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ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Aeronautical Studies

The Aeronautical Studies (AEST) major:

• Is AABI accredited;
• Will provide students access to pilot-specific professional development opportunities;
• May allow you to earn academic credit for flight training completed elsewhere.

Career Connection

Our dedicated aeronautics career fairs and constant exposure to professionals in the aviation industry provide you with early access to career and networking opportunities.

Aeronautical Studies program, Pilot Career Focus Academic Plan

• This plan is designed to be completed in a standard four-year, eight-semester (fall/spring format); however, students may accelerate their progress by taking courses during summer semesters.
• This plan includes all of the academic courses the Professional Pilot student takes.
• The only academic difference in this plan and the Professional Pilot academic plan is flight training is completed outside of ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì.
• Students can fly in the summers or during the academic year at a location of their choice.

Students in the aeronautical studies program with a pilot career focus are not eligble to earn the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot certification (R-ATP). Students will need to earn 1500 hours of flight time before being hired by the airlines.

Advantage of AEST (Pilot focus) over PROP

• Ability to complete your training anywhere; you can take your hours and your experience with you from school to school. For example, you could start training in the Kent area during the academic year, but finish with a school local to your home during the summer.
• Ability to fly at your own pace and on your own schedule, not tied to an academic schedule. You have complete flexibility and personal control over your flight training.
• Completing flight training outside of ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì provides financial flexibility.  Students can manage and pay for their flight training at their own pace, independent of university tuition and payment deadlines. 

Advantage of PROP over AEST (Pilot focus)

• Graduates are eligible for the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot certificate (R-ATP) which allows a person to be hired with 500 fewer flight hours than someone without the R-ATP certificate.
• Students are eligible to participate in university pilot pathway programs with airlines, providing opportunities for career development, mentorship and a direct path toward a professional airline career. 
• Flight training costs are included as special course fees allowing eligible students to apply financial aid, scholarships and VA educational benefits toward flight training expenses. 

Flight Schools

Use the AOPA Airport Directory to explore flight schools and select what best meets your needs.

When contacting schools to evaluate options, consider asking the following questions: 

• Are you accepting new students?
• Do you offer Private Pilot Certificate Training?
  • What is the cost?
  • What is the schedule to train?
  • When can we start?
  • What is your average time to completion?
• Do you offer Instrument Rating Training?
  • What is the cost?
  • What is the schedule to train?
  • When can we start?
  • What is your average time to completion?
• Do you offer Commercial Certificate Training?
  • What is the cost?
  • What is the schedule to train?
  • When can we start?
  • What is your average time to completion?
• Do you offer Multi-Engine Training?
  • What is the cost?
  • What is the schedule to train?
  • When can we start?
  • What is your average time to completion?
• Are the lessons pay as you go?
• Do you accept payment plans?