Virginia Aviation Careers and Pathways

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 Pathways Flight Academies

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

Airport Flight Schools

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

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.