Renamed Flight Training Program For Non-Majors

Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, announced the renaming of its aviation flight training program to the Arkansas Aviation Academy, and it is intended to prepare pilots who are not enrolled as Henderson students but are seeking credentials to become commercial pilots.

The Academy was approved by the FAA and expands on the university’s long-time professional pilot bachelor’s degree program, the only program of its kind in the state. The program added three additional new courses: a Multi-Engine add-on course, a Tailwheel course, and a CFI spin-training course.

The university offers two tracks in its Department of Aviation’s four-year Bachelor of Science degree program: Professional Pilot and Aviation Management. The former provides students with zero flight experience the education and flight training required to become a pro pilot for an airline or corporate flight department.

The latter is for students interested in working in the aviation industry business management, airport management, operations, or other aviation jobs that do not require a pilot certificate.

By recently adding two Tecnam P2006T multi-engine aircraft to its fleet, Henderson has opened the doors to pilots who aren’t Henderson students.

Dr. Shannon Clardy, Dean of the College of Aviation, Science, and Nursing, said, “We know there’s a shortage of pilots, and we can help address that by offering this certification to external aviators. The multi-engine certification opens doors for career advancement to all pilots.”

The Multi-Engine course requires a commercial pilot certificate to enroll. The course can be completed in five training days consisting of ground training, simulator training, 6-8 hours of multi-engine flight time, and pre/post debrief time with an instructor.

Accommodations are available on-campus for pilots participating in the Multi-Engine course.

FMI:  hsu.edu/