Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
The cost of flight training is expensive, especially at programs that have advanced technologies in their trainers and simulation equipment. And the starting salaries for pilots entering the aviation industry as first officers are criminally low. So what would make some wide-eyed youngster even enter this field? Their passion and their perspective, the idea that they could not imagine themselves doing anything other than flying, should be the answer, but often times the answer is for the money, or for the travel benefits. This industry will self-regulate those that are in it for the love and perspective it brings, and those that are in it for the money and travel because the money and travel don’t come early or easy. But even those that are in it, for what I would call the right reasons, can lose their perspective and find their passion diminished when the harsh reality of this industry hits.
They are coming into the repayment of large amounts of loans by getting a position where they will work more and get paid less than what they may have been doing while in college. For some, they may have made more money as flight instructors than they will their first year as a first officer of a regional carrier. Making it difficult to repay their loans and have enough left to live. Causing people to rethink their career choice, rethink if they have made a mistake in following their passion and rethink how they look at their career choice. Here, is where I would propose a perspective shift.
The regional carriers are not merely your first job in to the aviation industry the regional carriers are your graduate school degree.
Everyone knows that on the job training is some of the most valuable education that anyone can receive. How you handle yourself professionally and personally during everything from in-flight emergencies to your relationship with your company will mold you in to a better and better pilot as you move through the industry. This additional, and wildly valuable, education is like graduate school.
Where other students plan from the start that they will get a bachelor’s degree in business and then move on to graduate school to complete an MBA, flight students have a tendency to look at their bachelor’s degree as their terminal degree. And technically speaking they are right, most don’t get a masters or PhD, it’s not needed – instead they strive for things like ATP, and total hours flown to get advancement in their careers.
But if flight students looked at their regional job as graduate school, their perspective would be one of continuing education and getting minimally paid to do it, rather than the somewhat large let down felt by getting that first job and realizing you can’t get a new car with that first paycheck.
An article in 2012 in Forbes magazine1 looked at the question of whether grad school was still worth the money. It said that the average total tuition for a top 20 business school in 2011-2012 was $102,355 for an MBA. But a full cost analysis must also take in to consideration the lost wages of a student that goes back to school full time instead of being in the work force, which equates to approximately $44,442 per year. MBA programs (going full time) are typically two year programs so lost wages are $88,884. Added to the tuition for the degree it costs $191,239 for a student to get their MBA. On the flip side the article sites that people holding MBA’s typically make between $5 and $8 million over the course of a 40 year working career. Meaning they have spent about 4% of their lifetime wages on the investment of educating themselves.
Using this same logic for pilots, tuition and fees at WMU are $105,500 the lifetime earning potential of a pilot is approximately $4.5 million (assuming movement every 7 years or so from FO to Capt, and on to the major airlines). Meaning they will have spent about 2% of their lifetime wages on the investment of educating themselves.
In this context, comparing the first airline job to graduate school isn’t that difficult, and a better return on investment. If students would have the mindset that their bachelor’s degree is not their terminal degree, and look at that first airline job as the investment in the education of themselves at a graduate level, they may be able to maintain their passion for flying and perspective on the industry.
O’Connor, S. (2012). Grad school: Still worth the money?
Forbes. Retrieved at:
www.forbes.com/sites/shawnoconnor/2012/04/05/grad-school-still-worth-the-money/print/Learn to Live your Dream
Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
WMU is committed to providing its students with an education that is second to none and will prepare them for a successful career in aviation. One of its most effective courses for ensuring a successful transition is the Jet Equivalency Training (JET) course. The following attest to the course’s success in readying WMU flight students for the rigors of training at a regional airline.
