BS Professional Pilot

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lynn University

Program Overview

Lynn University’s BS in Professional Pilot is a four-year, on-campus program designed to prepare you for a career as a commercial pilot or flight instructor. Through a blend of rigorous flight training and aviation theory—including courses like AVF 120 Primary Flight Theory – Basic Ground School and AVS 250 Aviation Safety and Human Factors—you’ll earn the FAA certifications required for professional piloting, while also developing strong skills in aviation management and operations.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1: Begin with AVF 120 Primary Flight Theory – Basic Ground School and AVF 100 Private Pilot Flight Lab – Basic, where you’ll master the fundamentals of flight and start logging your first hours in the cockpit. AVS 102 Aviation History provides essential context for your aviation journey.
Year 2: Advance to AVF 220 Instrument Flight Theory – Basic Ground School and AVF 200 Instrument Flight Lab – Basic, focusing on instrument navigation and procedures, while AVS 226 Aviation Weather teaches you how meteorology impacts flight safety and planning.
Year 3: Deepen your skills with AVF 330 Commercial Flight Theory – Basic Ground School and AVF 300 Commercial Flight Lab – Basic, preparing you for commercial pilot certification. Courses like AVS 250 Aviation Safety and Human Factors and BUS 270 Principles of Management and Leadership help you understand safety, human performance, and leadership in aviation.
Year 4: Complete your training with AVF 400 CFI Flight Lab and AVF 410 Flight Instruction Methods – Basic Ground School if you’re interested in becoming a flight instructor. You’ll also gain real-world experience through the AVS 498 Aviation Internship and study advanced topics in AVS 431 Global Aviation Regulations & Law.

Focus areas: private, instrument, and commercial flight theory and labs; aviation safety and human factors; aviation management; global aviation law; flight instruction

Learning outcomes: FAA Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Flight Instructor Certificates; readiness for professional pilot and flight instructor roles; strong operational, regulatory, and leadership skills

Professional alignment (accreditation): FAA-certified flight training; qualifies graduates for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 hours when flight training is completed at Lynn University

Reputation (employability rankings): Lynn University’s College of Aeronautics is recognised for expert faculty, advanced flight training, and strong industry connections, producing highly employable graduates for airlines, charter companies, and aviation organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you want to launch your career as a professional pilot, Lynn University’s BS in Professional Pilot program is the perfect runway. You’ll train right at the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics, located at Boca Raton Airport, where you’ll have access to modern aircraft, advanced simulators, and expert instructors. The curriculum is built to give you real-world flying experience, deep industry knowledge, and the business skills airlines value. From your first semester, you’ll be immersed in hands-on learning that prepares you for FAA certifications and a future in commercial or private aviation.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical skills and industry experience in this program:

Comprehensive flight training: Complete all flight training—including Private, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Flight Instructor ratings—through Lynn’s FAA-approved program at Boca Raton Airport, using a fleet that includes Cessna 172 and Cirrus SR-20 aircraft maintained by certified professionals.
Simulator-based instruction: Train with a state-of-the-art Frasca flight training device and digital simulation labs, practising navigation, instrument procedures, and emergency scenarios before taking to the skies.
Specialised coursework: Take specialised courses in aviation weather, aviation safety and human factors, global aviation regulations, and aviation technologies, all taught by faculty with advanced degrees and flight instructor credentials.
Aviation internship: Participate in the AVS 498 Aviation Internship, where you’ll work with real aviation organisations to build your résumé and professional network before graduation.
Group projects and case studies: Collaborate on group projects and case studies that simulate airline operations, risk management, and flight instruction, preparing you for teamwork in the cockpit and on the ground.
College of Aeronautics facilities: Access the resources of the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics, including dedicated classrooms, flight planning labs, and direct support from industry-experienced mentors.
R-ATP qualification: Qualify for the FAA Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 hours, giving you a faster path to the airlines if you complete all advanced flight training with Lynn.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BS Professional Pilot program at Lynn University are well-prepared to embark on successful careers in aviation, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various roles within the industry. Many alumni find themselves in positions such as commercial pilots, flight instructors, and aviation managers, enjoying a fulfilling career with numerous opportunities for advancement.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of progression and future opportunities:

- University Services: Lynn University offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events specifically tailored for aviation students. The Flight Operations Center provides hands-on experience and access to state-of-the-art flight simulators.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: The aviation industry is booming, with a projected job growth rate of 13% for commercial pilots over the next decade. Graduates can expect starting salaries around $60,000, with experienced pilots earning upwards of $100,000 annually.

- University–Industry Partnerships: Lynn has established partnerships with leading airlines and aviation organizations, providing students with internship opportunities and direct pathways to employment. Collaborations with companies like JetBlue and Spirit Airlines enhance real-world learning experiences.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), ensuring that your degree meets the highest industry standards and is recognized globally.

- Graduation Outcomes: Over 90% of our graduates secure employment in the aviation field within six months of graduation, thanks to our robust training and industry connections.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS Professional Pilot program, you can continue your studies by pursuing a Master’s degree in Aviation or Business Administration, which can further enhance your leadership skills and open doors to higher-level positions in the aviation sector. Additionally, you may consider obtaining specialized certifications, such as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, to increase your qualifications and career prospects.