Pilot License Training
Aviation Specialization
Introduction
Ready to take flight? Find your path in Aviation.
The Aviation Specialization, provided in coordination with Nulton Aviation Services, catapults a student with no past flight experience to the edge of commercial aviation.
Through the specialization, you can:
- obtain Private Pilot, Instrument, and Commercial ratings within 3.5 years.
- prepare for a career in commercial aviation by leveraging Saint Francis University's Elite Partnership with SkyWest Airlines.
- enhance your marketability in law enforcement, engineering, and many other fields
Admissions paths are open for both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals.
Aviation the Saint Francis Way
Coursework is taught by certified flight instructors from Nulton Aviation Services. Online options can be arranged upon request. All flight training will be held at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport near Johnstown (students will need to arrange their own transportation).
Fly the state-of-the-art Diamond DA-40NG equipped with a Garmin G1000
State-of-the-art Diamond DA-42 available for multiengine training
Redbird FMX full-motion simulator available at the Johnstown airport, and ELITE PI-1000 simulator available on campus for student use
SkyWest Airlines Pilot Pathways Program
Did you know that the Saint Francis University Aviation program is an Elite Partner with SkyWest Airlines?
The SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program is designed to help meet the growing demand for pilots across the aviation industry. Those who join the pathway are eligible to receive tuition reimbursement of up to $17,500 from SkyWest as they achieve certain program milestones.
Many fields are seeking pilots with deep industry knowledge.
It takes a special kind of dedication to persevere in flight school while working toward your bachelor's degree, yet for the select few who are willing to put in the effort, the rewards are like no other. Here are a few industry examples:
- Engineers use aviation to take their work into remote job sites.
- Cybersecurity experts can benefit from understanding threats to aviation from a pilot’s perspective.
- Both law enforcement and communication fields depend on pilots.
- And of course, commercial pilots are in high demand with small and large airline
The Traditional Undergraduate Path
Bachelor's Degree + Private Pilot's License
The 21-credit specialization in Aviation can be taken as part of many majors at Saint Francis. Please talk with your admissions counselor or academic advisor about whether the concentration is feasible with your choice of major.
Zach Boote is shown above training at the Johnstown airport thorough the Nulton Aviation/Saint Francis pilot program. The communications major plans to fly for the airlines.
Flexible Approaches for Working Professionals
If you need a more flexible approach to coursework you can enroll in the Aviation Specialization through the Saint Francis University Division of Professional Studies.
Online Degree + Private Pilot's License
This 21-credit specialization in Aviation can be taken as part of an online degree program at Saint Francis. Please talk with your enrollment counselor or academic advisor about whether the concentration is feasible with your choice of major. Ground School courses are typically offered on campus, but other options can be discussed.
Flight School Only
If you already have your degree or want only to pursue flight training gain your pilot's license, we can talk you through how to apply to the Aviation Specialization as a non-degree student. Ground School courses are typically offered on campus, but other options can be discussed. While traditional financial aid is not available to non-degree students, please ask to discuss options with us!
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the Aviation Specialization
The SFU Aviation Specialization is designed to take a student with no past flight experience and train them such that they can fly, professionally, a single-engine, land-based aircraft in a variety of flight conditions. With minor additional training, graduates from this specialization may also provide flight instruction. This specialization also opens a pathway toward future employment as regional and major commercial airline pilots. However, if a student is simply seeking to learn to fly, they can exit the program after any year with a valid license to fly.
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Structure/Delivery
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Traditional Undergraduate
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Flexible Entry
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Learning Objectives
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Program Snapshot
- 21 total credits
- 3 theory courses and 6 flight labs
- Ground school courses are taught on the SFU campus, but other options can be discussed.
- All flight training is held at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport near Johnstown. (transportation required)
- See FAQs at bottom of the page for cost and timeframe details.
Flight School Standing
Nulton Aviation Services is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified part 141 Pilot School.
Curriculum
Courses in the specialization prepare the aspiring career pilot for immediate entry-level employment in the aviation industry. Coursework covers aerodynamics, aircraft systems, federal aviation regulations, aircraft performance, aeronautical decision-making/human factors, flight physiology, and navigation.
Each year of the specialization corresponds to a different set of privileges, as shown below.
Year 1 - Private Pilot License
Successful completion of this license grants the ability to fly legally in the US. License holders can fly single-engine, land-based aircraft in visual flight conditions (e.g., no rain, snow, etc.) and with passengers. License holders may not fly for hire and cannot be compensated for more than half the cost of a given flight.
