Welcome aboard! Thank you for taking the time to tour our Web pages and learn more about the Department of Aerospace Technology at Indiana State University. Perhaps you are an aspiring airline captain, the next Top Gun candidate, interested in an exciting career as an air traffic controller, airport manager or even as an air carrier manager. Many military pilots and officers, air traffic controllers, airport managers, as well as air carrier captains working around the globe began their journey by roaming these halls.
Whatever your aviation dream. I hope these Web pages begin to provide you the sense that here you matter as a student, now as you consider our different programs, and extends past graduation into your career.
We are proud that most of our entering students graduate. Considering only about 45 percent of the college students that begin college degree graduate nationally, this is very good bit of information to know as you begin your search. But don’t think this program is lightweight. It is not. Indeed, compare our standards for graduation to other university aviation programs. Here you will be engaged in the process of becoming a professional aviation expert the day you arrive. The standards are high. Be prepared to get excited about learning and gaining the “hands-on” experience that will make you that professional and a desired employee in the marketplace.
Professional Pilot Program
Requirements. As a pilot, our “hands-on” standards are much higher than most, if not all, other university aviation programs. You will obtain all ratings up through Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and multi-engine (ME) ratings as well as signoffs for aerobatic flight and tail-wheel. As you consider different university training programs compare actual requirements, not just options. Many programs have options for some inspired and select students. We have a single standard for all flight students. In addition to the basic flight certification requirements, you can experience ocean flying (we spent our Spring break in the Bahamas flying), mountain flying, multi-engine instructor, float plane rating, and receive your glider rating. In the job market, all these ratings and experiences translate into a better quality graduate and a preferred applicant.
By the way, as you compare schools, ask the program when you should expect to begin flying. When you arrive here with your first-class flight physical complete, after you take the flight school tour and get signed off, you are ready to fly, expect to be airborne within two weeks. As a demonstration of our unique approach to flight training, after the students visit the flight schools and meet with the various flight instructors, the department allows the student to select which flight school and flight instructor they will utilize. In addition, should the student later change their preference, they are permitted to switch flight schools as they feel necessary. This approach allows the students to take charge and makes them responsible for their progress and gives them ownership in their success. We like to see students fly at least three times a week.
Cost Effective. Despite all that “hands-on” experience you’ll be getting, the cost is not only competitive but among the best aviation values in America. We provide an honest, no-hidden-cost estimate of expenses associated with the flight program. Professional flight training is never cheap and unexpected events can slow or advance training but the estimate we provide assumes the student is flying the most expensive airplane and the estimate quotes total hours based upon national averages. This results in an estimate that is not likely to be exceeded. Even with this process we believe we are the most cost effective flight training program in the nation. And remember, the total number of flight certifications students receive as part of their graduation requirements is much higher at ISU as compared to the vast majority of other programs. For less money the student is receiving more ratings. Because this department receives no profit from our flight program, we are only interested in helping to produce a high-quality flight student.
Flight Instructor. One more important bit of information for the student to consider provided the student does their part and obtains their ratings and flight time; they will likely be hired as a flight instructor, simulator instructor, or both while a student of the department. It is not common to work as a flight instructor while still a student at universities. But here the students are treated as professionals and provided opportunities to expand their experiences - academic, social and professional. The advantage of this policy is that it allows a student to build flight hours that will aid them in getting their first airline job. Many flight schools require the student to graduate before providing flight instruction. Our policy enables students to build flight time at an accelerated pace as compared to other programs. Most flight instructors graduate and leave with 800 to 1000 flight hours, some with many more. While still a student in our program, after earning instructor ratings, it is not uncommon for student instructors to accumulate between 300 to 500 hours each year. Most airlines require around 1000 total time hours and 200 multi-engine hours. Because our students start earning hours early they tend to exceed airline requirements within a couple of years of working as flight instructors. Since ISU allows early instruction time, most students easily qualify for the airlines before they leave ISU. Thus, we expect the first employment position after graduation is to directly the airlines or flight corporations.
Program Fees. Our program does have several small program fees that are levied as part of the seminar labs. All students participate in the flight program on a co-operative basis and are assessed a $300 seminar fee for each seminar lab. This fee enables the department to better oversee the flight program, purchase lab equipment as needed, and pay the instructor salaries. While this fee is an additional charge to tuition, it allows the students to utilize state-of-the-art flight simulators and laboratory equipment that reduces the student flight time by up to fifty flight hours, resulting in a substantial savings for the total cost of flight training. These fees are assessed as part of the normal registration process as students register for the required seminars. These fees are already included into the cost estimate of flight training at ISU and eligible for financial aid.
Simulator Training. We have state-of-the art flight simulators. The department has long had a policy of not charging for the use of the simulators and we expect to continue that into the future. A prospective student or parent needs to ask about the cost of simulator training. When asking about simulator fees, you’ll need your checkbook. By utilizing the simulators, students gain the “hands-on” experience needed to pass an employment screening and in addition save at least $7,000 in flight training costs. In addition to our primary trainer simulators, we have complex airline simulators that not only add value to the program but also increase the aircraft systems knowledge of our students.
