Aviation Careers
The aviation industry is an integral part of the U.S. economy. Boeing’s 2022 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects 602,000 new pilots and 610,000 new technicians needed to fly and maintain the global commercial aviation fleet during the next 20 years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational, Outlook Commercial Pilots earn an average of $134,630 per year and about 18,100 openings for commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians earn an average of $65,550 per year and about 13,100 openings are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
Virginia Aviation Pre-College Opportunities
Virginia Space Grant Consortium Pilot Pathways Program
Virginia Aviation Education Programs
Averett University
Pilot
https://www.averett.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/undergraduate/aeronautics
- 420 West Main St., Danville, VA 24541 (434) 791-5600
- ~120 credit hours
- ~$90,000
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Management with two concentration options: Aviation Business or Flight Operations
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Aviation Maintenance Technician
https://aviationmaintenance.edu/
- 10640 Davidson Place, Manassas, Virginia 20109, (703) 257-5515
- 2329 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23518 (757) 363-2044
- 78-100 credit hours
- $31,840-$59,595
- Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Associate’s of Occupational Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology
Blue Ridge Community College
Aviation Maintenance Technician/Pilot
https://www.brcc.edu/academics/programs/aviation
- One College Lane, Weyers Cave, Virginia 24486, (540) 234-9261
- 40 credit hours
- $7,000-$8,000
- Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree, Airframe Maintenance Certificate, Powerplant Maintenance Certificate, Light Sport Aircraft Mechanic Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Pilot
Hampton University
Pilot
https://home.hamptonu.edu/engineering/aviation
- School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation,Franklin W. Olin Engineering Building, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23668 (757) 728-6970
- ~120 hours
- ~$43,000
- Bachelor of Science Aviation Management – Air Traffic Control, Bachelor of Science Aviation Management – Airport Administration, Aviation Minor
Liberty University
Aviation Maintenance Technician/Pilot
https://www.liberty.edu/aeronautics/
- 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24515, (434) 582-2000
- 45-125 credit hours
- ~$30,000
- Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification – FAA A&P Certificate Program, A.A. in Aviation Maintenance Technology, B.S. in Aviation Maintenance: Management, B.S. in Aviation Maintenance: Unmanned Aerial Systems, B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Management (online degree), B.S. in Aviation Technology: Flight and Maintenance
University of the District of Columbia
Aviation Maintenance Technician
https://www.udc.edu/cc/programs-majors/aviation-maintenance-technology-aas
- Reagan National Airport, Hangar #2
2801 Thomas Avenue, Hangar #2
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Washington, DC 20001 (202) 274-5000 - 48-78 credit hours
- $36,000-$58,500
- Aircraft Mechanic’s Certification, Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate’s Degree
Pilot
https://doav.virginia.gov/resources/airports/flight-schools
- 30 locations at regional airports across the state
- 2-3 years
- $8,000-$20,000
- Private Pilots License, Instrument Rating, Commercial
- Certificate, Airline Transport Certificate
Aviation Scholarships
Aviation Scholarships
Charles J. Colgan Aviation & Aerospace Scholarship
- The annual Charles J. Colgan Aviation & Aerospace Scholarship, in the amount of $2,000, is awarded to a well deserving Virginia resident High School, Technical School Senior or College/University Undergraduate who is pursuing an aviation related career at an accredited institution located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Willard G. Plentl Sr. Aviation Scholarship Program
- The Willard G. Plentl Sr. Aviation Scholarship is awarded in the amount of $2,500 to a Virginia High School senior who is planning an aviation career in a non-engineering area.
John R. Lillard VAOC Scholarship Program
- The John R. Lillard Foundation Aviation Scholarship is awarded to a Virginia high school senior having at least a 3.50 unweighted GPA, are planning a career in the field of aviation, and must be enrolled or accepted into an aviation-related program at an accredited college.
Kenneth R. Scott VAOC Scholarship Program
- The Kenneth R. Scott Aviation Scholarship is awarded to a Virginia high school senior having at least a 3.50 unweighted GPA, are planning a career in the field of aviation, and must be enrolled or accepted into an aviation-related program at an accredited college.
Chad Weaver Aviation Scholarship Program
- The Chad Weaver Aviation scholarship offers residents $800 to complete ground school, take flight lessons, or do both!
Scholarships are available to those
seeking their private pilot’s license
or their certified flight instructor’s
endorsement at any Virginia flight
school.
Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships
Each year the Ninety-Nines award Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships to qualified members for five different scholarship types, including two specialized scholarships: an Emergency Maneuver Training Scholarship and an International Scholarship for pilots in developing countries.
Aviation Organizations
Aviation Organizations
Ninety-Nines
Latino Pilots Association
Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Virginia Aviation Business Association
Professional Pilots Association
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
Experimental Aircraft Association
National Association of Flight Instructors
Air Line Pilots Association
Aircraft Electronics Association