BS Aviation and Business Management

If you’re passionate about flying and want a business edge in the aviation industry, Gannon University’s BS in Aviation and Business Management is designed just for you. This program is a unique partnership between Gannon and Fundamentals Flight Training at Erie International Airport, giving you the chance to build real pilot skills while mastering the essentials of business management. You’ll start flying in your very first semester and have access to the same facilities and technologies used by today’s aviation professionals.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands-on experience and practical skills in this program:

• Flight Training at Erie International Airport: All ground and flight training takes place at Fundamentals Flight Training, just minutes from campus, using a fleet of seven training aircraft—including the region’s only multi-engine trainer.

• FAA-Approved Curriculum: Complete FAA Part 141 and Part 61 training, earning your Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot certificates, with the option to become a Certified Flight Instructor while still in the program.

• Flight Simulators: Train with state-of-the-art simulation technology, allowing you to practice complex flight scenarios and diverse weather conditions before taking to the skies.

• Business Management Instruction: Take courses at Gannon’s Dahlkemper School of Business, where you’ll learn from experienced faculty and apply essential business theories and modern digital tools.

• Co-op and Work Experience: Replace selected course credits with a co-op placement at Fundamentals Flight Training, gaining valuable on-the-job experience within the aviation industry.

• Early and Ongoing Flight Experience: Begin flying in your first semester and continue building flight hours and expertise throughout the program.

• Group Projects and Real-World Scenarios: Collaborate with peers on business and aviation projects, preparing you for teamwork in professional aviation settings.

• Industry Networking: Connect with aviation professionals and potential employers through Gannon’s partnerships and program events.

Graduates of Gannon University’s BS in Aviation and Business Management program are ready to launch successful careers as commercial pilots, airport operations managers, airline management professionals, and aviation business leaders. You’ll earn multiple FAA licenses and build business expertise, opening doors across the $150 billion aviation industry:

• Dual-campus training: You’ll receive business management instruction from Gannon’s Dahlkemper School of Business and hands-on pilot training at Fundamentals Flight Training at Erie International Airport, just minutes from campus.

• Career services: Gannon offers placement support, career counselling, and access to a robust alumni network to help you secure internships and employment opportunities.

• Early flight experience: Students take to the sky within their first semester and benefit from small class sizes and personalised advising.

• Graduate success rate: Gannon University reports that within six months of graduation, 90–97% of undergraduates are employed in substantive roles or continuing their education.

• Industry demand: The U.S. aviation industry employs over 1.2 million people, and commercial pilots nationally earn median salaries around $130,000, while management roles in aviation can exceed $100,000.

• FAA-certified flight training: The program is delivered in partnership with Fundamentals Flight Training, providing FAA-approved Part 141 and Part 61 flight training with a modern fleet, including Northwest Pennsylvania’s only multi-engine training aircraft.

• Real-world exposure: Real-world experience is gained through state-of-the-art simulators and flight labs, and students can participate in co-op education for additional hands-on industry exposure.

• Recognised education: Gannon University is regionally accredited and recognised for its high-quality business and aviation education, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools.

• Licenses and coursework: You’ll earn three FAA licenses (Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot) within your first two years, along with advanced business management skills. Coursework includes Commercial Pilot Ground School, Industrial Safety, and Commercial Pilot Flight Lab II, preparing you for complex operations and leadership in aviation.

Further academic progression: After completing your BS in Aviation and Business Management at Gannon University, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue a master’s degree in management, business administration, or specialised aviation fields, or to earn advanced industry certifications that can accelerate your rise into senior leadership roles.