Virginia Space Grant Consortium

Virginia Aviation Pathways

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 $148,900 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 $70,7400 per year and about 13,100 openings are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Choose Your Career Path

Pilot

Pilot Careers Infographic

Maintenance Technician

Maintenance Technician Infographic

Pre-College Aviation Opportunities
College and University Aviation Programs
Airport Flight Schools
Aviation Scholarships
Aviation Organizations
Other Resources
Pre-College Aviation Opportunities

Virginia Space Grant Consortium Pathways Flight Academies

Virginia Space Grant Consortium GeoTEd-UAS

Dynamic Aviation’s NEXTGEN Aviators

Civil Air Patrol

Denbigh Aviation Academy

College and University Aviation Programs

Averett University

420 West Main St., Danville, VA 24541 (434) 791-5600

Pilot
~120 credit hours
~$90,000
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Management with two concentration options: Aviation Business or Flight Operations
FAA Certified Part 141 Flight School

Aviation Institute of Maintenance

10640 Davidson Place, Manassas, Virginia 20109, (703) 257-5515
2329 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23518 (757) 363-2044

Aviation Maintenance Technician
~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

One College Lane, Weyers Cave, Virginia 24486, (540) 234-9261

Aviation Maintenance Technician, Pilot

~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

School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation, Franklin W. Olin Engineering Building, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23668 (757) 728-6970

Pilot

~120 hours
~$43,000
Bachelor of Science Aviation Management – Air Traffic Control, Bachelor of Science Aviation Management – Airport Administration, Aviation Minor

Liberty University

1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24515, (434) 582-2000

Aviation Maintenance Technician, Pilot

~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

Reagan National Airport, Hangar #2
2801 Thomas Avenue, Hangar #2
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Washington, DC 20001 (202) 274-5000

Aviation Maintenance Technician

~48-78 credit hours
~$36,000-$58,500
Aircraft Mechanic’s Certification, Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate’s Degree

Airport Cooperative Research Program

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium manages two national higher education programs for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). ACRP is an industry-driven, applied research program that develops near-term, practical solutions to airport challenges. ACRP is authorized by Congress, sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration, and managed by the Transportation Research Board.

The University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs challenges individuals and teams of undergraduate and/or graduate students working with faculty advisors at U.S. colleges and universities to consider innovative approaches related to airport issues. Students can win cash prizes for their winning innovative design solutions. First-place winners present their work at a national award ceremony and at a relevant national conference. Full details are provided in the Competition guidelines.

The Graduate Research Award program funds applied research undertaken by graduate students on airport and related aviation system issues. Awardees receive a $12,000 stipend, access to a panel of expert advisors in the chosen research area, an opportunity to present at the TRB Annual Meeting following the completion of their research paper, and the potential to publish that paper in the Transportation Research Record.

Airport Flight Schools

Choosing a Flight School

Pilot training is available on-site at most airports, either through an FAA-certificated (approved) pilot school (FAR Part 141) or through other training providers (FAR Part 61). An approved school may be able to provide a greater variety of training aids, dedicated facilities, and more flexibility in scheduling. Some colleges and universities also provide pilot training as a part of their curricula.

Enrollment in an FAA-approved pilot school usually ensures a high quality of training. Approved schools must meet prescribed standards for equipment, facilities, personnel, and curricula. However, individual flight instructors and training companies that are not certificated by the FAA as “pilot schools” may also offer high-quality training, but find it impractical to qualify for FAA certification.

Another difference between training provided by FAA-approved pilot schools and other providers is that fewer flight hours are required to be eligible for a pilot certificate when the training is received through an approved school. The flight hour requirement for a private pilot certificate is normally 40 hours but may be reduced to 35 hours when training with an approved school. However, since most people require 60 to 75 hours of training, this difference may be insignificant.

Accredited Virginia Flight Schools

The Virginia Department of Aviation maintains a list of accredited Virginia flight schools. You can also use the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Flight School Finder to search for Virginia Flight Schools and learn more about what each school has to offer.

There are 30 locations at regional airports across the Commonwealth where you can obtain a Private Pilots License:
~$8,000-$15,000
~Several months to 1 year

Advanced ratings and certificates take additional time and tuition at flight schools or college/university aviation programs.

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.

Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program

Through the volunteer efforts of retired military aviators, as well as active commercial and recreational pilots, WASP is able to offer local high school teens the highest level of expertise and instruction in aviation. From retired F-22 and F-16 pilots to current legacy airline pilots, the level of instruction is unrivaled.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

National Business Aviation Assocation

Regional Airline Association

Experimental Aircraft Association

Air Traffic Control Association

National Aviation Explorer

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

Gay Pilots Association

Leroy W. Homer Jr. Scholarship

Tidewater Soaring Foundation

Aviation Organizations

Women in Aviation