EKU Aviation

As the only program of its kind in Kentucky, EKU Aviation provides the industry with the safest, best trained, and most adaptable pilots and managers coming out of academia today.

The Eastern Kentucky University Aviation Bachelor’s Degree, Professional Flight Option, includes all commercial and instructor pilot ratings.  Its centerpiece – the Multi-Engine Track – gives future pilots the flight time they need to become competitive.  With over 100 hours of multi-engine flying time, our students are prepared for careers in aviation.

EKU Aviation strives to be a world class professional flight academic institution.  We Schedule Students for Success.

Academic Programs

The Bachelor of Science has options in Professional Flight or Aerospace Management.

Professional Flight students receive flight certification in Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Flight Instructor, CFII, and Multi Engine. They experience real world flight operations, actual weather, long range flights, high altitude, and mountain operations.

Aerospace Management students prepare for careers at airports, airlines, corporate aviation, and government agencies such as the FAA, NASA and NTSB with hands-on training in operations, scheduling and dispatch for management professionals. Management graduates work in aviation marketing, public relations, human resources, safety and security at the local, national and international level. They also have the opportunity to receive certification as an AAAE Certified Member (AAAE CM) through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Aviation Careers

The U.S. Department of Labor projects employment of aircraft pilots to increase nine to ten percent through 2014. The “Age 65 Rule”, signed into law in December 2007, will reintroduce the beginning of another pilot shortage in the next few years as the initial wave of already very senior pilots begin to retire. In the long run, demand for air travel is expected to grow along with the population and the economy. Median annual earnings of commercial pilots are around $50,000.

Average entry level incomes for management are $30,000 to $40,000. EKU aviation graduates from both options have found positions with Delta, Comair, Chautauqua Airlines, Jet Blue, Continental, Kentucky Department of Aviation, U.S. Military, San Antonio International Airport, L-3, Kentucky State Police, Louisville Police Department, and through self-employment.

Student Organizations

Eastern Kentucky University’s student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) seeks to promote professional development and instill professional attitudes in students engaged in the study of airport development, administration, management, and operation, and related fields of aviation. All EKU students are invited to become members. As the world’s largest professional organization for airport executives, the AAAE represents thousands of management personnel at public-use airports nationwide and helps these professionals fulfill their responsibilities to a variety of airport and community constituencies. For more on the EKU Student Chapter of AAAE, contact EKU Aviation.

Live like a Colonel

EKU Aviation students may live in preferred housing on the top floor of Clay Hall. On “The Flight Deck!” you will enjoy weekend activities, study sessions, and adventures worth sharing with fellow aviators. The advantages: endless, the cost: minimal, the experience: priceless. See EKU Housing for details.