JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville State University’s new aviation program has received an FAA Air Agency Certificate. The approval authorizes the university to operate an approved provisional pilot school.

The FAA issued the certificate Aug. 17. It carries ratings for Commercial Pilot Ground School and Instrument Ground School courses.

Federal aviation representatives later presented the certificate during a ceremony at Merrill Hall. Jax State said the authorization confirms its organization meets federal regulations governing the establishment of an air agency.

Certificate Arrives as First Students Begin Classes

The milestone comes as Jax State welcomes its first group of aviation students. The university is also accepting applications for its Commercial Aviation concentration.

Jax State President Don C. Killingsworth Jr. called the certificate an important step in bringing the program to life. He said the first aviation students are now in the classroom.

Jessica Sanders Walker, president of Sanders Aviation and Sanders Flight Training Center, said the partnership has also moved into the air. According to Walker, the first Jax State student has already begun flying.

Program Offers Three Aviation Concentrations

Jax State launched its Bachelor of Science in Aviation this fall. The degree offers concentrations in Aviation Management, Commercial Aviation, and Public Safety Aviation.

The Commercial Aviation concentration combines university coursework with professional flight training at Sanders Flight Training Center in Jasper. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education approved Sanders as an off-campus instructional site earlier this summer.

Jax State’s new certificate covers the approved ground-school courses. Sanders Flight Training Center provides the program’s FAA Part 141 flight instruction.

The FAA says Part 141 schools must use structured training programs and syllabuses. Those schools also require dedicated facilities, instructor oversight, and FAA-approved course curricula.

Through the partnership, students can complete required flight training and pursue pilot certifications while earning a four-year degree. Jax State has said Commercial Aviation graduates should finish with about 300 flight hours and the ratings needed to enter the profession.

Students interested in Commercial Aviation must first gain admission to Jax State before completing a secondary program application. Additional admission and flight-training information is available through the Jax State aviation program.

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