Professional Aviation Flight Technology (BS)

The Professional Aviation Flight Technology degree requires students to complete advanced aviation coursework and obtain multiple flight certificates and ratings effectively preparing them for careers as professional pilots. 

The program is internationally recognized for the excellence of its facilities, faculty, and graduates. Students obtain a strong aviation foundation at an affordable cost—including lower cost flight training when compared to other universities.

• Flight instruction occurs at the Aviation Department's Flight Academy located at the Terre Haute Regional Airport.  The fleet of Diamond aircraft include DA-20,, DA-40, and DA-42 aircraft.
• Students begin flying in the first semester of the program.
• Multi-million dollar facilities include multiple flight simulators including a light jet, a specialized aviation laboratory, and well-equipped classrooms.
• Relatively small class sizes enable students to work one-on-one with highly talented and dedicated faculty members who are professional leaders in the aviation industry.
• Students have the benefit of an FAA controlled airport training environment.
• Credit is awarded for internships/co-ops with aviation companies and airports.

A number of activities and organizations are available that enable students to interact with other students and professionals, including Alpha Eta Rho, the American Association of Airport Executives, Women in Aviation International, Association of Unmanned Vehicle System International, and other aviation-oriented activities.

Other opportunities include the University's Honors Program and study abroad opportunities—which range from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in over 56 countries.

Special Note: Consideration will be given to allow college credit to students who have already obtained flight certificates or aviation flight experience up to an instrument rating. Questions should be directed to the Department of Aviation Technology.

Flight Fees

Students at Indiana State University spend on average $60,000 in flight fees to complete the flight training required to graduate with a degree in Professional Aviation Flight Technology (Private Pilot Certificate through Commercial Certificate and a Multi-Engine rating). These flight fees are in addition to any tuition costs. Students who go on to earn their Flight Instructor Certificates typically spend approximately $72,000 in total flight fees.

Although this is a considerable financial investment, the return is well worth the initial cost. Students have an initial return on investment once they earn their Certified Flight Instructor certificate as they can work at the Aviation Department’s Flight Academy. A pilot’s first year at a regional airline they will earn an average of $45,000, advancing to about $55,000 their second year. Their first year at a major airline (American, Delta, United, etc.), pilots will have the potential to earn about $150,000. A 15-year captain at most major airlines average somewhere between $250,000 - $300,000. Some students may choose to forgo the airline route and choose to be a corporate pilot. The average corporate pilot earns approximately $100,000.

Indiana State University takes pride in over a 98% placement rate among those students who finish the program.

Admission Requirements

For admission criteria and instructions, visit Admission: Professional Aviation Flight Technology.