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Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight
The Professional Flight degree provides a solid foundation of aeronautical knowledge and piloting skills expected by professional aviation organizations and necessary for success in the aviation industry.
Auburn University is an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school. Flight operations are conducted at the Auburn University Regional Airport (KAUO), which is less than three miles from campus and easily accessible via the university’s Tiger Transit shuttle service.
This degree qualifies for the FAA Restricted Airline Transport (R-ATP) certification with as little as 1,000 hours of flying experience.
The Professional Flight degree qualifies the graduate for the eventual attainment of the FAA Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certification with as little as 1,000 hours of flying experience. Degree certifications and ratings include Private Pilot Certification, Instrument-Airplane Rating, Commercial Pilot Certification, and Multi-Engine Rating. Certificated Flight Instructor with Airplane Single-Engine rating (CFI), CFI with Instrument-Airplane rating (CFII), and CFI with Multi-Engine rating (MEI) courses are also available. Initial Commercial Pilot certification (AVMF 2261, AVMF 2271, and AVMF 4271) MUST be completed at Auburn. Ground and flight training for FAA Private Pilot and Instrument Rating-Airplane completed at another FAA-approved R-ATP Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) may be applied towards FAA R-ATP reduced hours eligibility. Students enrolled in flight training coursework at Auburn must register for and complete all current and subsequent AVMF courses at Auburn.
Professional Flight Degree Curriculum Model (AU Bulletin)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Professional Flight program is to develop highly desired professional pilots and thought leaders who will serve as a positive force in aviation and the world.
Program Educational Goals
Our goal is to:
- Develop professional pilots with exceptional knowledge, skills and values. Graduates will be highly educated, technically proficient, safety-oriented and business-minded.
- Develop professional pilots that advance global aviation. Graduates will have a global perspective and embrace diverse cultures and ideas. Graduates will recognize historical trends, current issues and emerging opportunities.
- Develop professional pilots that aspire to lead. Graduates will champion integrity, cultivate professional and personal growth opportunities, subscribe to a philosophy of lifelong learning, and lead by serving others.
Professional Flight, B.S. Degree Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Professional Flight B.S. program will:
- Conduct flight operations in a professional, safe and efficient manner.
- Describe historical trends, current issues and emerging opportunities in aviation.
- Apply effective oral and written communication skills to function effectively in the aviation environment.
- Articulate the value of integrity, lifelong learning and building diverse teams in serving and leading others.
- Possess the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to competently and ethically function as a professional pilot in the aviation industry.
Restricted Privileges ATP Certificate
The Professional Flight degree qualifies for the FAA Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certification with as little as 1,000 hours of flying experience. Ground and flight training for the commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating must be completed at Auburn to be R-ATP eligible. Graduates of the Professional Flight with at least 60 credit hours of FAA-approved coursework, per Auburn’s FAA R-ATP Letter of Authorization, will need a minimum of 1,000 hours total time to meet the requirements of FAR 61.160. Professional Flight graduates with less than 60 credit hours but at least 30 credits of FAA-approved coursework, per Auburn’s FAA R-ATP Letter of Authorization, will need a minimum of 1,250 hours total time to meet the requirements of FAR 61.160 for an R-ATP. To obtain your Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) Certifying Statement after graduation, you will need to provide a copy of your AU transcript, your pilot certificate number, and a mailing address to the Chief Flight Instructor for certifying statement processing and issuance. Note: Ground and flight training for FAA Private Pilot and Instrument Rating-Airplane completed at another FAA-approved Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) may apply to FAA R-ATP reduced hours eligibility.
Flight Fees
Flight lab courses have an associated flight fee established by the School of Aviation prior to the start of the academic year. Flight fees are allocated to cover aircraft, flight simulation, flight instructor, and FAA knowledge test fees. VA students are responsible for FAA certification test fees. Fuel prices are subject to change from term to term and any unexpected large changes in fuel prices may necessitate the addition of a fuel surcharge for all training airplane usage.
