Texarkana College is now offering an Aviation Flight Training Program that prepares students to earn FAA-approved Private Pilot Licenses, officials announced at the February 2 Board of Trustees meeting.
Brandon Washington, Vice President of Campus Operations and Dean of Workforce, presented details of the new program to the board.
“Through hands-on instruction and expert faculty, we are building a strong foundation for pilot certification and opening the door to future aviation opportunities right here in Texarkana,” Washington said. “This program represents an exciting advancement for our region and for those aspiring to become private pilots.”
The program is offered as a non-credit Career & Technical Training course combining classroom instruction, simulator sessions, and in-air flight training with certified instructors. Students learn aircraft operation, navigation, weather analysis, radio communication, and aviation safety.
Upon completion and meeting all Federal Aviation Administration requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from Texarkana College and a Private Pilot License from the FAA.
The full-time program runs one semester (16 weeks) with daytime classes and scheduled flight training. While the FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for certification, most students complete between 60 and 75 hours to prepare for the FAA checkride. All flight instruction occurs at the Texarkana College Aviation Hangar at Texarkana Regional Airport.
Tuition is student-funded and not currently eligible for federal financial aid or scholarships.
For more information, visit texarkanacollege.edu/programs/private-pilot-license or contact Kadie Allen, Coordinator of Career & Technical Training, at 903-823-3015 or kadie.allen@texarkanacollege.edu.