Delta State University’s bachelor’s program in Flight Operations is one of the premier choices for students who desire a career as a professional pilot. Industry professionals agree that Delta State University graduates display the highest levels of proficiency and professionalism, which make them prime candidates for positions in today’s aviation marketplace. Virtually all graduates of DSU’s aviation program advance to excellent positions with professional, corporate, charter, regional, and major airlines, as well as the military.
Students enrolled in the Private Pilot flying and ground school courses can expect to begin flight training within the first week. These courses are available during both the fall and spring semesters, ensuring timely access to hands-on training. Delta State also offers an online Master of Commercial Aviation, tailored to working professionals in the field.
10
Program-specific Scholarships
24
Flight Instructors
100
Employment Rate Since 2019
Why Choose Flight Operations at DSU?
There are several exciting aspects of Delta State’s Flight Operations program that make it stand out from others. One of the most thrilling is that students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology. This allows students to gain hands-on experience with the latest equipment, preparing them for the real-world challenges they will face in their careers. Flight Operations students will also earn: a Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor Rating, Certified Flight Instrument Instructor Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and optional Multi-Engine Instructor Rating. Additionally, the program boasts a team of expert faculty members who are both highly experienced and passionate about aviation. The aviation industry is constantly evolving and innovating, which means that there are always new opportunities and challenges to explore. Delta State’s program is designed to help students stay ahead of the curve, giving them a competitive edge as they pursue their careers as professional pilots.
- Combination of classroom and flight training
- Strong emphasis on safety
- FAA approved for graduates to be R-ATP eligible
- Nationally recognized NIFA-member Precision Flight Team
- American Association of Airport Executives chapter
- Active chapter of Alpha Eta Rho
- Women in Aviation International chapter
- Applications accepted year-round
- Best value in aviation
- AABI accredited
Student Testimonial
Training Structure and Scheduling
Students can typically schedule lessons up to five days per week. Once registered for classes, instructors review their schedules to identify two-hour blocks of availability for flight lessons. A typical instructional flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes (1.2 hours), with pre-flight and post-flight activities bringing the total to around two hours. Some lessons involve ground instruction rather than flights. Students are only charged for aircraft usage when the plane is flown.
What Can I Do With a B.C.A. in Flight Operations?
Students who graduate with a B.C.A. degree in Flight Operations go on to serve as professional pilots for corporations, airlines, and the military. Some graduates also serve as flight instructors at universities. Because of the rapidly growing field of aviation, many of our graduates rapidly move up in the rankings at airlines, with some becoming airline Captains in as few as 4 years.
Commercial Aviation Scholarships
Delta State’s works to meet the financial need of Commercial Aviation students. At DSU, we’re going to automatically consider you for scholarships. Some scholarships you may be considered for include opportunities for majors in commercial aviation, majors with a concentration in Flight Operations, students who are in good academic standing, students who demonstrate academic improvement, students with the highest GPA, and students who have financial need. Students may also be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities.
Program Goals
The Flight Operations degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a professional pilot career. Through a combination of classroom and flight training, a student majoring in Flight Operations acquires the following certificates and ratings: Private Pilot Instrument Multi-engine, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Instrument Flight Instructor. Coursework and training culminate in a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation in Flight Operations degree within 4 years.
Admission Requirements
Applicants of this program must meet Delta State University’s undergraduate admission requirements.
Prospective pilots should be prepared to fly the first weeks of enrollment. To be eligible for flight training one needs a second class medical from a licensed Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Furthermore, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires proof of citizenship by means of a valid, unexpired United States (US) passport or an original US birth certificate and driver’s license.
Curriculum
The following courses are required to complete the major in Flight Operations.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| CAV 251 | Private Pilot Flying | 3 |
| CAV 260 | Aircraft Engine Operation | 3 |
| CAV 350 | Instrument Pilot Ground | 3 |
| CAV 352 | Commercial Pilot Ground | 3 |
| CAV 353 | Commercial/Instrument I | 3 |
| CAV 354 | Commercial/Instrument II | 3 |
| CAV 355 | Commercial/Instrument III | 3 |
| CAV 357 | Aerodynamics | 3 |
| CAV 360 | Flight Instructor Ground | 3 |
| CAV 361 | Certified Flight Instructor Flying | 3 |
| CAV 362 | Multi-engine Ground | 3 |
| CAV 363 | Multi-engine Flight | 1 |
| CAV 387 | Advanced Aircraft Systems | 3 |
| CAV 390 | Instrument Flight Instructor Ground and Flight | 1 |
| CAV 420 | Air Carrier Equipment Operation I | 3 |
| TOTAL | 41 | |
Degree Requirements
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your general education requirements and the major requirements below.
| General Education | 40-41 |
| University Requirement | 1 |
| Special Degree Requirements | 6 |
| Aviation Core | 32 |
| Major | 41 |
| TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | 120 |
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.
