Not long ago, we wrote about the pilot shortage problem and the opportunities available in the aviation industry. In our home state of Mississippi, Delta State University is tackling the pilot shortage problem with its commercial aviation program. The university offers Mississippi’s state university system’s only undergraduate and graduate aviation program. They recently received funds from FedEx Express’s Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship Program which will award $500,000 over five years to the university.
Students can earn Commercial Aviation degrees in Flight Operations and Aviation Management as well as a Master of Commercial Aviation. Students who complete the program land jobs with airlines, aircraft manufacturing, airport management, air traffic control, military aviation, and logistics.
For students who wish to begin their studies at a community college, Hinds Community College offers a Commercial Aviation program that includes a 2-year Associates of Arts degree and a private pilot license. The credits may be transferred to Delta State (or another 4-year university) for a Bachelor’s degree and advanced pilot ratings.
We were excited when Delta State University contacted us about purchasing a refueler. We love working with organizations that are equipping new pilots for aviation careers. It’s especially rewarding to work with these programs in our home state. Earlier this month, we delivered the new refueler to their campus. Their students fly five days a week if the weather allows, and this refueler will help them keep clean, clear fuel in their planes.
Enjoy this first look at the beauty we delivered to the Fighting Okra!
