Frequently Asked Questions

This is very unlikely.  The amount of flight training needed for any certificate or rating will vary for each individual.  Weather, individual aptitude, and consistency of focused effort all play large roles in the time necessary for a particular student to complete a particular certificate or rating. 

Unlike a math course where a student may show proficiency in 90% of the course material and earn an "A," flight courses require proficiency in all areas. The FAA mandates a minimum amount of time; there is no limit on the amount of time it may take an individual to be prepared, if ever.

Additionally, students will need to complete a practical test (check ride) with an independent examiner.  The scheduling of these tests is largely outside of the control of the university.  As such, students are strongly discouraged from planning trips, etc., immediately after any semester in which they intend to complete a certificate or rating.  Breaks of just a few weeks will likely result in additional training needs and costs.

For new students, bring a copy of you Private Pilot Knowledge Test Results to the airport along with your identification and FAA medical.  Students interested in flying the first semester will need their FAA knowledge test completed.  Otherwise, students will take FLT-110 the first semester with the expectation that they will complete the FAA knowledge test during that first term.

There are a variety of tools to study for the FAA knowledge test.  Students can consider King Test Prep, ASA Test Prep, Gleim Test Prep, or many others.

Unfortunately, student enrollment and the demand for flight instructors and aircraft prevent us from offering flight training to students who are not enrolled in the degree program.

Commercial pilots must hold at least a second-class FAA medical certificate to exercise their commercial pilot certificate. Thus, we require our students to show evidence of at least a second-class medical. A first-class medical is suggested, as this is the standard medical for most professional pilots.

You can find an Aviation Medical Examiner by using the FAA’s AME Locator site.

Yes.  Students can receive credit for completing their Private Pilot Certificate.

Depending on the flight school you attend, they may not fly the same aircraft type as ECSU.  As a result, you will need to spend time adjusting to the new aircraft type.

You may also struggle to get your checkride completed before the start of the term.  Many areas of the country have a shortage of examiners.  This may delay your certificate significantly.

 

No.  Students will need to start and complete the instrument rating at ECSU to be eligible for a Restricted-ATP.

This is very unlikely.  The amount of flight training needed for any certificate or rating will vary for each individual.  Weather, individual aptitude, and consistency of focused effort all play large roles in the time necessary for a particular student to complete a particular certificate or rating. 

Unlike a math course where a student may show proficiency in 90% of the course material and earn an "A," flight courses require proficiency in all areas. The FAA mandates a minimum amount of time; there is no limit on the amount of time it may take an individual to be prepared, if ever.

Additionally, students will need to complete a practical test (check ride) with an independent examiner.  The scheduling of these tests is largely outside of the control of the university.  As such, students are strongly discouraged from planning trips, etc., immediately after any semester in which they intend to complete a certificate or rating.  Breaks of just a few weeks will likely result in additional training needs and costs.

Students can complete academic coursework anywhere with a live internet connection.  Flight Labs can be completed with a Flight Training Affiliate (FTA). 

Students with their ratings can receive credit for those qualifications and complete the remaining courses as outlined above.

Yes.  Students complete a transient request form to request to complete additional training outside of the online program.  Once approved, students can complete additional training at the flight school of their choosing.  Financial aid is not available for transient coursework.

ECSU awards credits based of the certificates/ratings held.  Once admitted, students should email a copy of the front and back of their certificates to aviation@ecsu.edu.

Students can expect the following credits based on the certificate or rating:

1. Private ASEL: FLT 110, FLT 117L, and FLT 118L - 7 credits
2. Instrument Airplane: FLT 320 and FLT 327L - 6 credits
3. Commercial ASEL: FLT 330 and FLT 331L, FLT 332L, and FLT 333L - 9 credits
4. Commercial AMEL: FLT 346L - 3 credits
5. CFI (ASE): FLT 426L - 3 credits
6. CFI (Instrument Airplane): FLT 435L - 2 credits
7. CFI (AME): FLT 445L - 2 credits

We partner with several airlines that offer their own versions of pre-hire programs. Once students meet the eligibility requirements, they can interview with our partner airlines. Successful candidates receive conditional job offers, which become official upon program completion and the accumulation of the required flight hours.

Most students still need to build additional flight time to meet Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) requirements. The majority of our graduates qualify for the Reduced ATP at 1,250 hours, while some qualify at 1,000 hours. Our program has a strong track record of success, particularly through hiring many of our Flight Instructors during their senior year, allowing them to complete their remaining flight hours and transition smoothly to the airlines.