Professional Flight

The Professional Flight program is a professional pilot curriculum designed for those students seriously interested in becoming professional airline pilots. The program combines academic studies and flight training under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 certification. The level of emphasis on airline training is the capstone of this program, which sets it apart from most flight training schools.

The unique theoretical program uses an integrated learning model which incorporates personal computer-based flight simulator programs, including multi-engine flight simulators. The overall curriculum concentrates on the technical, management and computer-related applications necessary to operate in the high-density, complex modern airspace environment. The program also emphasizes the critical thinking and cognitive, analytical and communicative skills which are so important for success in today’s aviation industry.

Throughout the program, students will participate in seminars to explore career opportunities. At the conclusion of their studies, students can apply for several flying and non-flying internships within the aviation industry.

2007-2008 Check Sheet for Professional Flight concentration

Airline Bridge Training Program

The AMT Department, along with flight provider Mesa Pilot Development, a Mesa Air Group company, has developed the Airline Bridge Training Program with Mesa Airline, one of the largest regional airlines in the country. (News releases and other information about Mesa Air Group can be found at the company’s Web site.)

Application and Admission Procedures

Because of limited space, the program selection process is academically competitive. The Professional Flight program is the initial phase of the qualification/application process to becoming an airline first officer. Individuals seeking admission to the program will need to participate in a secondary application process. The secondary application deadlines are typically nine months prior to the beginning of the appropriate semester.

Students accepted to the Professional Flight program must pass an FAA medical examination prior to admission. An FAA Class I medical examination is required in order to complete the certificates and ratings necessary to meet graduation requirements. It is recommended that a medical examination be completed by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) prior to the start of classes.

AMT has a no-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for students seeking admission into the Professional Flight program.

Students receive ASU credit toward graduation only for flight activities or instruction received at flight schools with which the university has contracted for such instruction. Please refer the Transfer Students section below regarding previous flight training experience.

Program Fees

Flight training costs are not included in university tuition and fees. Total program costs, which include aircraft, flight instructor time, flight training devices, simulator time, tests, and fees, in addition to university tuition, require careful financial planning. Financial assistance may be available through the ASU Student Financial Assistance Office. Contact the Aeronautical Management Technology Department for more information regarding the program fees.

Transfer Students

The AMT Department does not accept any flight training beyond the Private Pilot Certificate, and will only accept the Private Pilot Certificate if prospective students have received college credit for it. Students desiring the Professional Flight concentration with flight training experience must repeat all of the training/education beyond the Private Pilot Certificate.

Students with several advanced certificates or ratings might want to consider the Air Transportation Management concentration. Students with an Associate of Applied Science degree might want to consider the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in either Aviation Management or Aviation Maintenance Management.

All students desiring the Professional Flight concentration regardless of previous flight training experience must enroll in AMT 100 (Flight Safety I). Students not having college credit for the Private Pilot Certificate must enroll in both AMT 100 and AMT 182 (Private Pilot Ground School). Additional information regarding transfer credits can be found through the ASU Academic Articulation Transfer Office.