Flight course fee estimates are based on suggested lesson time allocations included in FAA-approved training course outlines for pilot/flight instructor certifications or ratings. The training hours and fees outlined in the Auburn University Bulletin are the minimum to complete a flight lab course. Because achieving FAA certification requires a demonstration of aeronautical knowledge and piloting proficiency, a student's actual course cost may vary and depend greatly on the student’s ability, knowledge, motivation, and the preparation and dedication expended toward acquiring certification goals. Students requiring additional instruction will incur additional flight lab fees. Making flight training a priority contributes to minimizing the need for additional training and incurring additional flight fees.
Because of the importance of continuity in flight training and in maintaining piloting proficiency, the AU School of Aviation recommends Professional Flight students train consecutively from the start of their first semester through each succeeding semester, including summer semesters. If interruption in semester attendance is unavoidable, it is vitally important students continue to maintain their aeronautical knowledge and pilot proficiency to FAA standards for the certification held during that period not in attendance.
Current flight fees can be viewed in the Auburn University Bulletin for the academic year.
Admission Procedures for Freshmen
Admission to the Professional Flight degree program is a two-step process. Students must: 1) apply and be admitted to Auburn University as a Pre-Professional Flight student before the Professional Flight secondary application deadline, and 2) submit the secondary application and be admitted to the Professional Flight degree program. The Auburn University Admissions Office determines eligibility for admission to the university. The secondary application will be evaluated on various academic, personal, and professional characteristics linked to success within the aviation industry.
Admission Procedures for External Transfer Students
Admission to the Professional Flight degree program is a two-step process. Students must: 1) apply and be admitted to Auburn University as a Pre-Professional Flight student before the Professional Flight secondary application deadline, and 2) submit the secondary application and be admitted to the Professional Flight degree program. The Auburn University Admissions Office determines eligibility for admission to the university. The secondary application will be evaluated on various academic, personal, and professional characteristics linked to success within the aviation industry.
Additionally, external transfer students must hold a Private Pilot Certificate at the time of application to be considered for enrollment and have a 2.7 transfer GPA.
Admission Procedures for Internal Transfer Students (Major Changes)
Current Auburn University students must apply and be admitted to the Professional Flight degree program through a secondary application. A link to the application will be made available by the College of Liberal Arts. The secondary application will be evaluated on various academic, personal, and professional characteristics linked to success within the aviation industry.
Additionally, internal transfer students must hold a Private Pilot Certificate at the time of application and have a 2.7 ungapped Auburn GPA to be considered for enrollment.
Admissions Deadlines and Notification for Professional Flight
Students desiring enrollment in Professional Flight must be admitted to Auburn University and complete the secondary application by the following dates:
Enrollment in Spring 2026: 2 September 2025
Enrollment in Fall 2026: 9 January 2026
New students may access the secondary application through the admission checklist via their student applicant portal and via a link sent to their email address. Internal transfer students will receive a link to the application from the College of Liberal Arts Advising Office. Students selected into Professional Flight will be notified by March 1 for Fall enrollment and November 1 of the previous year for Spring enrollment.
Additional Requirement for Professional Flight Students
FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate: The Professional Flight curriculum is designed for students seeking a career as an Airline Transport Pilot, and to earn and maintain this rating an aviator must have this medical status. If a student is unable to achieve this certificate, they should not incur the time and expense of all preliminary ratings. Students must submit their FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate (with no limitations except corrective lenses) at the time of application. Click here to find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Be sure you carefully proof all information on your student pilot certificate before leaving the physician’s office. Click here to learn more about the FAA’s medical requirements.