“To this day, I feel that the JET course was an excellent opportunity to get some experience in a multi-crew environment and prepared me well for the airlines. Having covered the systems in computer based training I was a step ahead of the game when it came to CRJ ground school (more of an in-depth review than brand new information). While it's been almost 2 years since I went through the course, I still pull on some of the knowledge you gave me and I hope others can have the same experience. I'd be more than happy to recommend anyone to SkyWest that's been through the JET course. They love the JET course and are pleased with the results!” Michael Grime, Skywest FO and JET course alumni
“Well, I survived my first year on the line and still loving it. I have to say, it's a lot of fun. I have flown a lot of approaching down to mins, landed on snow covered runways in snowstorms, and getting good at 30+ knot crosswind landings! It's been a brutal winter!! No doubt that this is much easier after going through the JET course.” Tony Yaskoweak, American Eagle FO and JET course alumni
“I… became a First Officer in the Embraer 135/140/145 for American Eagle based out of Chicago. During the interview in December, Eagle was glad to hear I had the JET course and said "the JET course at WMU has proved successful with all of the WMU students and instructors we pick up." I had 740 hours and 56 multi, but they didn't care, they just want the WMU guys with the JET course. I believe there are now 8 or 9 WMU people at eagle that have done the JET course in the past few months. Eagle can't get enough of WMU people. Continue on with your hard work and airlines will continue to pick up JET graduates.” Chris Murray, American Eagle FO and JET course alumni
What specifically is the JET course? The JET course is a 6 credit elective (AVS 4300) that readies students for new hire training with a regional airline. The course consists of the following three phases:
- Computer Based Training (CBT) – 2 weeks of self-study prior to starting classes. Instruction consists of 25 modules of web based CRJ-200 systems training.
- Academics – 5 days of instruction in the classroom. Topics include CRJ-200 flight crew normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures, and a review of aircraft systems.
- Simulation – 10 days of flight instruction in a CRJ-200 flight training device (FTD). Each day consists of a 1½ hour pre brief, 4 hours of FTD instruction, and a 1 hour post brief. The time in the FTD is equally divided between pilot flying and pilot not flying duties. Scenarios begin with basic handling and are performed in a two-crew environment. As proficiency grows, students learn to contend with abnormal and emergency situations. After students experience operations in a variety of conditions, they explore flight crew use of automation and realistic airline operations. The phase culminates with an airline style checkride.
To simulate the “fire hose” nature of regional airline training, the JET course is usually conducted Monday through Friday until all lessons are complete. Therefore, the course can be completed in as little as 3 weeks. Due to student schedules and academic commitments, the course can be scheduled on a less hectic basis, but still should be conducted for at least three days a week to maintain its intensity.
WMU has offered airline oriented instruction since 2000 and has worked with numerous airlines to get the instruction within the JET course just right. The list of airlines that have worked with WMU in the past includes:
- Air Wisconsin Airlines.
- American Eagle Airlines.
- Atlantic Southeast Airlines.
- British Airways.
- Comair Airlines.
- Delta Air Lines.
- Emirates Airlines.
- ExpressJet Airlines.
- Messaba Airlines.
- Pinnacle Airlines.
Who can take the JET course? WMU flight program students who meet the following prerequisites can take the JET course:
- AVS 3560: Professional Flight IV Lab.
- AVS 4110: Airline Flight Operations.
- AVS 4120: Line Oriented Flight Crew Simulation.
The following are also required:
- Commercial Pilot license with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings.
- A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license is not necessarily required.
Why should students take the JET course? The best reason is because it works. In the past, six regional airlines agreed to lower their job interview flight hour requirements for JET course graduates. The upcoming enactment of aviation legislation will mandate specific flight hour minimums for first officers which will nullify these agreements. However, the regionals still express their support for the course. For example, ExpressJet Airline, the world's largest regional airline, worked with WMU to establish a Pilot Pathway Program. If students pass a rigorous screening process and get accepted into this program, they will be guaranteed jobs as first officers with ExpressJet and, later on, interviews with Delta Air Lines. Part of the screening process for the program is the JET course.
Who teaches the JET course? The primary instructor for the JET course is Dennis McFall. He has over 34 years of aviation experience which includes working in a training center transitioning ab initio flight students to jet transport aircraft. Dennis has been with WMU since 2000 and was instrumental in establishing the university’s airline transition training.
