Ties Flight Training To Online Bachelor's Degree Courses

A collaboration between Cessna and Liberty University to complement Liberty’s School of Aeronautics flight training program was unveiled at Sun 'n Fun last week. Under this agreement, students who enroll in flight training at qualifying Cessna Pilot Centers can also enroll in Liberty’s online courses leading to a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics.

In the past decade, more than 120,000 pilots have been professionally trained in a Cessna aircraft, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to training the next generation of pilots. “We are excited about what this partnership means for pilot training and the valuable education students will receive in conjunction with their real-world experience,” said Joe Hepburn, senior vice president of Piston Aircraft. “Liberty has an extensive catalog of online courses, which will enhance the experience gained through pilot training at Cessna Pilot Centers.”
 
The collaboration between Cessna Pilot Centers and Liberty University was announced on April 3. Liberty plans to extend its program offering to high schools near qualifying Cessna Pilot Centers to allow students to accomplish some training prior to graduation, enabling them to enter the workforce sooner.

“Potential Liberty University students, whether they are coming out of high school or are already a career professional, cannot only receive flight training, but earn a college degree in an industry where jobs are growing to meet a large market demand,” said retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Dave Young, dean of Liberty University School of Aeronautics. “It’s the equivalent of taking online courses, but having a lab for those courses in your own hometown.”
 
Cessna Pilot Centers have been in operation for more than 40 years, teaching students to fly using the most updated technology and aircraft. Currently the centers use the Cessna Flight Training System, a comprehensive flight training program that combines home study labs with flight lesson courses resulting in a more thorough and in-depth curriculum.

(Pictured: (L-R) Liberty University team members - Ernie Rogers, School of Aeronautics associate dean for Academics, Brian Hough, School of Aeronautics director of Business Development/Satellite Operations, Randy Burdette, director of Aviation for Virginia, Dave Young, dean of School of Aeronautics. Cessna Aircraft Company/Textron Aviation team members - Joe Hepburn, senior vice president of Piston Aircraft, Mark Patterson, vice president of Regional Sales, Josh Colton, manager of Cessna Affiliates and Pilot Centers, Cody Honeyman, director of Fleet Propeller Sales. Image provided by Cessna)

FMI: www.liberty.edu, www.cessna.com