BS Aviation Management and Flight Operations (Commercial Pilot Track)

At Jacksonville University, the Commercial Pilot track in the BS Aviation Management and Flight Operations program delivers hands-on, airline-standard training from your very first semester. You’ll train at Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (KCRG), just minutes from campus, using a modern fleet and advanced simulators that mirror real airline operations. The program’s structure, industry partnerships, and immersive learning environment ensure you graduate with the skills, certifications, and experience airlines demand.

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

• Immediate Flight Training: Start flight training within your first four weeks on campus, with three scheduled sessions per week (in-aircraft, ground school, or simulator).

• Craig Municipal Airport Access: All flight operations are based at KCRG, where you’ll fly Cirrus SR-20, Piper Seminole, Piper Arrow, and Cessna 172 aircraft, supported by a full-time maintenance and dispatch team.

• Acron Aviation Partnership: Receive airline-oriented training modelled directly after Delta, JetBlue, and other partner airlines’ standards, ensuring your preparation matches current industry needs.

• Advanced Flight Simulators: Regular use of Level 5 Bombardier CRJ-700 Flight Training Device and Aerosim-Mechtronix AATD for jet transition and multi-crew coordination.

• Accelerated Certification Path: Earn all FAA certificates and ratings—including Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor—typically within your first three years.

• Flight Instructor Experience: After certification, many students work as flight instructors with Acron Aviation, building flight hours and gaining real-world teaching experience.

• Delta Propel and JetBlue Gateway Programs: Access exclusive mentorship, internships, and direct airline hiring pathways through JU’s industry partnerships.

• 98% Airline Placement Rate: Nearly all graduates who complete the flight instructor phase are hired by regional carriers, reflecting the program’s strong industry alignment.

• AABI Accreditation & Restricted ATP: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International and qualifies graduates for the FAA Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with 1,000 flight hours.

Graduates of Jacksonville University’s BS in Aviation Management and Flight Operations—Commercial Pilot track are prepared for dynamic careers as airline pilots, first officers, and flight instructors with leading regional and major airlines. You’ll receive airline-standardised training from day one and benefit from Florida’s year-round flying weather, positioning you for rapid advancement in the industry.

• University Services for Career Success: Flight training begins within the first four weeks of your freshman year, with three scheduled training activities per week—on the ground, in the air, or on state-of-the-art flight training devices. JU’s small program size ensures individual attention, and you’ll receive mentorship from experienced faculty and airline professionals. Career services include aviation-specific job fairs, resume workshops, and direct connections to airline recruiters through the Davis Aviation Centre and partnerships with Acron Aviation and L3 Harris Airline Academy.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures: JU boasts a 98% placement rate into airline careers for Commercial Pilot track graduates, with most students becoming flight instructors after graduation and quickly advancing to regional airlines. Graduates are eligible for the FAA Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with just 1,000 flight hours (instead of the standard 1,500), accelerating your path to the airlines. Nationally, commercial airline pilots earn median salaries around $130,000.

• University–Industry Partnerships: JU’s partnership with Acron Aviation provides airline-oriented flight training designed by airline professionals, ensuring your training meets the highest industry standards. The university is a Delta Propel and JetBlue Gateway partner, connecting you directly to career pathways at major airlines. JU is also one of only 31 universities in the U.S. selected by the FAA for the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI).

• Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), and Jacksonville University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, ensuring your degree is respected by employers and graduate schools worldwide.

• Graduation Outcomes: You’ll complete a minimum of seven aviation science courses and eight flight laboratory courses, earning all your pilot certificates and ratings—often within the first three years. After graduation, most students become flight instructors, a critical step toward building flight hours and advancing to airline first officer positions. JU’s Commercial Pilot track is designed for you to move from student to airline cockpit as efficiently as possible.

Further Academic Progression: After earning your BS in Aviation Management and Flight Operations—Commercial Pilot at Jacksonville University, you’ll be prepared to pursue a master’s degree in aviation leadership or business administration, or advance into airline captain and management roles. You can also leverage JU’s strong industry connections for continued professional growth and advanced certifications.