flight program mess

Scott Orr, in a story in Friday’s Prescott Daily Courier, reported that Yavapai College has turned to Senator John McCain and Congressman Paul Gosar to bail it out of its flight program registration mess.  (You can read Mr. Orr’s story by clicking here.)  They have authored a joint letter asking the Veterans Administration to change its ruling as it affects about 40 students scheduled to begin training in May.

According to the Veterans Administration, the College has failed to comply with its 85/15 rule, which requires that 15 percent of students enrolled in the flight school program must be civilian, non-veterans.  On March 24, the Veterans Administration sent YC a letter saying that it would not pay benefits for students enrolled in the summer session, although it would continue to fund classes for those already in the program.

In their joint letter, the two politicos argued that “recent actions may negatively affect a number of veterans who have already moved to the Prescott area based on their acceptance to this program.” The letter also noted that some Veterans may have used their own money to move and others may have used a one-time Department of Defense allowance to pay for relocation. 

The VA decision affects about 40 students originally scheduled to begin classes May 11.