University Debuts Agreement With Panhandle Helicopter Academy

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is moving to expand its flight training capabilities, entering a partnership with Panhandle Helicopter Academy in Panama City Beach to give students the option to pursue both fixed-wing and rotorcraft certifications under its degree programs.

“Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is committed to expanding access to higher education for aviation professionals, no matter where they are in their careers or in the world,” said John Watret, chancellor of Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus. “Through this partnership, PHA students can leverage their flight training to continue seamlessly into our degree programs, combining practical skills with the academic foundation needed for leadership roles in the aviation industry.”

Officials said the program is designed to give rotorcraft students the same streamlined access to advanced academic credentials that have long been available to fixed-wing pilots. Depending on the certificates and ratings they hold, students will be able to transfer credits from Panhandle Helicopter Academy toward Embry-Riddle coursework, reducing the time needed to graduate. The online structure of Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus also hopes to give students the ability to balance flight training, employment, and personal schedules while progressing toward a degree.

“We are thrilled to partner with Embry-Riddle Worldwide,” added Panhandle Helicopter Academy President JR Hott. “This collaboration provides our students with a direct pathway to advance their careers, while earning credit for work already done as part of flight training and benefiting from a university that leads the world in online aviation education.”

Panhandle Helicopter Academy is a Part 61 school based along Florida’s Emerald Coast. The program operates a fleet of Robinson R-22 and R-44 helicopters supported by on-site mechanics. The new partnership brings some well-deserved visibility to the flight training center, which recently expanded into a new facility designed to support both expanded training and maintenance operations.

FMI: https://school.panhandlehelicopter.com