Who We Are

The Professional Flight concentration within the Aviation Programs at Arizona State University is a nationally known, academic concentration. Faculty members have expertise and experience in various aspects of professional flight – airline, military, including military and civilian flight education and training. They continue their involvement with industry and are actively involved in research and scholarly activities. This program prepares graduates to fly with U.S. regional and major airlines.

What We Do

We provide students with the knowledge and skills critical to their success as industry leaders. Based on research findings and continuous interaction with industry, faculty are able to deliver content that is not only current but also forward-looking allowing students to develop an awareness of future concerns. Instruction is delivered through various mediums, including lectures, simulations and projects completed with industry partners.

How We Do It

The focus of this program is to prepare students for a career as professional aviators. In addition to their academic instruction and flight training, during their last semester students acquire 48 hours of practical flight experience in the ASU $1.44 million Regional Jet (RJ) Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD). These educational experiences provide ASU students with the same intense training received by newly hired airline pilots allowing students to easily transition into the industry. This additional instruction not only provides students with the knowledge and skills to operate Advanced Technology Flight Deck Instrumentation (glass cockpits), such as the Flight Management Systems (FMS) but also allows them to develop the discipline needed to be successful in their airline training.

The Aviation Programs at ASU operates a High Altitude Chamber on the Polytechnic campus. Professional flight students receive two “flights” in the chamber. The hypobaric chamber training alert participants to the symptoms of oxygen deprivation and train them to respond in time to avoid problems during flights.

From their participation at national and international conferences, faculty are able to provide students with leading-edge course content and educational experiences. State-of-the-art simulation, and other training resources, such as the high-altitude chamber, provide students with educational opportunities unique to collegiate aviation academic programs. Upon graduation, students transition seamlessly into industry becoming leaders in the field.