DENNIS MCFALL
(269) 964-5680
dennis.mcfall@wmich.edu
Where can one find more information about the JET course? For more information, one can contact Dennis McFall. He would be happy to provide in-depth information and answer any questions. Information can also be obtained at:
http://www.wmich.edu/aviation/jet.html
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Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
Flight Physicals and Aviation Medical Examiners (AME)
How healthy are you? This is a question we often ask ourselves; one that requires a hard, reflective look at life styles, personal habits, and medical issues. In the world of aviation, the overall health of a pilot is a major concern, reinforcing aviation's highest priority: safety. All pilots are required to obtain some type of medical approval. For those entering into the professional ranks of the piloting world, a class 1 medical is required. This type of medical exam is the strictest type of medical approval.
Prior to beginning a professional aviation training program, consulting with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is highly recommended. At Western Michigan University, which is a FAR Part 141 training institution, we encourage all students in our flight school to obtain their class 1 medical to ensure they are able to pass the examination required to be a professional pilot.
You aren’t sure where an AME is located or how to find one? Easy! Check out the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AME locator and pinpoint the nearest AME. Western Michigan University is proud to employ an AME, who is available to all flight students. Dr. Gregory Pinnell, Adjunct Professor at WMU's College of Aviation has an examination room here on campus, making medical exams easy and convenient for WMU students.
There are many exceptional resources available when researching flight physicals conducted by an AME.
Find additional information about a career as a pilot in The Essential Pilot Career Guide
From the Flight Surgeon:
January 2013
"Is there anyone out there who has managed to miss the nasty respiratory bug that is going around? This time of year we frequently need to “self-treat” symptoms with over the counter (OTC) medications due to colds, flu or even the remains of seasonal allergies. Most of us know that many of these medications can cause drowsiness. The most common “relief” medication is Benadryl which is an antihistamine. It is often forgotten that the effects of this drug can last 4 hours and can take over 8 hours to get half of it out of your system. Pseudoephedrine is allowed by the FAA as a decongestant but it is always best to wait till all the symptoms are gone and you have been off the OTC’s for at least 24 hours before flying. Fly safe and keep the Kleenex nearby!"
February 2013
Big changes are coming in FAA Aeromedical Certification. The biggest will be a new program called Certificates an AME Can Issue or “CACI”. This will involve about 18 different medical diagnoses which previously were special issuance conditions generally requiring yearly documentation to go to the FAA. Now your AME will ask you for supporting medical documentation about your condition and, if you meet the criteria and are otherwise qualified, they can issue a normal duration medical certificate. The AME does not even need to forward the medical documentation to the FAA. The specific diagnosis have not been announced but they will likely show up in March 2013. This program will reduce waiting time for medical certification and free up FAA time for more complicated cases. Feel free to call or write if questions. Fly Safe!
Gregory Pinnell, MD
Western Michigan University, College of Aviation
Senior AME, Senior Flight Surgeon USAFR
www.AIRDOCS.net
989-245-4494
517-580-0970 Fax
Gregory Pinnell - About
Adjunct Professor - Western Michigan University, College of Aviation
Dr. Gregory Pinnell is a board certified family practitioner/Senior AME licensed in Michigan. He serves as a Senior Flight Surgeon for the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base. Dr. Pinnell works with the Department of Defense Human Space Flight Support and has worked multiple Space Shuttle missions. He is a veteran of Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom having been deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2002 and 2004. He was also deployed in support of the Balkan’s Operation Joint Forge. Dr. Pinnell serves as an adjunct professor for Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation.
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Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
How to help your Career Take-Off: The Power of Internships
Internships come in many sizes, shapes and disciplines, but most everyone agrees that an internship will do wonders when applying for first career jobs. Internships offer a practical way to apply skills learned at educational institutions in a workplace setting. Additionally, they supply students with an understanding of how the knowledge gained in an academic setting will merge with a modern work environment.
At Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, students are encouraged to take part in numerous networking opportunities throughout their tenure at the University. The flagship event is Aviation Outlook Day, taking place this year on April 5, 2013. Since its re-launch in 2010, the program has consistently grown both with the numbers of companies participating and students attending. All students are encouraged to attend and learn about career opportunities and information from the aviation company representatives who ultimately hire WMU College of Aviation graduates. Many of the companies attending Aviation Outlook Day offer internships for students. These internships are available to all students and all degree programs at the College of Aviation.
Don’t take it from me; data from WMU’s Career Services support the power of internships. Of those students reporting full time employment after graduation, 60% had an internship prior to graduation in 2012. If you are a student reading these numbers, you now realize the necessity of pursuing an internship opportunity while an undergrad. Not only will this provide you valuable real-world experience, the opportunity will also heighten your chances obtaining full time employment post-graduation. High internship completion numbers exist for students studying Aviation Science and Administration, also known in many cases as Aviation Management and Operations and Aviation Maintenance Technology. An impressive 33% of Aviation Science and Administration graduates who reported full-time post-graduation employment had an internship while attending WMU. Even better, 55% of Aviation Maintenance Technology graduates who reported full-time employment participated in an internship while studying at Western Michigan University.
Many students who study Aviation Flight Science (Professional Pilot Training) often fail to realize they too should participate in internships. These experiences enhance networking opportunities and raise job prospects for students upon completing their education. Aspiring pilots need a good understanding of the business that surrounds the aircraft as well as how to operate it. Many aviation internships do a great job at demonstrating the inner workings of an airline, corporate operation or other aircraft operations. Dave Powell, Dean of the College of Aviation encourages students in the Aviation Flight Science curriculum to focus on being both an exceptional pilot and an individual who understands the business behind the aircraft. Knowing the business aspect of aviation enhances the marketability of post-graduates seeking employment, and may set pilots apart from their peers. Internships do a remarkable job of putting the finishing touches on this part of a student’s education.
After reviewing data, internships are a no-brainer. Students interested in pursuing exceptional internship opportunities are encouraged to subscribe to the College of Aviation internship blog. Subscribers will receive e-mails sent on a weekly to bi-weekly basis. These notifications will provide students multiple opportunities to learn about internship opportunities and indicate the deadlines and time frames that are critical for obtaining an internship. Students are also provided a forum to ask questions and receive advice about the opportunities.
As mentioned earlier, internship opportunities abound at many companies and organizations. One company in particular, offers a great internship program which highlights all aspects of corporate aviation. Northern Jet Management offers multiple length, year-round internships that build additional skills sought by companies hiring aviation graduates. As a company specializing in corporate aviation, Northern Jet Management offers internship opportunities highlighting many aspects of the industry: aviation business, maintenance, operations, and even flight. Students in the Aviation Science and Administration (Aviation Management and Operations) curriculum interested in corporate jet operations, fixed based operator management, or aircraft sales would be wise to apply for this particular internship.
Learn more about careers in Aviation Management and Operations by clicking the the button below.
Northern Jet Management is a corporate aviation management company that specializes in turnkey aircraft and flight department management. Northern Air, Inc. is a Fixed Base Operation that provides full line and concierge services as well as aircraft maintenance. To learn more about this great company, please click here.
Northern Jet Management and Northern Air, Inc. partner with Western Michigan University for aviation internships and career opportunities in West Michigan. Our internship opportunity allows the student to experience maintenance, flight operations, customer service, and participate in job shadows with aviation management and senior leaders. Western Michigan University students studying in the Aviation Science and Administration, Flight Science and Aviation Maintenance Technology programs gain a knowledge base that prepares them for aviation opportunities including the company internship program with Northern Jet Management and Northern Air, Inc. Previous experience is vital when students are looking for careers after graduation. Since students can build an internship around their area of interest at Northern Jet Management, the opportunity offers them a chance to apply their knowledge learned at WMU to the aviation workplace.
If students or alumni are interested in Northern Jet Management or Northern Air, Inc. for career opportunities, please email your resume to HumanResources@northernair.net or visit their websites at www.northernjet.net orwww.northernair.net. Students interested in the semester based internship program can also apply to Tami Barnes at HumanResources@northernair.net
Not a Western Michigan University aviation student? Find out how you can join an in demand career that is exciting and valuable.
