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. Cost projections for the entire Bachelor of Commercial Aviation degree are published in the corresponding Undergraduate Catalog for students and in the DSU Flight Training Projected Program Costs table below.
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 (2024-2025)
These values represent the minimum flight training required for each syllabus. Includes the cost of the required FAA knowledge tests. Also included in CAV 355, 361, and 390 total costs is an estimated 1.5 aircraft rental and a $600 FAA examiner’s fee.
| CAV 251 | Private Pilot Single-engine | $11,732.00 (C172) $10,659.00 (C152) |
| CAV 353/354 | Instrument Pilot Single-engine | $12,555.50 |
| CAV 363 | Multi-Engine Add-On | $11,174.00 |
| CAV 355 | Commercial Multi-engine* | $22,159.00 |
| CAV 361 | Multi-engine Flight Instructor* | $11,386.00 |
| CAV 390 | Instrument Instructor* | $5,078.50 |
| Additional books and resources required for training (PIM’s, FAR’s, Flying Handbook, medicals, etc…) | ~$1500.00 | |
| Total Flying Costs | $75,585.00 (CAV 251 C172) $74,512.00(CAV 251 C152) |
|
| Estimated Total Does not include any extra training necessary. |
$147,533.00 | |
*Not all time must be in SR20, which can decrease costs
Notes:
- Does not include $100.00 administration fee for each semester.
- Each syllabus is designed to be complete in one semester, but because of outside influences (weather, personal health, aircraft maintenance), some students may take longer.
- Students are required to annually (every 12 months) receive a 2nd class (1st preferred) medical examination (approx. $150)
- Students are required to maintain current navigation charts, approach plates, and reference material.
- Headset (one time cost) required to start flight training. ($350-$1000 depending on model).
- The training cost depicted above for each course is calculated with the student successfully completing each lesson on the first attempt and does not take into consideration any extra training that is caused by lack of student performance or any outside influences that can cause a lesson not to be completed.
- 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 they will be charged a “no show” fee of $150.00.
