Professional Aviation Flight Technology (BS)

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aviation Flight Technology at Indiana State? 

The Professional Aviation Flight Technology program at Indiana State prepares you to safely operate aircraft, navigate complex airspace, and build expertise in aviation systems as part of a successful and fulfilling commercial aviation career. 

Earn Your Wings  

Indiana State’s Department of Aviation Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aviation Flight Technology for students interested in becoming professional pilots. Students who complete the degree are required to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate and a Multi-Engine Land Class Rating.  

Special consideration is given to students who have already obtained flight certificates or aviation flight experience up to an instrument rating, and college credit for this experience may be awarded. You will begin flying during your first semester in the program. Students are required to have a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate before flying, and they must complete the flight physical and 2nd Class Medical.  

With advanced courses in aircraft systems, aviation law, and air carrier systems, you will gain experience in Flight Aviation Administration [FAA] approach control, as well as practice control tower operations at the Terre Haute Regional Airport. The airport has class D airspace with a 24-hour control tower.  

Prepare to take flight in a competitive aviation industry with a professional aviation flight technology degree from Indiana State.  

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty 

Indiana State's instructors are highly talented leaders in the aviation industry. With small class sizes and significant flight experience themselves, our faculty train students in all areas of aviation. Your instructors will encourage you to interact with other students and industry professionals, including activities in Alpha Eta Rho, the American Association of Airport Executives, Women in Aviation International, and other aviation-oriented activities.  

Take Classes at Our Flight Academy  

The Department of Aviation Technology features state-of-the-art facilities for professional aviation flight technology majors. This includes flight simulators with a light jet and a specialized aviation laboratory.  

Flight instruction occurs at the Department of Aviation Technology’s Flight Academy at the Terre Haute Regional Airport. The Academy maintains a fleet of advanced Diamond aircraft, including DA-20’s, DA-40’s, and a DA-42. Students are required to obtain an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating and a Multi-Engine Land Rating. Students may be awarded an R-ATP certificate when they accumulate 1,000 hours of flight time.  

What You'll Learn in the Professional Aviation Flight Technology Program 

The BS in professional aviation flight technology prepares students for careers as pilots. You will study air traffic control systems, air carrier operations, private pilot ground training, aviation law, aviation safety management, aircraft systems, commercial pilot ground training, and other flight instruction training.  

All professional aviation flight technology majors must pass each class in their major with a C grade or higher. Once taking flight classes in the Flight Academy, students are not allowed to conduct flight training at any other location, except for specific pre-approved ratings (float plane, glider, mountain, etc.) 

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Flight Fees  

Students at Indiana State University are responsible for flight fees in the Flight Academy, in addition to any tuition costs. Students spend $60,000 on average for flight fees to complete the flight training required to graduate. Students who go on to earn their Flight Instructor Certificates spend approximately $72,000 on flight fees. 

Learn more about flight fees

A variety of scholarships, ranging from $500 to $5,000, are available to full-time professional aviation flight technology students on a competitive basis. Credit is also awarded for internships/co-ops with aviation companies and airports.  

The return is well worth the initial cost. After earning their Certified Flight Instructor certificate, students can work at the Flight Academy at the Terre Haute Regional Airport. Then, a pilot’s first year at a regional airport earns an average of $45,000, advancing to about $55,000 in their second year. A pilot’s first year at a major airline [American, Delta, United, etc.] has the potential to earn about $150,000. A 15-year captain at most major airlines averages between $250,000 to $300,000. The average corporate pilot earns approximately $100,000.  

Career Possibilities for Professional Aviation Flight Technology Majors

Professional aviation flight technology majors train for careers as pilots. Our graduates are employed at major U.S. air carriers and cargo companies, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Atlas Air, Spirit Airlines, Jet Blue, Air Wisconsin, UPS, FedEx, Freight Runners, Ameriflight, and others. Many of our graduates are also serving in branches of the U.S. military.