If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, it’s easy to see why. Helping people achieve their dreams of traveling, reuniting with family abroad, or simply relaxing away from home is an incredible skill. Centuries ago, it was unthinkable for humans to look down on birds and mountains, but now it’s something that you can go to school to master. If you’re not sure where to start, below, we have listed some great schools for becoming a pilot.
What this article will cover:
- Schools in different states
- Aviation and pilot schools
- Four year programs and two year programs
- Different types of pilots (commercial airline pilots, Airforce pilots, etc.)
Vaughn College
Image courtesy of Vaughn College.
Vaughn College is located in Queens, New York. This is a great location for aviation, as Queens is home to both John F. Kennedy Airport and LaGuardia Airport. Queens is also very close to Nassau County, Long Island, which is home to what used to be Roosevelt Field Airport. This is where Charles Lindbergh took off for his transatlantic flight in 1927. Needless to say, this area had and continues to have rich connections to the aviation industry. What better place to learn how to be a pilot?
Vaughn also has high quality flight simulator labs to learn in. Above all, the “Vaughn Guarantee” makes an education at this college a win-win. If you are not employed within one year of graduating from their program, Vaughn will refund one year’s worth of tuition back to you. Or, if you’d rather, you can choose to attend one year of a Vaughn master’s program completely free of tuition. If you have a passion for flying, but you are worried about job security, this is an incredible opportunity. You will get your money’s worth, or get your money back!
Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation
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Western Michigan University has an impressive aviation program. Over ninety five percent of their graduates are employed, and the university has partnerships with many highly esteemed airlines. These include Delta Airlines, United Airlines, SkyWest, and more. These partnerships can help students gain invaluable experience through internships or connections with mentors. The program also offers three different scholarships that students can apply for as well as financial aid, which can be helpful if you are worried about the affordability of attending.
Lynn University’s College of Aeronautics
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Lynn University is located in Florida, and it offers various degrees and certifications for aspiring pilots. This includes general aviation degrees, aviation management programs, aviation operations courses, and professional pilot certifications. This school is a great option if you are set on becoming a pilot, because you can complete your bachelor’s degree and your professional pilot training at the same university if you choose to. The university has a partnership with Spirit Airlines, as well as an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. Regardless of if you’d like to become a commercial pilot or a pilot for the Air Force, Lynn University has the resources to help you achieve your career goals.
Phoenix East Aviation
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Phoenix East Aviation offers private pilot courses, which train individuals to fly private jets. They also offer instrument and multiple engine courses, which teach students how to operate certain planes. There are also commercial pilot courses and courses to become a certified flight instructor. Phoenix East is unique in the fact that not only can you study to be any type of pilot for any type of plane, but you can also learn how to teach others how to fly. It is a space completely dedicated to aviation, so you get to immerse yourself in a community that is passionate about the same things as you.
Vermont State University
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Vermont State University offers a degree in professional pilot technology. In the flight industry, one of the most important things you can do to stand out is gain experience. Vermont State gives students resources to earn at least five hundred hours of flying experience, which is a great position to be in to start your career after graduation. The school has ties to Burlington National Airport, which also grants its students valuable connections to potential mentors and employers.
Vermont State pilot graduates have an impressive one hundred percent placement rate, and they work for private jet companies, commercial airlines, the Army’s national guard, the Air Force’s national guard, and some even go on to teach at the Vermont Flight Academy. The university also offers a program in aviation maintenance technology. This is a great choice for someone who wants as much hands-on experience as possible while still graduating with a college degree, rather than just a pilot certification.
Sandhill Community College Professional Pilot Program
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Sandhill Community College has a professional pilot program that is only two years long. If you do not want to spend four years earning a bachelor's degree then attending a masters program for your certification, this program will teach you fundamentals of becoming a pilot, which you can then use to gain your associate’s degree. More than a time concern, community college can also be a more affordable choice than a four year university. Save time and money while still chasing your dreams! This college is located in North Carolina.
California Aeronautical University
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California Aeronautical University offers degrees in aeronautics, aviation studies for different vessels, and aviation maintenance technology. One thing that makes California Aeronautical stand out is its helicopter aviation program. If you’d like to specifically pilot a helicopter rather than a traditional plane, looking into this school would be incredibly beneficial. California Aeronautical is also all about aeronautics, so you will have access to high quality educational resources, commonalities with peers, and a specialized education in your field.
Louisiana Tech University
Image courtesy of Louisiana Tech University.
Louisiana Tech University has had an Air Force ROTC program since 1949, which makes it a great choice if you’d like to become a pilot in the Air Force one day. The AFROTC has a rich culture at Louisiana Tech due to how long it’s been around, which will grant you a sense of community, comfort, and mutual respect. The university also offers professional aviation and aviation management degrees. The school also has partnerships with several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, and Cape Air, among others. Overall, it is a great place to pursue a love for flying
Last Thoughts on the Best Colleges for Pilots
Becoming a pilot is extremely exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. However, we hope this list somewhat eased your fears over figuring out your first steps. Regardless of where you choose to attend, your career will take flight (no pun intended) and bring smiles to the passengers you’re serving. Best of luck!
