The College of Aviation at CYUT honored its inaugural graduating class of 42 students from the Department of Aviation Technology with a special “Solo Flight Graduation Ceremony” on August 9. The event was held because many students were away on airline internships during the regular June graduation and were unable to attend.

The celebration included heartfelt video messages from senior executives at China Airlines, EVA Air, Daily Air, APEX Aviation, and Executive Aviation, encouraging graduates to chase their dreams and soar in the aviation industry. Eight graduates have already joined EVA Flight Training Academy in the United States, where they completed professional flight training and earned their Private Pilot Licenses.

Vice President Sung-Chi Hsu highlighted CYUT’s NT$700 million investment in Taiwan’s first comprehensive aviation college, which offers integrated training that spans aircraft maintenance, pilot training, ground services, and airport operations management. Dean Yu-Hsin Chang emphasized the department’s collaboration with Purdue University and Southern Illinois University, giving students access to world-class aviation education.

Adding to the ceremony’s unique atmosphere, graduates wore caps decorated with miniature airplanes and tassels designed to resemble “Remove Before Flight” ribbons, a well-known aviation safety tag, symbolizing professionalism and attention to safety. The celebration concluded with a heartfelt group performance of a song composed by Department Chair Yen-Liang Lu, moving both parents and guests, and inspiring graduates to begin their careers with courage and dedication.