John D. Odegard (1941–1998) started the program in 1968 with only two donated aircraft and one other faculty member besides himself. Over time, the program was able to purchase more aircraft and grew dramatically in the number of students enrolled.
John D. Odegard (1941–1998) established the program in 1968 with a limited starting point: two donated aircraft and one other faculty member.  The program's growth was marked by acquiring additional aircraft and an increase in student enrollment.