Ivy Tech Columbus is making waves in the aviation industry with its growing Aviation Technology-Flight program. With enrollment on the rise, the program offers students the opportunity to become professional pilots through rigorous training and hands-on experience. Students study flight theory in the morning and then put it into practice at the Columbus Municipal Airport in the afternoon.
Matthew Medley, the aviation program department chair, believes that Ivy Tech trains the best pilots in the state, with a curriculum that includes private pilot flight training, instrument flight training, and commercial flight training. The program is cost-effective compared to other alternatives in Indiana, and students have the opportunity to pursue their degrees while preparing for a career in the airline industry.
The program gained a significant boost through a partnership with LIFT Academy, owned by Republic Airways, one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S. Students have the opportunity to become certified flight instructors with LIFT Academy upon completion of the program. The one-of-a-kind setup at the AirPark Campus and support from campus leadership and airport officials have contributed to the program’s success.
Not only is Ivy Tech Columbus producing skilled pilots, but it is also fostering diversity in the aviation industry. With a 25 to 30% diverse student population, the program is providing access to generational-changing wealth for first-generation college students. The success of the Aviation Technology-Flight program is paving the way for a new generation of pilots from all backgrounds to enter the industry with confidence and expertise.
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