Bachelor of Science, ‘05
Aviation Flight Science

Currently a 2nd Lieutenant, Scott VanderPloeg is advancing through the ranks as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Graduating in June of 2005, with a Bachelor of Science in aviation flight science opened up many doors for Scott. He completed Officers Training School in April of 2006 at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama and is currently stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. This did not mark the end of Scott’s education, nor his ambition to advance. Currently, he is enrolled in Phase III of pilot training, where his education involves attending classes, simulator sessions and actual flying on top of other various assigned duties.

At the completion Phase II, Scott was flying the aircraft T-6A Texan II. He finished as top member of his and was awarded the “Top Knight” award by unanimous decision. Scott’s future is in continuing to train in the T-1A Jayhawk and track toward the heavy/airlift community. He hopes to also be flying a C-17 by September.

“I have really enjoyed the experiences that I have been blessed to have since joining the Air Force,” says Scott. “I believe that the education I received in the Aviation programs at WMU did a good job preparing me for the training I am currently under taking.”