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Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
Financing Flight Training
Learning to fly is expensive. Figuring out how to come up with the money needed to accomplish your dream of being a pilot may not be as hard as you think. Financial aid is a good way to pay for college. Financial aid can be made up of scholarships, grants, work study, federal student loans and federal parent loans, as well as alternative loans. One of the first places you should look is Western Michigan University’s Financial Aid website: www.wmich.edu/finaid/undergrad. This website walks you through the steps you need to take.
In addition,
- understand the importance of filing a FAFSA
- search and apply for scholarships
- find alternative loans
- take advantage of the GI bill (if eligible)
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the very first step to take. This allows you to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and work-study.
A Pell Grant is a monetary award that doesn’t have to be paid back to the government. It’s only given to undergraduate students who haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. The amount you get depends on a number of factors, including how much you can contribute financially to your training, tuition costs, your own financial need and more. There is a maximum amount you can receive per year, but the good news is that you can apply for Pell grants multiple years.
The Stafford Loan is the most popular federal loan program. Stafford Loans are low-interest loans and are for students with demonstrated financial need. These loans have a six month grace period after graduation before repayment begins.
The Stafford program also offers “direct unsubsidized loans” that don’t require financial hardship. The amount available to a student each year is dependent on need and the grade year. These loans also have a six month grace period after graduation before repayment begins.
The Federal Stafford Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) loan can be borrowed by the parents of the dependent undergraduate student to help pay for their child’s education. The PLUS loan is not based on financial need. The amount a parent can borrow each year is limited to the cost of attendance less other forms of assistance. Repayment on Parent PLUS loans begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed.
Federal Direct Loans, like the Stafford Loan, pay out based on need and the grade year.
The Federal Perkins Loan is a federal loan with limited funding. The loan is repaid to the school you attend. This loan has a fixed interest rate and is awarded to students with significant need. Repayment on this loan begins nine months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time. During this time, interest is also deferred.
Once you have exhausted your eligibility for state and federal financial aid and loans, you may need to consider applying for a private educational loan, also called an alternative loan. These loans are not federal student loans. They are offered by private lenders and are used to supplement your financial aid.
Scholarships are essentially free money. You just need to put in the time to research various sources for scholarships and apply for them. Many scholarships go un-awarded year after year. The College of Aviation has various scholarships available. In addition, there are numerous other sources for scholarships, such as the
Let Google be your friend and do a search for aviation scholarships and scholarships specific to your discipline: flight science, aviation maintenance technology, aviation administration, aviation management. Search on words related to aviation such as part 141, pilot’s license, etc.
What about your parents’ place of employment, churches, organization your parents or other relatives belong to, sports team…think outside of the box.
Alternative Loans
Once you have exhausted your eligibility for state and federal financial aid and loans, you may need to consider applying for a private educational loan, also called an alternative loan. These loans are not federal student loans. They are offered by private lenders and are used to supplement your financial aid. Every alternative loan program is different. In an effort to help you make informed choices, Western Michigan University has created an alternative lender worksheet, The Bottom Line, which will help you select the private lender that is right for you.
GI Bill
If you have done or are willing to do recent U.S. military service, you will be able to fund your flight training via the GI Bill. If you served in the military for at least 36 months after September 11, 2001, you’re eligible for 100% of the benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This Bill says that 100% of your tuition will be paid; you will receive a monthly housing stipend and a stipend of up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies as well as a flight-training-only reimbursement of $10,000 per year. If you serve less than 36months, you’re eligible for a percentage of these benefits, based on your time served. Details of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and dependent benefits are available at www.gibill.va.gov.
Thinking about an aviation career? This career guide will be a wealth of information to get you up to speed on what an aviation career can do for you! Inside the guide you will find valuable information on researching the career and even researching aviation schools to get to that career. Click the button below to view your free Essential Pilot Career Guide!
Ready for an aviation career already? Check out Western Michigan University's College of Aviation's exceptional program by requesting information below.