Year 2 - Instrument Pilot Rating
The instrument rating confers additional privileges to a licensed pilot: namely, the ability to fly in instrument conditions. This rating does not confer additional privileges with regard to carrying passengers, cargo, etc. or being compensated for flying, but increases the variety of flight conditions one can fly in.
Year 3 - Commercial Pilot License
The commercial pilot license confers the ability to use one’s skills as a pilot for compensation or hire. Upon reception of this license, pilots can fly missions for an employer (e.g., inspection, survey, cargo hauling, etc.) as required, and in a larger variety of aircraft than before as completion of the commercial pilot license also confers certification in complex and high-performance aircraft.
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This 21-credit specialization in Aviation can be taken as part of many majors at Saint Francis. Please talk with your admissions counselor or academic advisor about whether the concentration is feasible with your choice of major.
Majors to Consider:
- Aquarium and Zoo Science
- Biology (may require summer courses)
- Business
- Chemistry (BA only)
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering (may require summer courses)
- History
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
You will be paired with an aviation-centric advisor who will aid in scheduling during the academic year.
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Adult students who need a more flexible approach to coursework can enroll in the Aviation Specialization through Division of Professional Studies.
Online Degree-Seeking Professional Path
This 21-credit specialization in Aviation can be taken as part of an online degree program at Saint Francis. Please talk with your enrollment counselor or academic advisor about whether the concentration is feasible with your choice of major.
Tell your Division of Professional Studies Enrollment Advisor that you are interested in combining aviation with your online major or that you are interested in flight school as a stand-alone offering.
Flight School Only Path
If you already have your degree, but are interested in pursuing your pilot's license. we can talk you through how to apply as a non-degree student for the flight school courses.
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Individual Student Learning Outcomes
At the successful conclusion of the Aviation Concentration, students will achieve the following programmatic learning objectives:
1. Comprehend the role of the Commercial Pilot within an airline or corporate flight department.
2. Know the basic theories of aerodynamics and apply them to the various flight scenarios encountered in the field.
3. Understand and apply aircraft systems knowledge to the various equipment that a Commercial Pilot may manage.
4. Apply human factors, crew resource management, flight physiology, and aeronautical decision-making concepts to the flight deck environment.
5. Recognize potentially hazardous atmospheric conditions and assess the risk of flight in various weather scenarios.
6. Navigate the U.S. National Airspace safely through the use of all available resources.
Aviation Faculty
Taught by Certified Pilots & Enthusiastic Instructors
Flight and ground training in the Aviation Specialization (Pilot's License Training) is taught by certified flight instructors from Nulton Aviation Services, an FAA-certified part 141 Pilot School
Aviation Program Chair
Br. Marius Strom, T.O.R.
Engineering Instructor
814.472.3934
See Full Bio
Career Outlook in Aviation
Careers in Aviation that those who successfully complete the program would be qualified for:
- Commercial Pilot (with additional experience)
- Corporate Pilot
- Tourism and Sight Seeing Operations
- Powerline and Pipeline Patrol
- Law Enforcement
- Air Ambulance (with additional experience)
Opportunities after additional flight hours include jobs as regional and major commercial airline pilots. Those with proper certification may also teach flight instruction.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation and Saint Francis University
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How much does the Aviation program cost?
Estimated Flight Instruction Fees
In addition to the tuition and fees associated with the degree selected, students will need to cover fees associated with flight training, including fuel and aircraft rental. These fees are billed with each flight lab course according to the anticipated amount of flight time required to complete each certification. These costs are as follows:
- Private Pilot License: $15,000
- Instrument Certificate: $15,000
- Commercial Pilot License: $26,500
Total: $56,500
Additional Expenses
If optional courses are selected, or rework is required, students may incur additional fees.This total also does not include expenditures not due to SFU, such as the purchase of a personal headset (minimum $200), iPad (for flight planning), or exam fees. Upon completing each ground school course (one per license/certification), a proctored written exam is required by the Federal Aviation Administration. This exam costs $175, which is due to the test proctor. Similarly, the practical exam performed at the end of flight school training for each license/certificate costs ~$650.
Total exam fees: $2,475
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Is transportation available from Loretto to the airport in Johnstown?
All flight lessons are given at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. Students will need to schedule and arrange transportation for their flight lessons in Johnstown.
Transportation Requirements:
- Transportation to the airport is not provided by SFU, though car rentals are available for all students.
- Students should budget for an approximately 1.3-hour round-trip commute to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport as well as at least 1.5 hours for the flight lesson.
