Gain a larger perspective of the aviation industry, from making decisions to understanding your aircraft, as you train to become a pilot.

Professional Flight

Professional Flight Degree

A major in the Professional Flight Program
in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology

More than a flight school, Purdue offers a bachelor’s degree in professional flight that provides you with a larger perspective of the aviation industry. Your classes range from how an airplane is built to decision-making in the airline industry. You will learn by flying in our state-of-the-art fleet and matching simulators, and from aviation professionals with significant industry experience.

The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology encourages you to obtain the highest level of medical and student certificates possible during your time at Purdue.

Special Features

Additional fees for flight courses can be found here.

Fees will be assessed for no-shows. The current policy can be found here.

Certain first-year professional flight students may qualify for the Degree in 3 program. Learn more here.

Current Students: Flight Operations Information

 

Program Educational Goals (PEGs)—Professional Flight Technology

The educational goal of the B.S. in Professional Flight Technology program is to progressively develop proficiency in the following six competencies. At least 80% of the students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in each of these competencies by scoring 80% or better at the proficient level.

  • Leadership
  • Technical Excellence
  • Decision-Making
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Resilience

Three levels of performance were identified for each competency: emerging (level 1), developing (level 2), and proficient (level 3).

What can I do?

Flight instructor
Executive pilot
Airline captain
Professional pilot

Where can I go?

United Airlines
American Airlines
Boeing
FedEx
I chose Purdue because of the professional flight program. It’s one of the best in the country! After graduation, you can become a certified flight instructor, teach others how to fly and be ready for a job at a regional airline.
Paige B.
Professional Flight
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What to expect in this major

What it's like to be a TECHIE!

The Polytechnic learning environment

Our learning experience is designed to produce graduates who not only have deep knowledge, applied skills, and experiences in their chosen discipline, but also problem solving, critical thinking, communications, and leadership skills sought by industries and communities.

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About the school/department

The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology is focused on providing the education and skills necessary to create and build airworthy machines, manage all facets of the aviation industry, and safely pilot aircraft for a variety of consumers. Research projects touch on the same topics as well as NextGen aviation challenges, alternative aviation fuel and general aviation issues.

Additional Information

Request more degree information

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Talk to an Advisor

Prospective students

Prospective students can reach out to aviationadvisors@purdue.edu to request an appointment to speak with a School of Aviation and Transportation Technology advisor or student services professional.

Current students

Current students can schedule an appointment to meet with academic advisors in person or virtually via BoilerConnect.

Learn more about advising

Related Degrees

Continuing Education