MH Fire Captain earns commercial pilot certification

Mountain Home Fire Captain Bob Harris has earned his Commercial Pilot certificate, a major milestone that expands his flying privileges to include carrying passengers or property for hire.
Harris, a 30-year veteran of the Mountain Home Fire Department, serves as a Captain and Emergency Medical Services officer on C-shift. As he approaches retirement, he’s turning more attention to his longtime passion for aviation.

His journey began at the Baxter County Airport with training through the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation (LEAF) under instructor Kevin Crawford. After earning his private pilot license in 2021, Harris continued advanced training and recently passed his FAA checkride for the commercial rating.

Along the way, Harris and fellow pilot Jay Chafin—who also trained through LEAF—partnered to purchase a Piper Cherokee 6, which they both continue to fly. LEAF, meanwhile, has expanded its mission to promote aviation education, offering scholarships, internships, and classroom learning opportunities for students across the Twin Lakes Area.

LEAF Director Gerald Gaige says the Baxter County Airport plays a vital role in opening aviation career paths for local residents. Recent FAA changes have made entry-level flying more affordable, allowing new pilots to train with a driver’s license instead of a medical exam.

For more information on flight training opportunities, contact Cody Cline at 870-736-3022.

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