Dayton Business Journal: New aviation program prepares for take off at Wright State

A new aviation program is coming to a local college.

Wright State University plans to launch the program this fall semester. The degree program will provide the training and skills needed for those who wish to pursue technical positions in the aviation industry or to work as flight instructors or airline pilots.

Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation science and technology, an associate’s degree in applied science in aviation science and technology or a minor in aviation studies through Wright State’s department of kinesiology and health in the College of Health, Education and Human Services.

“Wright State is excited to build on our innovative roots and offer a comprehensive aviation degree program that gives our students the skills to pursue careers as pilots while supporting our region and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” said President Sue Edwards.

Wright State’s aviation courses will be offered in partnership with First Flight Aviation, a flight school at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport in Miamisburg.

First Flight Aviation is a Part 141 Federal Aviation Administration-approved flight school and holds one of the most comprehensive flight licenses in the industry.

Wright State’s degree programs will help meet a national demand for pilots. The aviation industry in the United States is expected to experience a shortage of 130,000 pilots over the next 20 years.

“The industry need for pilots greatly exceeds the pipeline of students in existing aviation programs,” said Jim Denniston, dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services. “Implementing Wright State’s aviation science and technology programs will help address this critical workforce need and will provide our students with outstanding career opportunities after they complete their respective degree programs.”

This program follows after Wright State announced it is turning a corner from a period of rough financial challenges. The college received its third credit score upgrade Moody’s Investors Service. Moody’s said the improved credit rating stems from Wright State’s solid financial position as evidenced by, among other things, ample liquidity and coverage of direct debt.

Wright State University, founded in 1967, has over 11,000 students and 1,500 employees, according to DBJ research.

Read the article at bizjournals.com/dayton.