BS Aviation Management and Flight Operations

At Jacksonville University, the BS in Aviation Management and Flight Operations delivers immersive, airline-oriented flight training combined with a robust business education, preparing you for leadership roles in the cockpit and the aviation industry. You’ll train in Florida’s year-round flying weather at Craig Municipal Airport, just minutes from campus, using a modern fleet and advanced simulation technology. The program’s strong airline partnerships and specialised tracks ensure you gain real-world skills and direct career pathways.

• Flight Training at Craig Municipal Airport: All flight labs are conducted at Craig Municipal Airport (KCRG), where you’ll train in Cirrus SR-20, Piper Seminole, Piper Arrow, and Cessna 172 aircraft, supported by full-time maintenance and dispatch teams.

• Airline-Oriented Curriculum: Choose from focused tracks—Commercial Pilot, Military-Marine (NROTC), or Military-Navy (NROTC)—with each including advanced flight training, airline operations, and business coursework.

• Advanced Simulation Labs: Access to the Jet Transition Training Lab and Crew Resource Management courses, using industry-grade simulators for realistic airline and multi-crew scenarios.

• Delta Propel and JetBlue University Gateway Partnerships: Participate in exclusive career pathway programs that connect you directly with major airlines for mentorship, internships, and fast-track pilot hiring opportunities.

• AABI Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International, ensuring your training meets rigorous industry standards.

• Restricted ATP Qualification: Graduates are eligible for the FAA Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with 1,000 flight hours, reducing the time and cost to reach airline pilot status.

• Business Degree Integration: Coursework covers aviation management, finance, economics, aviation business law, and leadership, equipping you for roles beyond the cockpit.

• Small Class Sizes & Industry Faculty: Learn in small cohorts from faculty with extensive airline and military aviation experience, ensuring personalised mentorship and real-world insights.

• Award-Winning Program: JU’s School of Aviation is a Delta Propel and JetBlue Gateway partner, a winner of the Air Race Classic (Collegiate Division), and recognised by the FAA as a top-tier aviation educator.

Graduates of Jacksonville University’s BS in Aviation Management and Flight Operations program are prepared for professional careers as commercial airline pilots, military aviators, airline operations managers, and aviation industry leaders. This program uniquely combines airline-oriented flight training with a comprehensive business education, positioning you to excel both in the cockpit and in aviation management roles.

Here’s how Jacksonville University supports your future:

• University Services for Career Success: You’ll benefit from year-round flight training at the Davis Aviation Centre and Aerosim Flight Academy, featuring a modern fleet including Cirrus SR-20, Piper Seminole, Piper Arrow, and Cessna 172 aircraft, based at Craig Municipal Airport near campus. Personalised academic advising and career services provide aviation-specific job fairs, resume workshops, and networking events. Strong student support and small class sizes ensure close mentorship from industry-recognised faculty. The program offers direct career pathways through partnerships such as the Delta Propel Pilot Career Path and JetBlue University Gateway Program.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Jacksonville University aviation graduates enjoy nearly 100% employment rates. Graduates qualify for the FAA Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with just 1,000 flight hours, accelerating entry into major airline careers. Commercial airline pilots nationally earn median salaries around $130,000, with strong demand for well-trained professionals.

• University–Industry Partnerships: JU maintains strong partnerships with Delta Propel, JetBlue University Gateway, and L3 Harris Airline Academy, providing airline-oriented flight training and direct career pathways. The program is FAA-approved and one of 31 universities nationwide selected for the FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), offering specialised training for future air traffic controllers.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), ensuring your degree meets rigorous global aviation industry standards. Jacksonville University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll complete courses such as Aviation Weather, Advanced Aircraft Systems, Air Transport Operations, Jet Transition Training Lab, and Crew Resource Management. The Commercial Pilot track prepares you to fly some of the world’s largest aircraft, while the Military Marine and Military Navy tracks prepare students for service as top aviators with ROTC participation. Graduates possess strong leadership, regulatory compliance, and critical thinking skills essential for success in global aviation.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Aviation Management and Flight Operations at Jacksonville University, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue graduate degrees such as an MBA or a master’s in aviation leadership. You can also advance your certifications and career through airline training programs, military service, or leadership roles within the aviation industry, leveraging JU’s extensive industry partnerships and comprehensive business-based aviation education.