Advanced Credit for Pilot Certification
Per the Professional Flight curriculum model, students may earn advanced placement credit for pilot certification/rating upon evidence of the FAA pilot certificate/rating at enrollment. Evidence consists of the certificate and the knowledge and skills required to exercise the flight privileges associated with the certificate. To receive advance placement credit for pilot certification/rating earned elsewhere, students must pass a 25-question general knowledge written exam administered by their assigned flight instructor and pass a proficiency flight check to Auburn University’s End-Of-Course standard for the corresponding FAA certificate/rating. To be considered for advanced placement credit, incoming students must complete their certificates/ratings before matriculation into Auburn University. Note: Ground and flight training for FAA Private Pilot and Instrument Rating-Airplane completed at another FAA-approved Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) may be applied towards FAA R-ATP reduced hours eligibility.
Progression Standards for all Enrolled Professional Flight Students
Professional Flight students are expected to progress in the degree program within a reasonable amount of time. Progress is measured in terms of flight instruction lab completion, overall academic performance, and display of the moral character traits required in the FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. The School of Aviation Professional Flight Review Board (PFRB) will convene as required to review the performance of students not progressing as expected and determine appropriate corrective action and continued participation in the program.
Specific details on progression standards, including minimum GPA requirements, can be accessed in the Professional Flight section of the Auburn University Bulletin.
Orientation for Incoming Students
Camp War Eagle is Auburn's two-day orientation program for incoming freshmen. On the second day, you will attend a group advising session with School of Aviation staff to plan your fall semester schedule and sign up for classes.
All transfer students are required to attend Successfully Orienting Students (SOS), Auburn’s one-day orientation program for incoming transfer students. SOS emphasizes university services, meeting with academic advisors, small group discussions on college student life led by upper-class student leaders, and class registration.
Incoming Professional Flight students:
1. Must bring an original birth certificate (with the raised seal), a government-issued photo identification, or current passport to Camp War Eagle/SOS. The Transportation Security Administration requires pilot schools to keep a copy on file for every student pilot.
2. Must obtain a FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate before classes begin. Students will not be allowed to register for a flight block without a current medical certificate.
Note: An applicant to AU who is a non-U.S. citizen (including lawful permanent residents) must participate in the Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) and undergo a security threat assessment and receive approval from the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) when seeking flight training at AU leading to FAA private pilot, instrument-airplane rating, and multi-engine certification.
Student Life
Major coursework for the professional flight degree starts in the freshman year with ground school and flight education courses for the Private Pilot Certificate or the next certification or rating if the Private Pilot Certificate has already been attained.
In addition to flight courses, students take university core curriculum courses that promote the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, communication skills, and mathematical skills to prepare for the 21st-century workforce. Students should join a student organization such as Professional Pilots of Tomorrow, the War Eagle Flying Team, or Women in Aviation to connect with other students, alumni, and industry professionals.
Students complete additional pilot certificates and ratings in their sophomore and junior years and continue taking courses from the university’s core curriculum and an increasing number of aviation courses. Eligible students may apply to a pilot career development program. Students who fly during the summer semesters can accelerate their flight education and ratings.
As seniors, students continue to advance their flight education and ratings and work towards completing their academic coursework. Students pursue flight operations internships to build professional experience and networks as they begin the job interview process. They may consider running for an officer position in a student organization to develop leadership skills in the aviation environment. Students who have completed flight instructor certification are eligible to work as university-employed flight instructors. Graduate school is an option for those wishing to continue their education.
Equipment
Auburn’s flight training aircraft fleet comprises Garmin1000-equipped Cessna 172SP Skyhawks and Piper PA-44-180 Seminoles. Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) include Frasca flight simulators and a Flight Deck Solutions A320 Advanced Fixed-Based Procedure Trainer.
Accreditation
The Professional Flight degree is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), the organization responsible for academic accreditation of aviation and aerospace educational programs.
Comprehensive Assessment Plan
A comprehensive assessment plan is written and implemented by School of Aviation faculty and staff to meet requirements set forth by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and Auburn University. Download the Aviation Programs Comprehensive Assessment Plan.