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Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
Being an Aviation Student and Living in the Residence Halls
Should I live in the residence halls or rock out an off-campus apartment with my good friends from high school? Living in the residence halls provides a new and unique experience for undergraduate students, especially first year students.
Western Michigan University does a great job of creating positive learning environments in the residence halls. These environments begin with the students and hall staff (resident assistants) making connections and providing resources for students at all phases of their educational journey. For students, this means being part of a community of peers that provide academic and life support. Residence Life at WMU begins to build that community bond by providing specific living/learning communities.
The aviation living/learning community brings people from the three major disciplines (flight science, administration, and maintenance) together to create personal and professional bonds that will last throughout one’s career. Students not only sit in class together, but also live together. The close proximity can provide a lot of academic and social support. Upperclassmen living in the Aviation House can quickly turn into mentors for the underclassmen, providing assistance in areas such as academics support, flight planning, or learning to to navigate around the College of Aviation.
The Aviation House is staffed with one learning community assistant (LCA). The LCA is an aviation major providing support and programming opportunities specifically geared toward aviation majors. Residence Life staff know and understand the unique needs of aviation majors and are very supportive of the Aviation House. Programming opportunities with the hall staff include visits and discussions from professionals in the industry, visits to area airports, air traffic control centers, area aviation companies, and many more fun and educational opportunities.
So what does living in the residence halls mean for parents? Parents get the peace of mind knowing their students are living in a safe environment and making connections with other students who share similar interests. Students living in the residence halls generally have more of an inclination to do well in classes because they are motivated by living with their peers. Resources are readily available for both students and parents and the residence hall staff is more than happy to help find solutions to any challenges presented. Parents play a large role in supporting student success at the collegiate level; providing parents with resources designed to help and provide support to their students makes the transition easier. Parents should also know that financial aid can be applied to living in a residence hall rather than an off-campus apartment that needs to be paid for monthly.
Living on-campus also provides opportunity for ride-shares and shuttle service to and from Battle Creek. Many classes are also held on-campus and the aviation house is conveniently located in relation to academic buildings, cafeterias, library, the student center, and the student services building.
Living on-campus gives students beneficial opportunities to apply to their collegiate and professional careers. Resources are readily available and University staff are more than willing to help find the necessary resources to help students become successful. Residence Life is committed to fostering student success and helps to establish a community of peers that share a common interest, making bonds and lifelong connections.
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Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
Aviation School: Today's Answer for Tomorrow's Problem
Recently, there has been growing public dialog regarding a “looming pilot shortage” (USA Today recent article) due to a number of coinciding factors, all aimed more or less at making the airlines safer. A key element in making an airline safer is a proficient, well-trained pilot flying the aircraft. Producing that proficient, well-trained pilot is something Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation has been doing successfully for a number of years.
For many, many years young people have entered flight training programs (aviation schools such as the College of Aviation at Western Michigan University) to learn to fly. Some choose military flight programs, some choose civilian; both tracks teach those young people to fly in about the same number of flight hours, both to commercial pilot standards with the skills to fly in instrument meteorological conditions. But that is where the tracks diverge. While the military pilot can expect to be immediately assigned to a tactical aircraft, frequently a high performance tactical jet aircraft, the civilian counterpart is required to accumulate some number of additional flight hours of experience before being considered for the front seat of a transport category aircraft.
Why the difference? Put succinctly, much of the difference lies in the relative richness of the respective programs. Yes, military pilot candidates are extensively screened, tested and held to very high standards. Those who don’t meet the standards are not permitted to continue pilot training. Military pilot candidates are trained in aircraft that are highly reflective of the tactical aircraft they will later fly once trained. Civilian pilot candidates, on the other hand, may choose a number of pathways to certification, from a local airport operator using a 60-year old aircraft, to a highly structured and accredited 4-year baccalaureate program associated with a university. Some collegiate flight programs employ aircraft and aircraft systems that are highly reflective of the transport category aircraft that their graduates will eventually fly, just like the military programs do. Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation is not only one such program, but has been, for a number of years, the industry leader in that regard.
