ASU announces liftoff of helicopter pilot degree track
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Angelo State University students can learn to take to the skies in a new way after the college announced that a new helicopter pilot degree track has been added to its Bachelor of Commercial Aviation program.
According to ASU, students can now train to become helicopter pilots through a new Flight Operations – Helicopter degree track offered through the BCA program, which is now accepting students into the new track for the upcoming fall semester.
ASU stated that the track was added to complement the existing Flight Operations program and offer another option for students interested in aviation careers. Potential career paths for graduates include EMS pilot, law enforcement, search and rescue and helicopter flight instructor.
Students in the helicopter pilot track will take the same classroom courses as the flight operations – fixed wing track students and undergo their flight training in three Schweizer helicopters recently added to the ASU/Skyline Aviation fleet of aircraft.
ASU showcases new aviation training facility
With the inclusion of the helicopter pilot track, the BCA program now has four options for students interested in pursuing a career in the aviation industry to pursue:
Flight Operations – Helicopter (pilot)
Flight Operations – Fixed Wing (airplane pilot)
Aviation Administration
Air Traffic Operations
'Very few universities nationwide offer fixed-wing and helicopter training under one program, and even fewer pair that with air traffic control and aviation administration,' Dr. Scott Turner, BCA program director, said. 'This addition sets us apart and offers students a truly comprehensive aviation education that aligns with the growing industry demands.'
The announcement of the new flight operations – helicopter degree track comes just a week after the official opening of the new ASU Aviation Training Facility at San Angelo Regional Airport – Mathis Field. By adding the new track and aircraft to the BCA program, ASU will further expand its contributions to the aviation sector.
'The launch of our helicopter flight training track marks a significant milestone not just for ASU, but for aviation education in Texas,' Turner said.
ASU enrolled its first students in the BCA program in the fall of 2021 and produced its first graduates in spring 2024, a year ahead of schedule. The program produced 10 more graduates in fall 2024 and 19 more this spring.
There are already 80 new students enrolled for this coming fall semester, which will bring the total number of students in the program to around 250. The ASU/Skyline Aviation fleet of aircraft has expanded from the initial two Diamond airplanes to 27 Diamond airplanes and three Schweizer helicopters.
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