نظرة عامة على البرنامج
Introduction to the Professional Pilot Program
The Professional Pilot program at Kansas State University Salina is a bachelor's degree program that offers students a comprehensive education in aviation. The program boasts a premium fleet of over 30 aircraft and flight training devices, as well as a large and active regional airport adjacent to the campus.
Why Choose the Professional Pilot Program?
The program's flight operations curriculum goes beyond the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) minimum requirements, creating professionals who are confident to fly in all conditions, troubleshoot and solve problems, make ethical decisions, and exceed the expectations of the aviation industry. With a longstanding history at the university, K-State Aerospace and Technology Campus has turned people passionate about aviation into the best pilots in the skies.
Program Details
K-State Salina students pursuing a collegiate-level aviation degree will find that academic courses and flight instruction complement each other in a holistic college experience that prepares students for future aviation careers. Every attempt is made to balance student enrollment and available flight training resources with safety and quality instruction. However, due to unprecedented demand for the flight training program, students are not guaranteed a flight instruction slot upon enrollment. Waitlists are utilized to ensure fair entrance into flight training for all students as spots become available.
What to Expect
Students are added to a training list at the time of enrollment for each rating. Once a flight instruction slot is available, students are assigned a dedicated flight time that aligns with their academic schedules. Students not given a flight instruction slot are not required to pay for enrollment in the flight lab until placed in a flight instruction slot. Academic advisors work closely with students to ensure appropriate course load enrollment is maintained to continue progression towards degree completion.
Careers
Career options for professional pilot graduates include, but are not limited to:
- Airline Pilot
- Airline Captain
- Cargo Pilot
- Charter Pilot
- Corporate Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- Military Pilot
Career Pathway
K-State Salina is a select collegiate aviation program to join the Delta Air Lines Propel Career Pathway Program. The Propel Pathway is an opportunity that allows qualifying K-State Salina professional pilot students to jump-start their careers as pilots with Delta Air Lines. Students at K-State Salina will be eligible to apply to the Propel Career Pathway once they have completed flight training and are flight instructing in the school's aviation program.
Additional Delta Air Lines Propel Career Pathway Program Criteria
- Student or graduate of a U.S.-based 4-year AABI-accredited flight education program
- Actively flight instructing as a certified flight instructor (CFI) and within 12 months of meeting K-State Salina's Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) Certificate
- FAA First Class Medical Certificate
- Must hold a current passport or other travel documents enabling the bearer to freely exit and re-enter the U.S.
- Legally eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future
Curriculum
The Professional Pilot program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in aviation. For more information on the courses in the program, please refer to the Professional Pilot Course Guide.
Selective Admissions Process
Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, the professional pilot degree program will begin a selective admissions process. As an incoming freshman, transfer, or returning student wishing to enter the professional pilot degree, K-State has additional steps to be completed upon successful admission into the University before admittance into the degree. The program grants up to 120 slots for the academic year.
Meet the Faculty Experts
The faculty in the Professional Pilot program are made up of individuals who have real-world industry experience and a wealth of research expertise to help students learn the most essential skills and information.