Purdue Global, Pilotsmith partner on pilot degree to address shortage
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Purdue University Global and Wisconsin-based Pilotsmith are partnering to shorten the learning timeline and address a global demand for aviation professionals they expect to see over the next 20 years.
Students can apply for the Purdue Global professional flight degree program and complete a Bachelor of Science degree online, while strapping in for professional flight training at Pilotsmith.
“Providing more educational options for students is always a winning formula,” Pilotsmith Vice President Trent VandenHeuvel said.
To receive 45 credits toward a professional flight degree, students must complete five flight certifications, which include private pilot certification, instrument rating, commercial pilot certification, certified flight instructor and multiengine flight rating. This is equivalent to one year of college credits.
“The benefits to our students training under Pilotsmith are the significant cost savings and speed to obtaining the five flight certificates and ratings required within our professional flight program. Students can realistically accelerate their path to the airlines by one or two years,” said Sara Sander, Purdue Global vice president, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and interim dean of the School of Aviation.
Reports estimate needing 130,000 pilots in North America over the next two decades.