Delta State University’s bachelor’s program in Flight Operations is one of the premier choices for students who desire a career as a professional pilot. Industry professionals agree that Delta State University graduates display the highest levels of proficiency and professionalism, which make them prime candidates for positions in today’s aviation marketplace. Virtually all graduates of DSU’s aviation program advance to excellent positions with professional, corporate, charter, regional, and major airlines, as well as the military.
Students enrolled in the Private Pilot flying and ground school courses can expect to begin flight training within the first week. These courses are available during both the fall and spring semesters, ensuring timely access to hands-on training. Delta State also offers an online Master of Commercial Aviation, tailored to working professionals in the field.
Program-specific Scholarships
Flight Instructors
Employment Rate Since 2019
Why Choose Flight Operations at DSU?
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There are several exciting aspects of Delta State’s Flight Operations program that make it stand out from others. One of the most thrilling is that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology. This allows students to gain hands-on experience with the latest equipment, preparing them for the real-world challenges they will face in their careers. Flight Operations students will also earn: a Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor Rating, Certified Flight Instrument Instructor Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and optional Multi-Engine Instructor Rating. Additionally, the program boasts a team of expert faculty members who are both highly experienced and passionate about aviation. The aviation industry is constantly evolving and innovating, which means that there are always new opportunities and challenges to explore. Delta State’s program is designed to help students stay ahead of the curve, giving them a competitive edge as they pursue their careers as professional pilots.
- Combination of classroom and flight training
- Strong emphasis on safety
- FAA approved for graduates to be R-ATP eligible
- Nationally recognized NIFA-member Precision Flight Team
- American Association of Airport Executives chapter
- Active chapter of Alpha Eta Rho
- Women in Aviation International chapter
- Applications accepted year-round
- Best value in aviation
- AABI accredited
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Student Testimonial
Training Structure and Scheduling
Students can typically schedule lessons up to five days per week. Once registered for classes, instructors review their schedules to identify two-hour blocks of availability for flight lessons. A typical instructional flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes (1.2 hours), with pre-flight and post-flight activities bringing the total to around two hours. Some lessons involve ground instruction rather than flights. Students are only charged for aircraft usage when the plane is flown.
What Can I Do With a B.C.A. in Flight Operations?
Students who graduate with a B.C.A. degree in Flight Operations go on to serve as professional pilots for corporations, airlines, and the military. Some graduates also serve as flight instructors at universities. Because of the rapidly growing field of aviation, many of our graduates rapidly move up in the rankings at airlines, with some becoming airline Captains in as few as 4 years.
Commercial Aviation Scholarships
Delta State’s works to meet the financial need of Commercial Aviation students. At DSU, we’re going to automatically consider you for scholarships. Some scholarships you may be considered for include opportunities for majors in commercial aviation, majors with a concentration in Flight Operations, students who are in good academic standing, students who demonstrate academic improvement, students with the highest GPA, and students who have financial need. Students may also be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities.
Program Goals
The Flight Operations degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a professional pilot career. Through a combination of classroom and flight training, a student majoring in Flight Operations acquires the following certificates and ratings: Private Pilot Instrument Multi-engine, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Instrument Flight Instructor. Coursework and training culminate in a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation in Flight Operations degree within 4 years.