Aviation Technology - Professional Pilot - BS

College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

About This Degree

The Aviation Technology – Professional Pilot degree is meticulously crafted for individuals who possess an unwavering commitment and dedication to mastering both the art and science of piloting.

Integrating rigorous pilot training with a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum, this program demands nothing short of wholehearted dedication and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Ideal for those who thrive on challenges and are ready to invest their utmost effort, this degree offers a transformative journey toward a rewarding career in aviation.

What You Will Learn

In the initial two years, freshmen and sophomores immerse themselves in courses aimed at honing foundational flying skills and establishing a comprehensive understanding of aviation principles.

As juniors and seniors, students shift their focus towards refining their flight expertise and readying themselves for their professional journey. Throughout their academic journey, students will accumulate approximately 250 to 300 hours of flight time.

Emphases:

Fixed Wing:

Students in this emphasis receive flight training in airplanes. USU’s fleet is made up of Diamond Aircraft: DA-40’s and DA-42’s. The degree requirements include completion of the following FAA licenses: private, instrument, commercial single-engine with multi-engine add-on, and CFI.

Rotorcraft:

Students in this emphasis receive flight training in helicopters. Students will train in R22 Beta II, R44 Raven II, and a flight training simulator. The degree requirements include completion of the following FAA licenses: private, instrument, commercial, CFI, and CFII.

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in aviation technology - professional pilot, students can pursue careers as pilots in the following areas:

  • Charter and regional airlines
  • Commuter airlines
  • Corporate flight departments
  • Agricultural spray operations
  • Military aviation
  • Scenic tours
  • EMS
  • Aerial firefighting
  • Wildlife study

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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I am not a current USU student

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I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

The rotorcraft emphasis is only available in Logan.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the aviation technology - professional pilot program has additional requirements:

Fixed Wing Emphasis:

  • First-Year students: 3.0 high school GPA.
  • Transfer Students and Current USU Students: Minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
  • Proof of USA citizenship or TSA clearance is required prior to flight training.
  • A medical examination conducted by an FAA-designated physician is required.

Rotocraft Emphasis:

  • First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer Students and Current USU Students: Minimum overall GPA of 2.50.
  • Proof of USA citizenship or TSA clearance is required prior to flight training.
  • A medical examination conducted by an FAA-designated physician is required.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Program Requirements

All seniors are required to propose and complete a research project dealing with a practical application of a problem encountered in flight or aviation maintenance technology.

All USU flight students are required to purchase and wear uniforms. Contact the program for more information on uniform requirements.

In addition to regular tuition and fees, flight fees are required for flight certification classes. Please see the current listing on the general catalog, or the academic advisor for specific details.

Take The Next Step

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