The professional pilot degree option prepares students with the flight skills and
classroom knowledge necessary to be successful in the aviation industry. Authorized
by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Part 141 institution, our graduates
are ready to fly in the private sector, work as certified flight instructors or succeed
in non-commercial flight jobs as they build the 1000 hours needed to fly commercially.
Admission into the professional pilot option is for fall only, requires a supplemental
application and is limited to 85 new students per academic year.
Why professional pilot at OSU?
OSU is committed to providing you with a broad scope of training within the aerospace
industry. As an aerospace administration and operations major with an option in professional
pilot, you will complete certified flight instructor training and receive high-quality
instruction from experienced faculty who are committed to helping you follow your
dream of becoming a pilot. Our holistic approach allows you to balance time spent
perfecting your craft while taking advantage of all OSU has to offer.
Not only do our students earn a four-year degree through this accredited program, but they are also fully immersed in the OSU community and have access to an exceptional
college experience. The program’s holistic approach allows students to balance time
spent perfecting their skills with taking advantage of all OSU has to offer, including
Big 12 sporting competitions, 500 plus student organizations, leadership opportunities
and so much more. At OSU, you can have it all – top-notch training and the full college
experience!
All students must complete a secondary application for admission into the professional
pilot degree option, which is fall admission only and limited to a maximum of 85 students
per year. For incoming freshmen and transfer students, a completed undergraduate admissions
application, with up-to-date transcripts and the professional pilot secondary application
must be received by November 1. Decisions will be announced by January 1. The secondary application is available
in students' admission portal status page, under the "Opportunities" tab, once they
have applied to the university.
The Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center opened in 2022 and serves as a premiere resource for students pursuing degrees in
aviation education. The 11,600-square-foot facility includes private rooms for individual
flight debriefings between students and flight instructors and encourage on-site group
instruction and discussions. Additional advances to the student learning experience
include space for state-of-the-art simulator technology, dispatch space and student
common areas.
Since 2019, we have received 14 SR20s, with 2 more coming this summer. The technologically advanced Cirrus SR Series boasts an impressive list of features
and capabilities found on today’s advanced airliners. In total, our growing fleet
includes: Piper PA-44-180 Seminole (4), Cessna 182 (1), Cessna 172 (17), Cessna 152
(5), Cessna 150 (1), Cirrus SR20 (14) and a Redbird MCX Simulator and a Flight Safety
CRJ-200 Matrix Simulator.
Internships and real-world experiences are central to the OSU aviation program. Our
students enjoy unique opportunities to interact with professional partners, including:
The Destination 225 Program through Southwest Airlines, which allows our students to learn, grow and build relationships with some of the best pilots in the business.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) partnership and Aviation Collegiate Education (ACE) Club distinction, which
gives our students direct access to major airline pilots through a formal mentorship
program.
The OSU Women in Aviation chapter is focused on building relationships and interesting men and women in aviation as
well as introducing them to a wide world of opportunities after college. Members participate
in community outreach, social events and networking opportunities.
Student Spotlight
"The OSU Flight Center is like a family to me. OSU Aviation is different from other
universities because it is a culture of support, friendship, family and a feeling
of being at home. I have formed many lifelong friends and gained a huge support team
that has cheered me on. I never would have guessed that this is where I would end
up flight training, however, I am so incredibly grateful everyday to fly alongside
some of the most amazing, caring and smart people I have ever met."