Aviation, BS

Introduction

Little-known fact: Delaware State operates the only full-service, university-based flight school in the mid-Atlantic area. We offer very affordable fees, expert professional pilot instructors, and a state-of-the-art fleet of planes. Students spend hundreds of hours in the cockpit, while getting classroom instruction on airplane mechanics, air traffic control, engines and instruments, aviation, law, and other aspects of flight operations.

Upon completion of their Aviation Professional Pilot degree, students are qualified to operate commercial airlines, charter planes, corporate jets, and military aircraft. With the nation’s pilot workforce rapidly aging, employment prospects are bright for young pilots: Experts project the industry will soon need to hire 9,000 or more new pilots per year. In the 20-year history of Delaware State’s flight school, 100 percent of our graduates have gone on to careers in the aviation industry.

Professional Preparation

In the course of fulfilling Professional Pilot program requirements, students will earn their FAA licenses for Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument.

The flight program is approved by the State of Delaware Education Department for Veterans Flight Training.

Faculty

All members of the Delaware State flight school faculty have spent many years working in flight operations. Their backgrounds cover all sectors within the industry, including military, commercial, and private planes; airport management; air traffic control; safety and regulation; and aerodynamic engineering and product design. As a result, students are exposed to a broad range of perspectives and insights.

All of our faculty are committed to the program values of dedication, safety, unity, an attitude of success, and professionalism.

Research and Experience

The Aviation Professional Pilot program offers many opportunities for career development and networking. Our internship agreements with Continental Airlines and DuPont Aviation enable students to develop real-world experience and skills within the flight operations industry. We also maintain close ties with the local chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Organization of Black Airline Pilots (OBAP), offering an Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp and the OBAP Solo Flight Academy. 

Academic Excellence

A grade of “C” or better is required in all AVIA courses (including electives) for graduation from the Professional Pilot Program. Students who are unable to obtain a minimum grade of “C” after the second attempt in any AVIA classes must obtain permission from the Director of the department to remain in the program. This will apply for each course that needs to be retaken for the third time.

Flight training students must maintain a GPA of 2.75 (each semester) and must be in Good Academic standing at the completion of each semester or they may be removed from their flight training schedule.