- During the semester, students should anticipate at least one trip to the airport per week per credit of flight laboratory (i.e., AVI 111, 112, 211, 212, 301,302).
- The duration of the flight lesson will vary depending on the stage in the program. Several multi-hour lessons will be necessary to meet Federal license requirements. Typical lessons will take at least 3 hours, including travel time to and from the airport.
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What are the admissions requirements for the Aviation Specialization?
The following will need to be met before a student can take courses in the aviation specialization
- Age 18 or older. Students under 18 may be considered with parental permission
- U.S. citizens must provide proof of citizenship: copy of birth certificate or U.S. passport.
- Non-U.S. Citizens must undergo TSA screening and approval
- Photo identification: driver's license or passport
- Student Pilot Certificate: online application
- FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate required/ 1st class recommended for those pursuing careers with airlines: Medical Certifications FAQ
- Students will need to be able to arrange transportation to the airport in Johnstown.
Questions:
Please contact an admissions rep in Undergraduate Admissions and someone will guide you through the admissions process.
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How are flight lessons scheduled?
Flight lessons are scheduled on a one on one basis with the flight instructors at Nulton Aviation Services
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How does the program progress?
If you are passionate about learning to fly our Aviation Concentration is tailored for you. Even if you have no flight time or prior experience Saint Francis University and Nulton Aviation Services will guide you through the process.
Freshman Year
- Obtain your Private Pilot License- a license to learn, your career begins here
Sophomore Year
- Instrument Flight Rating- the ability to fly in varied and restricted conditions
Junior Year
- Commercial License-you are ready to launch your career
Senior Year
- Building Time-you can begin ferry flying and flight instruction while at SFU
Estimated Flight Instruction Fees
In addition to the tuition and fees associated with the degree selected, students will need to cover fees associated with flight training, including fuel and aircraft rental. These fees are billed with each flight lab course according to the anticipated amount of flight time required to complete each certification. These costs are as follows:
- Private Pilot License: $15,000
- Instrument Certificate: $15,000
- Commercial Pilot License: $26,500
Total: $56,500
Additional Expenses
If optional courses are selected, or rework is required, students may incur additional fees.This total also does not include expenditures not due to SFU, such as the purchase of a personal headset (minimum $200), iPad (for flight planning), or exam fees. Upon completing each ground school course (one per license/certification), a proctored written exam is required by the Federal Aviation Administration. This exam costs $175, which is due to the test proctor. Similarly, the practical exam performed at the end of flight school training for each license/certificate costs ~$650.
Total exam fees: $2,475
All flight lessons are given at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. Students will need to schedule and arrange transportation for their flight lessons in Johnstown.
Transportation Requirements:
- Transportation to the airport is not provided by SFU, though car rentals are available for all students.
- Students should budget for an approximately 1.3-hour round-trip commute to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport as well as at least 1.5 hours for the flight lesson.
- During the semester, students should anticipate at least one trip to the airport per week per credit of flight laboratory (i.e., AVI 111, 112, 211, 212, 301,302).
- The duration of the flight lesson will vary depending on the stage in the program. Several multi-hour lessons will be necessary to meet Federal license requirements. Typical lessons will take at least 3 hours, including travel time to and from the airport.
The following will need to be met before a student can take courses in the aviation specialization
- Age 18 or older. Students under 18 may be considered with parental permission
- U.S. citizens must provide proof of citizenship: copy of birth certificate or U.S. passport.
- Non-U.S. Citizens must undergo TSA screening and approval
- Photo identification: driver's license or passport
- Student Pilot Certificate: online application
- FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate required/ 1st class recommended for those pursuing careers with airlines: Medical Certifications FAQ
- Students will need to be able to arrange transportation to the airport in Johnstown.
Questions:
Please contact an admissions rep in Undergraduate Admissions and someone will guide you through the admissions process.
Flight lessons are scheduled on a one on one basis with the flight instructors at Nulton Aviation Services
If you are passionate about learning to fly our Aviation Concentration is tailored for you. Even if you have no flight time or prior experience Saint Francis University and Nulton Aviation Services will guide you through the process.
Freshman Year
- Obtain your Private Pilot License- a license to learn, your career begins here
Sophomore Year
- Instrument Flight Rating- the ability to fly in varied and restricted conditions
Junior Year
- Commercial License-you are ready to launch your career
Senior Year
- Building Time-you can begin ferry flying and flight instruction while at SFU
Request Information: Aviation Specialization