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Professional Pilot

What is professional pilot?

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. 

Career Paths

Professional pilot are employed within many sectors of the aviation industry, including:

Highlights

The OSU Experience

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!  

 

OSU Aviation and Space Program

 

Required Secondary Admission Application

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.

 

Learn more about the secondary application process

Frequently asked questions for prospective students

 

Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center 

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. 

 

Explore the flight center

 

Fleet 

OSU's airplane fleetSince 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.

 

Explore our fleet

 

Professional Partners

Internships and real-world experiences are central to the OSU aviation program. Our students enjoy unique opportunities to interact with professional partners, including:

  • The OSU-Envoy Airlines pipeline program, which gives students early access to employment options while still pursuing their degree at OSU.
  • 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. 
  • PSA Airlines Cadet Program, which gives our students a direct path to American Airlines. 

  

Women in Aviation

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

Sarah Schafer

"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."

- Sarah Schafer
Professional Pilot student

 

College of Education and Human Sciences

Student support

Scholarships

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