Flight Operations Major

Students graduating with a flight operations major earn private, instrument, and commercial single- and multi-engine land ratings. Students can progress to certified flight instructor (CFI), certified flight instructor-instrument (CFII), and multi-engine instructor (MEI) ratings. Our program is designed to prepare students to be professional pilots in the aviation industry.

Most of our students plan to become pilots for the commercial airlines, but others have plans to fly corporate jets, transition to the military, or take advantage of the many other opportunities available for pilots today.

Now, more than ever, the aviation industry is demanding more from its pilots and Westminster College is uniquely qualified to prepare its students to meet these rigorous demands. The Westminster College flight training program combines high academic standards with high flight training standards to produce pilots who can think critically and who have a thorough understanding of the many professional demands they will face as professional pilots in today's ever-changing industry.

Flight Operations Program Goals

Students completing a major in Aviation Studies with a concentration in Flight Operations should:

1. Meet or exceed Federal Aviation Administration required knowledge and practical examination standards.

 2. Demonstrate proficiency in aviation professional issues such as: professional standards, aviation law, safety, ethics, and career development.

3. Demonstrate proficiency with modern cockpit technology function and operation for satellite based navigation systems, autopilot, flight management systems, and electronic flight information systems.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in flight dynamics, including energy management, applied aerodynamics and critical attitude recovery.

5. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the history of aviation and its key contributions to society and how its development has affected our nation’s political and economic structure.