WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty University proudly announces that aviation students Brady Bauer and Jeremiah Ratcliffe successfully earned their Private Pilot Licenses (PPL) on February 2, 2026, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional aviation journeys.
Earning a Private Pilot License is a major achievement that requires extensive flight training, comprehensive ground instruction, successful completion of FAA written examinations, and a rigorous checkride conducted by a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examiner. Completion of the PPL demonstrates advanced aeronautical knowledge, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to safety and professionalism in aviation.
“Earning a Private Pilot License is a major milestone in any pilot’s journey,” said Tasha Taylor, Aviation Coordinator at West Liberty University. “Brady and Jeremiah have put in countless hours of training and preparation, and this achievement reflects their dedication, discipline, and passion for aviation.”
The West Liberty University aviation program is designed to prepare students for careers in professional aviation through a combination of rigorous academic coursework and hands-on flight experience. Bauer and Ratcliffe’s accomplishment reflects both their individual dedication and the strength of WLU’s aviation training environment.
Both students will continue progressing through the program as they pursue additional ratings and certifications in support of their long-term goals within the aviation industry.
West Liberty University congratulates Brady Bauer and Jeremiah Ratcliffe on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to their continued success in the skies.
For more information about the WLU aviation program, visit https://www.westliberty.edu/aviation/.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
