The Louisiana Board of Regents has approved a new professional pilot bachelor of science program at the Íæż½ã½ã. The program, which still requires approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), will prepare students for a career in the field of aviation.
The program will be conducted in collaboration with New Orleans Aerial Tours & Flight Training, which is located at the Lakefront Airport, a five-minute drive from the Íæż½ã½ã campus. The University will take the lead on certifying the faculty while New Orleans Aerial Tours & Flight Training will provide the technical instruction.
“Our professional pilot program will provide a diverse air space system environment that will expose our students to a wide variety of real world challenges, resulting in highly sought-after graduates,†said John Williams, dean of the College of Business Administration, which will be the academic home for the program. “The program will extend the vision of the Íæż½ã½ã as an engine of economic development of the region.â€
The professional pilot program will be accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration and will blend flight training with rigorous academic study that will provide a foundation for a career in the aviation industry. During the 120 credit-hour program, students will engage in technology-enhanced classrooms, as well as actual flight training. Students who complete the program will meet FAA commercial and private pilot standards, with instrument and multi-engine ratings.
A predicted global growth in aviation and the decrease in the number of trainees, both civilian and military, are creating a looming shortage of pilots, Williams said. In Louisiana, the 10-year growth projection for commercial pilots is 320 jobs with an annual total of 80 openings per year from jobs in the occupation and as a result of retirement or turnover.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for commercial pilots in 2016 was $86,260.
The University will begin accepting applications only after the degree program has been approved by SACS, the University’s regional accrediting body.