Fees
All flight costs are separate from tuition costs. For a breakdown of individual course expenses, view the Aviation Cost Sheet Detail Per Course. Cost projections for the entire Bachelor of Commercial Aviation degree are published in the corresponding Undergraduate Catalog for students and the DSU Flight Training Projected Program Costs sheet.
Students must establish a Flight Account through Student Business Services (SBS) on campus. This account is dedicated solely to flight costs, including aircraft rentals and instructor fees. The DSU Flight Coordinator is notified once funds are deposited, allowing flight training to begin. If necessary, students can withdraw unused funds through a formal process.
Beginning students should plan to spend approximately $1,000 per week on flight training. A minimum balance of $350 must be maintained in the flight account. Weekly costs may vary due to weather or scheduling constraints.
DSU Flight Training Projected Program Costs (2025-2026)
**Additional Aviation Related Costs for Flight Training**
These values represent the MINIMUM flight training required for each syllabus.
- Most students require additional instructional time, so it is suggested to plan anywhere from 10-15% over the estimated costs listed below.
- The FAA knowledge test fee is calculated in the inclusive total student cost for each course below. This $175 fee is paid directly to the test center by the student and not to Delta State.
- The FAA designated examiner’s fee is subject to change and varies based on the type of practical exam. This fee is included in the inclusive total student costs below for CAV 355, 361, 390, and MEI Add-On. This fee is paid directly to the examiner by the student and not to Delta State.
- The cost for the use of the aircraft for an estimated 1.5 hours for FAA Practical Exam (check-ride) CAV 355, 361, 390, and MEI Add-On is in the total cost.
- Fuel surcharges may apply due to large and unpredictable market price increases.
| Course | FAA Certification Outcome | Inclusive Minimum Cost |
| CAV 251 | Private Pilot Single-Engine | $12,050.00 (C-172) $10,995.00 (C-152) |
| CAV 353/354 | Instrument Pilot Single-Engine | $15,184.00 |
| CAV 355 | Commercial Single-Engine | $19,018.00 |
| CAV 363 | Multi-Engine Add-On | $10,130.00 |
| CAV 361 | Flight Instructor | $9,756.00 |
| CAV 390 | Instrument Instructor | $6,989.00 |
| MEI Add-On | Multi-Engine Instructor option (highly encouraged) | $3,081.00 |
| Total Minimum Flight and Ground School Costs | $76,188.50 (CAV 251 in C-172) $75,133.50 (CAV 251 in C-152) |
|
| Miscellaneous (including certain course fees) | ~$1500.00 | |
| Estimated Total Minimum Costs (Bachelor of Commercial Aviation with a major in Flight Operations) |
$152,164.50 (CAV 251 in C-172) $151,109.50 (CAV 251 in C-152) |
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Notes and Miscellaneous Costs:
- An administration charge of $100 per term is applied to student flight accounts each term. This covers the costs associated with software for the electronic recordkeeping of student flight and ground school training.
- Each syllabus is designed to be completed in one semester. Because of outside influences (weather, personal health, aircraft maintenance), some students extend their training into the next term.
- Students are required to receive an FAA 2nd class (1st preferred) medical examination from a Designated Medical Examiner (DME). Costs vary, ranging from $150-250.
- Students must maintain current publications, navigational charts, instrument procedures, reference materials, and small supplies as required by the FAA and Delta State (fuel sumps, sectionals, physical POHs if desired, FAR/AIMs, etc).
- Students are required to use a headset for radio/intercom communication and hearing protection (one-time cost $350-$1000 depending on model and features).
- The training cost depicted above for each course is calculated with the student completing each lesson on the first attempt and does not take into consideration extra training beyond the minimum to achieve proficiency or any outside influences that can cause a lesson to be extended or not completed. Additional ground and flight instructor rates are $60 per hour, and aircraft usage price per hour varies based on make and model.
- FAA Knowledge Exams and Practical Exam/check-ride repeats for lack of proficiency incur additional costs and paid directly by the student to the examiner.
- If a student cannot attend a scheduled training event, they are to advise their instructor no less than two hours prior to the event, or a “no show” fee of $150.00 will be applied to their flight fund account.
Payment Process:
Per the Delta State Flight Operations Manual, payment of flight fees is processed through an escrow flight fund account managed by Student Business Services. Students must maintain a minimum balance in their flight fund account to schedule flight or ground school lessons. Sources of funds for deposits into the flight fund account include personal, student loan disbursements, or other sources. After each lesson is complete, funds are transferred from the student’s flight fund to flight operations. Failure to maintain the minimum level in the flight fund account may delay the timely completion of CAV courses, leading to an incomplete grade, or even failure
