Bachelor of Science in Flight Education (Professional Pilot)

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Flight Education majors cover the knowledge and flight training needed for a professional pilot career, either in airlines, general aviation or the military. Flight training is conducted in late model Cessna aircraft.

Hampton University offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Flight Education degree program. Flight Education students, upon completion of these programs, have a variety of pilot ratings and enter the job market prepared to seek employment as a pilot in the aviation industry. Students with these degrees can go to work in commercial aviation for a company like Continental Express or seek employment as a pilot in the corporate aviation field.

130K

Median salary for airline and commerical pilots

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of the Flight Education program have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

United Airlines
FedEx Express
ExpressJet Airlines
Federal Aviation Administration

Conducted through a partnership with Rick Aviation, our students will earn their private, instrument, commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificates upon graduation in addition to the Bachelor of Science in Flight Education.

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HU/Rick Flight Training Cost & Fees

Flight Education Program Objectives

Students in the Flight Education major will:

Have a strong liberal arts background;
Be able to effectively communicate through written and oral methods;
Have the FAA credentials of commercial pilot certificate and a flight instructor certificate so graduates can get an entry-level flying job;
Have an understanding of aircraft design standards, performance, operating characteristics, and systems;
Have established a culture and appreciation of aviation safety, including human factors and CRM;
Know how the aviation industry and the governing agencies are organized so graduates can navigate their careers;
Have the math skills to plan navigation, calculate aircraft performance, and other computations to insure a safe and efficient flight;
Have knowledge of legal and labor issues related to the aviation industry; and
Have knowledge and understanding of airspace and ATC so graduates can navigate efficiently, safely, and legally.

Flight Education Frequently Asked Questions

Are flight training fees included in tuition?

It is important to note that flight training fees are in addition to the university's tuition and fees.

Where will my flight training be conducted?

Flight students will fly at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport with our flight training partner, Rick Aviation, approximately 15 minutes from campus.

How often should I fly?

Students are expected to fly a minimum of three times a week. Students are encouraged to fly as often as possible to improve proficiency and with the aim to graduate on time.

How will I get to the airport?

The Aviation department provides transportation to and from the airport Monday through Friday. Freshmen and Sophomores who are in the flight program also have the option to apply for a campus parking waiver in order to drive to and from the airport.

How do I pay for my flight training?

Paying for flight training is pay-as-you-go. Students will pay Rick Aviation directly at the conclusion of each flight lesson.

How soon will I begin flying as a Flight Education student?

Typically, most students will begin flying the second week into the Fall semester.

Will I receive credit for entering the program with a private pilot's license?

Yes. We grant academic credit towards the Flight Education program for any previously-earned pilot certificates and ratings. For example, if a student comes in having earned their Private Pilot's License prior to entering the program, they will receive academic credit and begin Instrument training.