Western Michigan University employs the Cirrus SR-20 aircraft equipped with the Avidyne Entegra II avionics system, including an advanced digital autopilot, the DFC-100. Why? The reasons are many. For example, the Cirrus aircraft, just like transport category aircraft, is made from composites and is “slick”. Neither aircraft likes to come down and slow down at the same time, thus presenting the pilot with the challenge to manage their energy much more so than in older, traditionally used flight training aircraft. The avionics package was chosen specifically because it mimics in so many ways the avionics used in the modern transport category aircraft that Western Michigan University graduates will later fly.
When Western Michigan University leadership announced their intention to transition to the Cirrus aircraft with the advanced technology of the Avidyne avionics systems, the pundits said we could not expect our students to learn to fly in such an advanced aircraft, that the airlines would take whatever the collegiate programs produced, however they did so. We, our students and graduates, have proved the pundits wrong and, in so doing, we have created a reputation for excellence in providing the aviation industry with the proficient, well-trained and SAFE pilots the industry wants and needs.
If you or somebody you know is expressing interest in an aviation school, or in an aviation career, know that it is an exceptional time to enter the industry. Much research has been done with the aviation industry, and researching the career will definitely help individuals understand the need for aviation professionals in the coming years.
Western Michigan University is a highly regarded public education institution, consistantly ranked in the list of top 100 national public universities. Its aviation school is exceptional and is ranked among the top three aviation schools in the nation along with world-wide positive reputation. WMU houses the best and most comprehensive aviation school in michigan.
We highly recommend that individuals who are interested in an aviation school and career should download The Essential Pilot Career Guide with industry details and recent information. You can do that completely free by clicking the the button below.
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Western Michigan University - College of Aviation
At Western Michigan University, we have a saying, “It’s a great day to be a Bronco.” Similarly, at WMU’s College of Aviation, we add on by saying, “It’s a great time to be a Bronco in aviation!”
As one of the top flight schools in the nation, Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation has been leading the charge in training the aviators of tomorrow, today. Our bachelors degree in flight science is consistently recognized as one of the premiere programs in the country. Flying some of the most sophisticated aircraft, with the most advanced avionics package available in general aviation, our student pilots gain the experience and transferable skills that make them very sought after in the aviation job market.
As recently demonstrated in the Wall Street Journal, an aviation career as a pilot is in high demand. Conservative reports by independent agencies indicate a demand of 5,000 pilots a year for the next 10 to 20 years in the United States alone. With the aging population of current professional pilots coupled with the decrease in the number of students pursuing this career path, the supply of aviation jobs will be tremendous. As stated in the WSJ, “More than half of U.S. airline pilots are over 50” and “FAA data show annual private and commercial pilot certificates – both required to become an airline pilot – are down 41% and 30%, respectively, in the past decade.” Putting two and two together, “It is a great time to be a Bronco in aviation!”
Students in Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation flight science program are pursuing their dream to become a pilot. The flight training portion of the program takes the students through the private pilot course, instrument, and commercial certification. With the flight school a part of Western Michigan University, students also benefit from a solid, general education. According to U.S. News and World Report, WMU continues to be recognized as one of the top 100 public universities in the country.
Setting the program apart is WMU’s commitment to advancing the field of aviation education by training in the most advanced aircraft and using the most sophisticated avionics package available in general aviation. Students within the program do the majority of their training using the Cirrus SR20. With a fleet of 26, all of them are equipped with the Avidyne R9, a fully functioning Flight Management System (FMS), and the DFC100, Avidyne’s attitude-based digital autopilot. Both of these platforms represent the next generation of aviation technology. The benefits to our students are numerous: the most significant, giving them a competitive advantage by allowing them to train on equipment that will teach them relevant and transferable skills.
The perfect storm of aviation is upon us. Multiple sources beyond the Wall Street Journal article continue to express the looming pilot shortage. Independent reviews by Airbus and Boeing support and reinforce the need for pilots. As one of the best flight schools in the country, Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation is prepared and ready to help you “Learn to Live Your Dream!”
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