Ready to soar

Students can now prepare for careers as flight instructors or airline pilots through a new aviation degree at Wright State University. The program will also provide the training and skills needed for those who wish to pursue technical positions in the aviation industry.

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and Technology, an Associate of 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.

“I am excited to be in the first class to go through the program,” said Savannah Oakley, a first-year student who plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aviation science and technology.

“I’ve always wanted to fly, but I never considered it as a possibility as a career,” said Oakley. “Now it’s becoming that possibility.”

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.

“We believe it’s probably the best program in the country,” said Glenn Crawford, president of First Flight Aviation.

Maj. Jake Impellizzeri, a Wright State alumnus and pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, said he would have changed his major to aviation science and technology if the program had been available when he was a student.

“I wish it was a program when I went through because I would have 100% jumped on that,” said Impellizzeri.

Students can enroll in Wright State’s new degree programs beginning in the fall of 2024. Students may apply with or without previous flight experience.

For more about the program visit wright.edu/aviation.