While Kentucky’s aviation industry is often the unsung hero when it comes to the economic output for the state, it does offer a diverse array of collegiate programs that cater to aspiring professionals in areas such as piloting, drone operations, aerospace engineering, and aircraft maintenance. While far from exhaustive, the following programs are worthy of highlighting, having been designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in our dynamic aerospace industry.
Eastern Kentucky University
School of Aviation
Located in Richmond, EKU’s School of Aviation stands out as the state’s sole FAA-approved university flight program. Established in 1983, the program boasts a 100% job placement rate for its graduates. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in aviation with concentrations in:
- Professional Flight: Comprehensive pilot training leading to commercial certification.
- Aerospace Management: Focus on the business and operational aspects of aviation.
- Aerospace Technology: Emphasis on aircraft systems and emerging technologies.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Training in drone operations and applications.
Courses along the collegiate career integrate courses in mathematics, physics, statistics, and business management, providing a well-rounded educational experience for students.
Kentucky Community and Technical
College System (KCTCS)
KCTCS offers accessible and affordable aviation programs across the state, including:
Madisonville Community College
MCC provides a fixed-wing flight training program at the Muhlenberg County Airport in Greenville. The program includes hands-on flight instruction and classroom education, preparing students for careers as professional pilots.
Somerset Community College
Also a part of the KCTCS network, Somerset Community College has a longstanding history in aviation maintenance education. Their collegiate program offers courses that train students in aircraft systems, diagnostics, and repair, all while helping meet the growing needs of our state’s aviation maintenance industry.
Unmanned Systems Technology (UST)
KCTCS also offers an Associate in Applied Science in Unmanned Systems Technology, preparing students for careers in drone operations across various industries. Certificates include:
- Basic Drone Operator
- Drone Operator Specialist
- First Responder Specialist
- GIS/Unmanned Systems Specialist
- Remote Drone Pilot
Simmons College of Kentucky
Aviation Management Program
Simmons College of Kentucky is expanding its aviation education offerings through a new Aviation Management Program. Located in Louisville, this initiative aims to prepare students for diverse careers in the aviation industry by providing hands-on training in areas such as flight simulation, air traffic control coordination, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology. Being developed in collaboration with Equus Flight Academy, you can find additional news and developments concerning their program online.
University of Kentucky
Aerospace Engineering
The University of Kentucky offers the Commonwealth’s only ABET-accredited undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering. Housed within the Pigman College of Engineering, this program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missile systems.
Core courses include topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft and spacecraft structures, propulsion systems, and flight dynamics. Hands-on projects provide additional levels of learning, simulating real-world aerospace engineering challenges, such as designing a functioning UAV or satellite system. The program has also been known to compete in national competitions like NASA’s Student Launch and AIAA Design/Build/Fly.
Through the NASA Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and the Unmanned Systems Research Consortium, students have the ability to work alongside faculty on cutting-edge aerospace research, with connections to major aerospace employers including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as regional employers through Kentucky’s growing aerospace sector.
Kentucky’s commitment to aviation education is evident through its diverse programs and institutions dedicated to training the next generation of aerospace individuals. Whether you’re aspiring to pilot aircraft, operate drones, engineer aerospace systems, or help maintain aircraft, our state offers numerous pathways to achieve your career goals in the aviation industry.