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The Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Professional Flight at the University of Nebraska Omaha is an FAA Part 141-approved program designed to prepare students for careers as professional pilots through comprehensive flight training and academic coursework. This program is ideal for students aiming to earn multiple FAA certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Multi-Engine ratings, supported by flexible flight training options at nearby airports.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students begin with foundational courses such as AVN 1000 – Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace and AVN 1020 – Private Pilot Theory, where they learn basic flight manoeuvres, navigation, and safety protocols. General education courses in English and math complement aviation studies, building critical thinking and communication skills.
Year 2: Flight training intensifies with Instrument Rating coursework, requiring at least 35 additional flight hours, focusing on flying solely by instruments in various weather conditions. Ground courses like AVN 1160 – Aviation Safety and AVN 2750 – Aviation Meteorology deepen understanding of safety management and weather impacts on flight.
Year 3: Students advance to Commercial Pilot Certificate training, requiring a minimum of 190 total flight hours. Courses such as AVN 2020 – Airline Operations and AVN 2050 – Introduction to Airport Administration build operational knowledge, while flight labs and simulator sessions develop complex flight manoeuvres and navigation skills.
Year 4: The final year includes advanced flight instruction like Multi-Engine Flight Training and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) preparation, equipping students to teach others and build flight hours. Students also engage in leadership and regulatory courses such as Aviation Law and Crew Resource Management to prepare for professional aviation careers.
Focus areas: Flight training, instrument and commercial pilot certifications, multi-engine operations, aviation safety, airline and airport operations, flight instruction.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will be qualified to obtain FAA pilot certifications, including Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings, and be prepared for careers as professional pilots, flight instructors, and aviation leaders.
Professional alignment (Accreditation): The program is FAA Part 141 approved and grants eligibility for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 flight hours. Students may complete flight training through partner facilities such as Advanced Air at Council Bluffs Airport or Oracle Aviation at Millard Airport.
Reputation (Employability rankings): University of Nebraska Omaha’s Aviation Institute has strong industry partnerships with airlines like Southwest, Endeavour Air, and Envoy Air, offering students internship opportunities and clear career pathways. The program is recognised for producing highly skilled pilots ready to meet the growing demand in the aviation industry.
The BS in Aviation: Professional Flight program at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) offers a structured, FAA Part 141-approved curriculum designed to prepare you for a career as a professional pilot. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with comprehensive flight training, allowing you to earn multiple FAA pilot certificates and ratings while completing your bachelor’s degree.
At UNO, you will gain hands-on flight experience and practical aviation knowledge through:
Flight Training Certificates: The program guides you through earning your Private Pilot Certificate (minimum 35 flight hours), Instrument Rating (additional 35 flight hours), and Commercial Pilot Certificate (minimum 190 total flight hours). Training emphasises flight manoeuvres, navigation, safety protocols, and complex operational procedures essential for professional pilots.
FAA Part 141 Approved Flight Training: You may complete your flight training at either Advanced Air at Council Bluffs Airport (KCBF) or Oracle Aviation at Millard Airport (KMLE), both within 30 minutes of campus. These facilities offer fleets including Cessna 150s, 172s, Piper PA28s, and Beechcraft aircraft, providing diverse hands-on flying experience.
Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) Authorisation: UNO’s Professional Flight curriculum is approved by the FAA to grant graduates eligibility for the R-ATP certificate at 1,000 flight hours, accelerating your pathway to airline employment.
Industry Partnerships and Career Pathways: UNO has established connections with airlines such as Southwest Airlines, Endeavour Air, and Envoy Air, offering networking, internships, and potential job opportunities for graduates.
Comprehensive Academic Coursework: Alongside flight training, you will take courses in Aviation Safety, Aerodynamics, Aviation Law, Weather, and Crew Resource Management, building a strong foundation in aviation theory and professional skills.
National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Membership: UNO participates in regional and national flying competitions, providing opportunities to develop teamwork, precision flying, and leadership skills.
Experienced Faculty and Mentorship: Instructors bring extensive commercial and military flight experience, offering personalised guidance throughout your training.
Internship Opportunities: Access to internships with local aviation companies such as Jet Linx Aviation and Omaha Airport Authority enhances your practical experience and industry connections.
Graduates of the BS in Aviation: Professional Flight at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) are thoroughly prepared for careers as commercial pilots, flight instructors, airline pilots, and corporate aviators. The program offers a structured curriculum designed to develop essential piloting skills, certifications, and operational knowledge, ensuring students are ready to enter the aviation workforce with strong credentials.
Key progression and future opportunities include:
University Services: UNO’s Aviation Institute is FAA Part 141 approved, allowing students to complete flight training at either Advanced Air (Council Bluffs Airport) or Oracle Aviation (Millard Airport), both within 30 minutes of campus. Students receive personalised academic advising and benefit from connections with local aviation businesses like Jet Linx Aviation and the Omaha Airport Authority for internships and job placement.
Certifications and Flight Training: The program guides students through earning the Private Pilot Certificate (minimum 35 flight hours), Instrument Rating (additional 35 hours), and Commercial Pilot Certificate (minimum 190 total flight hours). This progression builds proficiency in flight manoeuvres, navigation, safety protocols, and complex operational procedures. Additionally, UNO’s program is approved to grant the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 flight hours, a significant advantage for airline career entry.
Employment Stats and Salary: UNO reports a 100% job placement rate for aviation graduates. Nationally, commercial pilots earn a median salary of approximately $171,210, with strong demand expected due to industry growth and retirements.
University–Industry Partnerships: UNO maintains partnerships with major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Endeavour Air, and Envoy Air, providing students with internship opportunities, mentorship, and preferential hiring pathways. The program’s involvement in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (Region 5) also offers competitive and networking opportunities.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The Professional Flight concentration is FAA Part 141 certified, and the program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), ensuring graduates hold credentials recognised and respected nationwide.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates typically secure positions as commercial pilots, flight instructors, and airline professionals, equipped with comprehensive training in flight operations, aviation safety, and regulatory compliance.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS in Aviation: Professional Flight at UNO, students can pursue graduate degrees in Aviation Management, Aeronautics, or related fields to advance into leadership, safety oversight, or specialised aviation roles. Additional certifications and accumulated flight hours can lead to senior airline pilot positions or opportunities in corporate and military aviation.
Official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 11th. For 12th Grade your school counselor should send the predictedMathematics - 3 units1 Must include Algebra I, II, and Geometry.Students applying for admission shall: Be ranked in the 50th percentile or higher of their graduating class in an accredited high school; OR Have received an ACT composite score of 20 (enhanced) or greater, or SAT score of 1040+; OR Have earned a minimum of 3.00 cumulative high school GPA at the conclusion of their sixth semester of high school or later Because of the high expense of healthcare in the United States, UNO provides affordable health insurance to its international studentsProof of Financial Support for F-1 or J-1 Visa Applicants or HoldersApply via the UNO Applicant PortalCommercial Airline PilotRegional Airline PilotCorporate PilotCharter PilotFlight InstructorFlight Operations ManagerFlight DispatcherAviation Safety OfficerMilitary PilotHelicopter Pilot
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University of Nebraska Omaha
