Tuskegee University launches new pilot training program

Pilot training occurred at Moton Airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama, when the famous Red Tails trained there under the Civilian Pilot Training Program. This program was created in 1939 when the United States was on the brink of World War II. It was a federally funded program enabling Black Americans to be trained as combat pilots when the United States military was racially segregated.

Beginning Fall Semester 2025, the Tuskegee University family will welcome students into its new Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science degree program. Tuskegee University reports: “Tuskegee University’s unique partnership with LIFT Academy offers students unparalleled access to cutting-edge flight training using their fleet of DA-40 and DA-42 aircraft, both equipped with advanced glass cockpit technology. This collaboration provides our students with hands-on experience in modern aviation systems, ensuring they are proficient in state-of-the-art avionics and prepared for the demands of today’s aviation industry.”

Lift Academy’s press release explains its investment in this new academic program, stating: “Lift has thrown its hanger doors wide open for men and women who thought becoming a pilot was simply not within reach. …. Lift will invest in flight training at Moton Airfield, allowing students to train on Lift’s signature fleet of training aircraft. Through this program, students will undergo pilot training alongside academic programs to advance their educational journey.”

Tuskegee University’s new rigorous academic program addresses the current and anticipated shortages of pilots. The shortages are due, in part, to the growing demand for air travel.

The new Tuskegee University Aviation Science program will offer General Education Core Aviation Science courses and Flight Training, leading to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification for private and commercial pilots. 

The flight training degree will require 120 hours of coursework, including the required 40 hours minimum flight hours for a Private Pilot Certificate and 250 additional flight hours for the Commercial Pilot Certificate. 

Among the academic courses students will complete are Aviation Orientation, Air Traffic Management, Aviation Safety, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Systems, Aviation Meteorology, Crew Resources Management, and Aerospace Law. 

Students must undergo a medical examination by a FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner, and a background check.

In addition, students will be required to complete academic courses in English, physical education, social sciences, fine arts, humanities, college algebra, public speaking, college composition, and mathematics.

For additional detailed information regarding this new Tuskegee University academic program, please visit https://www.tuskegee.edu/programs-courses/colleges-schools/coe/aviation-science-program.