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1220 Douglas Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-7482
admissions@siu.edu
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Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Flight
You’ll earn an Associate in Applied Science degree, and be well on your way to a career as a professional pilot. Most students begin flying their first semester. Appropriately qualified students may also work as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in the program.
Flight instruction is conducted at the Southern Illinois Airport, adjacent to our Transportation Education Center. Our courses are Federal Aviation Administration-approved, and FAA-designated check pilots monitor your performance as you progress through your flight courses. Your theory courses complement your flight courses.
The mission of SIU’s Aviation Flight Program is to provide comprehensive flight education to prepare professional pilots to meet the current and future demands of the aviation industry. Our program is proud to be AABI Accredited.
Associate of Applied Science
The undergraduate major can be accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Flight Degree.
- Total degree requirements: 60 credit hours
- University core curriculum: 15 credit hours
- Aviation Flight Courses: 24 credit hours
- Aviation Flight Technical Courses: 21 credit hours
Check out the A.A.S. Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for both years. View all related undergraduate courses.
Application:
The Aviation Flight and Aviation Management programs are currently accepting applications for students interested in attending SIU in Fall 2025.
Two-Plus-Two program with Aviation Management
You can complete your Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Flight in two academic years plus one summer at SIU, or in cooperation with a community college or extra-instructional education. However, to earn the SIU degree, you must complete 21 semester hours of aviation flight at SIU. Other options may be available for those already holding a Private Pilot certificate.
Most of our flight graduates also earn a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management at SIU. The “Two-Plus-Two” curriculum sets you on course to complete both degrees in four years.
This combination sets you up for internship opportunities with such companies as United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and others.
Transfer Program
Aviation Management accepts transfer credits from colleges, universities, and community colleges from around the nation in order to facilitate the transfer of aviation students to SIU. The course transfer agreements take full advantage of the Capstone Option for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management.
Facilities
The Transportation Education Center (TEC) officially opened in the Fall of 2012 at the Southern Illinois Airport, which ranks as one of the busiest airports in Illinois. As a full-service facility, the airport provides three lighted all-weather runways and an array of aircraft and pilot services. The TEC 185,000-square-foot structure houses the Aviation and Automotive Departments.
Safety Management System
The Aviation Management and Flight programs recognize that an effective Safety Management System (SMS) is vital to the success and longevity of the Aviation Flight Program. Therefore, we are committed to the implementation and maintenance of a fully functional SMS and to the continuous improvement of the SMS throughout the airport and flight training environment. This will help create a strong safety culture and enable all employees, students, and guests to operate in a safe environment.
Flying Salukis
Add your name to our championship legacy! Our Flying Salukis have won nine national titles over the years, and consistently finish in the top three teams regionally.
Student Organizations
Expand your thinking and indulge your interests by joining some of the many student clubs and organizations at SIU. You'll meet diverse groups and develop leadership skills within an environment of your peers.
Fleet
With tremendous facilities and instructors, we offer top-notch flight training with the feel of a small school. Our students have access to a modern fleet composed primarily of Cessna aircraft, including 152s, 172s, and 310Rs. In 2018, we added three Piper Arrows to the fleet to support advanced training in the flight program and allow students to transition into more complex aircraft as their training progresses.
Flight Simulation
While going through the Aviation Flight courses, students also train on our FAA-approved flight training devices (FTDs). Our facilities are equipped with multiple FTDs and other simulation devices that all vary in purpose.
Contact Information
To learn more about the program or request information, contact:
Steve Goetz
Chief Flight Instructor
Trans Educ Center (TEC) 286 Q
545 N. Airport Rd.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: 618-453-9247
sgoetz@siu.edu
Academic Advisor
Trans Educ Center (TEC) 126 C
545 N. Airport Rd.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: 618-453-8898
reception@aviation.siu.edu
Scholarships and Funding
At SIU, we’ve made it part of our mission to remove obstacles standing between people and discovery. Through scholarships, grants, and/or loans, we put your college experience within reach.