Student pilot Logan Mattix has experienced nearly every side of aviation, from the back of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in the U.S. Army to the cockpit of a plane at Ozarks Tech. Now, he is working toward a career as a commercial pilot.
Set to graduate in spring 2026 with an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Flight Technology, Mattix has blended his military and civilian aviation experience into a strong foundation for his flying career. The precision, focus and teamwork he learned in the Army define his approach to flying.
Before launching his aviation career, Mattix spent a year playing college soccer before deciding that college wasn’t for him — at least at the time. He went on to serve six years active duty as a Chinook helicopter repairer and flight engineer. When he was not maintaining aircraft, Mattix was part of the flight crew, monitoring instruments, managing cargo and ensuring passenger safety.
“By the time I came to Ozarks Tech, I had already seen the world from the back of a helicopter,” Mattix said. “I wasn’t the typical high school student who thought aviation seemed interesting. I’d seen it firsthand.”
The program’s location, affordability, and supportive instructors made it the right fit for Mattix, especially as he balanced National Guard deployments, coursework and eventually an operations job with Premier Flight Center (PFC).
“Logan is a top-notch student, demonstrating the professionalism, caliber and dedication we want in pilots,” said Kyle McKee, Department Chair of Aviation. “We created a plan to make sure he could succeed. He’ll be a great pilot and team member wherever he ends up.”
Ground school classes for the Aviation Technology Program are held at the Springfield campus, while one-on-one flight lessons take place at PFC, located next to the Roy Blunt Aviation Center at Springfield-Branson National Airport. Students train three days a week, flying two hours per day for 16 weeks while studying airline operations, aviation weather, air traffic control systems and more.
“I didn’t know if I had what it took to be a pilot or if I could afford it,” Mattix said. “My mindset was just to go for it. It was intimidating at times, but now it feels like a real accomplishment.”
Mattix credits the program’s structure for his progress. “The way it’s organized, from private pilot to instrument to commercial, builds a solid framework,” he said. “I came in knowing little about general aviation, and now I’ve learned more than I ever expected.”
After graduation, Mattix plans to become a certified flight instructor to build flight hours before moving on to a major airline.
“I have a lot to share with other aviation enthusiasts and prospective pilots,” he said. “Flying is so rewarding.”
Student Voices is a multimedia series produced by Ozarks Tech that showcases students with remarkable achievements and inspiring stories. Check out the accompanying video below.