Aerospace Administration and Operations
What is professional pilot?
Why professional pilot at OSU?
Career Paths
Professional pilot are employed within many sectors of the aviation industry, including:
- Commercial airlines
- Regional airlines
- Cargo or freight carriers
- Military
- College, universities or flight training schools
- Corporate or private service
- Charter operations
- Government service
- Law enforcement
- Emergency medical service
Highlights
The OSU Experience
Not only do our students earn a four-year degree through this accredited program, but they are also fully immersed in the OSU community and have access to an exceptional college experience. The program’s holistic approach allows students to balance time spent perfecting their skills with taking advantage of all OSU has to offer, including Big 12 sporting competitions, 500 plus student organizations, leadership opportunities and so much more. At OSU, you can have it all – top-notch training and the full college experience!
OSU Aviation and Space Program
Required Secondary Admission Application
All students must complete a secondary application for admission into the professional pilot degree option, which is fall admission only and limited to a maximum of 85 students per year. For incoming freshmen and transfer students, a completed undergraduate admissions application, with up-to-date transcripts and the professional pilot secondary application must be received by November 1. Decisions will be announced by January 1. The secondary application is available in students' admission portal status page, under the "Opportunities" tab, once they have applied to the university.
Learn more about the secondary application process
Frequently asked questions for prospective students
Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center
The Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center opened in 2022 and serves as a premiere resource for students pursuing degrees in aviation education. The 11,600-square-foot facility includes private rooms for individual flight debriefings between students and flight instructors and encourage on-site group instruction and discussions. Additional advances to the student learning experience include space for state-of-the-art simulator technology, dispatch space and student common areas.
Fleet
Since 2019, we have received 14 SR20s, with 2 more coming this summer. The technologically advanced Cirrus SR Series boasts an impressive list of features
and capabilities found on today’s advanced airliners. In total, our growing fleet
includes: Piper PA-44-180 Seminole (4), Cessna 182 (1), Cessna 172 (17), Cessna 152
(5), Cessna 150 (1), Cirrus SR20 (14) and a Redbird MCX Simulator and a Flight Safety
CRJ-200 Matrix Simulator.
Professional Partners
Internships and real-world experiences are central to the OSU aviation program. Our students enjoy unique opportunities to interact with professional partners, including:
- The OSU-Envoy Airlines pipeline program, which gives students early access to employment options while still pursuing their degree at OSU.
- The Destination 225 Program through Southwest Airlines, which allows our students to learn, grow and build relationships with some of the best pilots in the business.
- The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) partnership and Aviation Collegiate Education (ACE) Club distinction, which gives our students direct access to major airline pilots through a formal mentorship program.
- PSA Airlines Cadet Program, which gives our students a direct path to American Airlines.
Women in Aviation
The OSU Women in Aviation chapter is focused on building relationships and interesting men and women in aviation as well as introducing them to a wide world of opportunities after college. Members participate in community outreach, social events and networking opportunities.
Student Spotlight
"The OSU Flight Center is like a family to me. OSU Aviation is different from other universities because it is a culture of support, friendship, family and a feeling of being at home. I have formed many lifelong friends and gained a huge support team that has cheered me on. I never would have guessed that this is where I would end up flight training, however, I am so incredibly grateful everyday to fly alongside some of the most amazing, caring and smart people I have ever met."
Professional Pilot student