BSc Aviation Flight and Maintenance

At Andrews University, the BSc in Aviation Flight and Maintenance is designed for students who want dual expertise as both pilots and certified aircraft mechanics. The program is FAA-approved and uniquely combines intensive flight training with hands-on aircraft maintenance education, preparing you for high-demand roles such as mission pilot, airline pilot, or aviation technician.

You’ll gain practical, career-ready experience through these specific resources and opportunities:

• Andrews University Airpark: All flight training and most maintenance labs are conducted at the university’s own airpark, less than a mile from campus. The fleet includes modern single-engine Piper Archers, a Piper Arrow, and a twin-engine Piper Seminole, all maintained by FAA-certified mechanics.

• FAA-Approved Curriculum: The program is an FAA Part 141 pilot school, ensuring your training meets the highest federal standards for both flight and maintenance.

• Dual Certification Path: You’ll earn your Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate (single and multi-engine), and the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate—credentials required for both piloting and maintaining aircraft.

• 50/50 Classroom and Lab Split: About 50% of your time is spent in the classroom learning theory, regulations, and systems, while the other 50% is hands-on in the lab, working directly on aircraft—riveting, overhauling engines, and maintaining propellers and avionics.

• Modern Equipment: The university’s aircraft are among the newest in collegiate aviation, averaging around six years old and equipped with advanced avionics, closely mirroring technology used in the airline industry.

• Capstone and Real-World Projects: You’ll complete comprehensive projects in both flight and maintenance, including full engine overhauls, systems troubleshooting, and cross-country flight planning and execution.

• Mission and Humanitarian Focus: The program is especially suited for those interested in mission aviation, providing the skills to both fly and maintain aircraft in remote or challenging environments.

• Industry Demand: Graduates are highly sought after because they can both operate and repair aircraft, filling critical roles in airlines, mission organisations, and aviation maintenance companies.

Graduates of Andrews University’s BSc in Aviation Flight and Maintenance program are uniquely prepared for dual careers as professional pilots and FAA-certified aircraft mechanics, opening doors to roles such as mission pilots, commercial airline pilots, aircraft maintenance managers, and aerospace technicians. This comprehensive program equips you with both flight certifications and maintenance expertise:

• University Services for Career Success: Training is conducted at the Andrews University Airpark, less than a mile from campus, with access to a modern fleet including Piper Archer, Piper Arrow, and Piper Seminole aircraft. You’ll receive personalised academic advising and support from faculty experienced in both flight and maintenance disciplines. Scholarships such as the $14,000 APS scholarship for maintenance students and an $11,200 flight fee reduction are available to help offset costs. The university offers assistance with TSA application processes and access to outside scholarships like the Captain Jeff Kuss Aviation Scholarship.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Graduates are eligible for the FAA 1,250-hour Restricted ATP license, accelerating entry into airline careers. Commercial pilots earn median salaries around $130,000 nationally, while FAA-certified mechanics typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000, with dual-certified professionals commanding higher salaries due to their versatility.

• University–Industry Partnerships: Andrews University is an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school, ensuring your training meets rigorous federal standards. Aircraft are maintained by FAA-certified mechanics on-site, and the program maintains strong ties with mission aviation organisations and regional airlines, providing internship and job placement opportunities.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Andrews University holds regional accreditation, ensuring your degree and certifications are recognised nationwide and internationally.

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll graduate with a Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single and Multi-Engine Ratings, and an Aircraft Maintenance Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings. The degree requires four years plus at least two summers to complete, combining classroom instruction in aerodynamics, meteorology, and aircraft systems with extensive hands-on flight and maintenance training.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your BSc in Aviation Flight and Maintenance at Andrews University, you can pursue a master’s degree in aviation management or related fields, or advance into leadership roles in airlines, mission aviation, or aerospace maintenance organisations. Andrews also offers a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree pathway, allowing you to earn both degrees in five years for accelerated career advancement.