BS Aviation - Professional Flight

Eastern Kentucky University’s BS Aviation – Professional Flight program offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience with access to top-tier facilities and resources designed to prepare you for a successful career as a professional pilot.

You will gain practical flight skills and aviation knowledge through extensive use of EKU’s dedicated aviation facilities and tools, including:

• Central Kentucky Regional Airport: Located just 15 minutes from campus, this airport serves as the base for EKU’s flight training operations. It features a 5,000-foot runway, medium intensity lighting, ample parking, dedicated fuel services, and onsite aircraft maintenance, providing a professional environment for your flight training.

• Robust fleet of training aircraft: You’ll train on 27 Cessna single-engine aircraft (models including 172-P, 172-N, 172-M, 172-R, 172-S, and 172-S G1000) and 3 Piper Seminole multi-engine aircraft, offering diverse hands-on flying experience.

• Advanced flight simulators: EKU provides access to the Alsim MC200 flight simulator, capable of simulating up to 15 different aircraft types, and the Professional Flight Controls DCX MAX with glass cockpit capabilities. These simulators replicate real cockpit environments, allowing you to practice flying and instrument procedures safely on the ground, which is particularly helpful for instrument rating preparation and proficiency checks.

• FAA-approved Part 141 flight program: EKU’s program meets rigorous FAA standards, enabling you to earn flight certifications including Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Commercial Pilot (single and multi-engine), and Certified Flight Instructor ratings. The program also benefits from FAA special authority, allowing graduates to qualify for the restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 flight hours instead of the usual 1,500.

• New Flight Training Centre: This $25 million state-of-the-art facility at Central Kentucky Regional Airport (opening early 2027) will include simulator labs, maintenance space, classrooms, and briefing rooms, enhancing your learning environment and training capacity.

• Strong industry connections and career support: EKU maintains partnerships with major airlines and aviation organisations, providing internship opportunities, career pathways, and a 100% job placement rate for graduates.

• Comprehensive curriculum: Alongside flight training, you’ll take courses in aviation management, safety, aircraft systems, air traffic control, and aviation law, preparing you for leadership roles in the aerospace industry.

• Supportive faculty and community: Experienced instructors and a collaborative student body provide personalised guidance and peer support throughout your training.

Graduates of the BS in Aviation – Professional Flight at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) are exceptionally well-prepared for careers as commercial pilots, flight instructors, airline pilots, and corporate aviators. EKU’s program boasts a 100% job placement rate and provides the flight hours and certifications needed to excel in the competitive aviation industry:

• University Services: EKU offers hands-on flight training at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport, where it serves as the Fixed Base Operator, giving students access to dedicated facilities, reduced operating costs, and employment opportunities. Students benefit from experienced faculty, state-of-the-art flight simulators, and extensive flight hours with a fleet of Cessna and Piper aircraft.

• Employment Stats and Salary: The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reports a median salary of $171,210 for airline and commercial pilots, and EKU graduates enjoy a 100% job placement rate, entering careers with major airlines, regional carriers, aviation charter companies, and military aviation units.

• University–Industry Partnerships: EKU is Kentucky’s only FAA-approved university flight program and was among the first in the nation to offer the FAA’s 1,000-hour Restricted ATP certificate, a significant advantage for graduates seeking airline pilot positions. The program’s strong ties with local airports and aviation companies provide valuable networking and job placement pathways.

• Long-term Accreditation Value: EKU’s Professional Flight program is FAA Part 141 certified and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring recognised and respected credentials in the aviation industry.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates typically secure positions as commercial pilots, flight instructors, airline pilots, and corporate aviation professionals, supported by comprehensive training in flight operations, aviation safety, and leadership.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Aviation – Professional Flight, students may pursue advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Aeronautics or Aviation Management to deepen their expertise and expand career opportunities in aviation leadership, safety oversight, or aerospace education. Additionally, graduates can continue accumulating flight hours and certifications to qualify for senior airline pilot roles or specialised aviation careers.