Previous Flight Experience. If you, the prospective student, have previous experience or flight ratings, those flight hours and flight ratings are FULLY transferred to ISU. This is a very substantial policy that allows our program to standout from others. Most programs in the country do not accept prior flight hours or ratings. When a student arrives here and provides copies of their flight ratings they are placed in advanced courses and are awarded credit based upon those ratings. This policy results in additional and substantial savings for those students who have some level of previous flight training. That stated we do require students attend some or all of our ground school classes. This is an effort to ensure the foundational training is the same for all students regardless of advance placement due to previous flight training or transfer status. For example, if a student already has a instrument certificate, the student will advance straight to his commercial flight training but will have to sit though instrument ground course to verify the students competency at that level.
Flight Training outside of ISU. Once accepted and program training has began at ISU, no student is allowed to conduct flight training at any other location, except for specific pre-approved ratings (float plane, glider, mountain). This is a hard requirement driven by University insurance issues. If any flight hours are conducted in non-ISU flight school aircraft, those hours and ratings are deemed not qualified toward an ISU degree and must be repeated. This requirement is not negotiable. This policy extends to flight time toward a flight rating over the summer months or other school breaks. The student can avoid problems in this area by utilizing only ISU approved flight schools. Finally, the parent should also be aware that this department carries accident insurance on the student with substantial additional coverage required by our flight schools. Thus, the family does not need to carry flight insurance on the student.
Aerospace Administration Program
As an aerospace administration management student, psyche yourself up for high standards and expect to learn from the best. I hear those kinds of promises often around university programs, but we deliver. We hire folks with real “got their hands dirty” industry experience. Our management staff has direct management experience as air traffic controllers, airport managers, aircraft dispatchers, weather forecasters, regulators, aircraft maintainers and air carrier managers. Our professors were experts in their fields before we ever hired them and keep their currency by staying engaged with their professions.
The aerospace administration degree will prepare you for a career in any career field. It just so happens that it does a great job of preparing you to certification standards while still at the university. For example, should you wish to pursue an airport manager career, you’ll have the opportunity to complete the certification needed in the field from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). We are one of only a few universities in the nation providing this advanced training and our instructors were the first to provide such training from AAAE. We are on the leading edge of environmental management with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also. We have the only grant in the nation with EPA/AAAE for airport management related to environmental issues. As a student, you’ll be engaged in “doing” what other will read about later.
Financial Aid
We think every student should consider financial aid, regardless of parent support. This is because students can complete any program with a steady stream of financial support. You can obtain assistance through the Office of Financial Aid with “Stafford,” “Parent Plus,” or “alternative loans” that can cover the major costs associated with tuition and fees, including the cost of flight training. The estimated flight training fees are listed on the department web pages under Programs. Be certain to file that FAFSA form each year by the first of March.
Start here for more information on financial aid: http://www.indstate.edu/finaid/
Go www.salliemae.com for more information about flight training fees that are eligible for student loans (Parent Plus and Alternative loans included).
You may also check with your local banking institution or call the ISU Financial Aid office at 812-237-2215 for more information.
Admission
The department does not have specific additional SAT/ACT score requirements. If the student gets accepted to ISU, then the student can expect unconditional acceptance into the department. If you would like to receive a paper application, please call the department and we will be happy to mail an application.
Start here to complete an online admissions application: http://www.indstate.edu/join_us/admissions.htm
Housing
All department freshmen are eligible to reside in Burford Hall. Burford Hall is the designated Department of Aerospace Technology dorm for the university. Thus, all students selecting to reside at Burford Hall live together (co-ed based upon separate floors). This concept has proven very popular by the students. When applying for university housing, parents should select “Aerospace Theme” on the housing application. All other students may choose to live in any of the other dorms on campus or live in the community. All students, including freshman, may bring a vehicle to campus. Important: to ensure selection for the Aerospace Theme dorm., housing application must be received by July 15th each year. There is a parking fee that is paid directly to Public Safety office for the parking privilege.
Start here to learn more about ISU Residential Life: http://www.indstate.edu/reslife/
Special State of Indiana Program
If the prospective student is a resident of the State of Indiana and a child of a disabled veteran, disabled State Trooper, or have a parent that was killed in the line of duty as a police officer or fire fighter, you will likely qualify for complete tuition and flight training free of charge. This department was instrumental in the development of these State standards and proudly, without hesitation, supports the family members of these important professions. You may call the department or go to the following website for more information: www.in.gov/ssaci/programs/cvo.html
Security
Finally, based upon directives provided by the Transportation Security Administration, the department now requires ALL students to obtain a current and valid passport. To document the citizenship status of our students; a copy of the identification is retained by the department. U.S. citizen flight students must have at least a copy of their birth certificate on file with the department and flight school prior to beginning flight training. Administration students need only provide a copy of their passport while flight students will need a copy of their birth certificate and passport prior to beginning flight training. Students (or parents) can start the process of obtaining a passport by visiting their local post office or courthouse. The department can assist the students (and parents) in answering questions about the application process as needed.
Go here to find information about obtaining or renewing a passport:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/
Other Opportunities
Many department students participate in Air Force, Army ROTC and Indiana National Guard programs. These outstanding programs offer various opportunities to reduce the students cost of attendance at ISU.
Go here to find information about Air Force ROTC: http://www.indstate.edu/afrotc/
Go here to find information about Army ROTC: http://www.rose-hulman.edu/AROTC/
Go here to find information about Indiana National Guard: http://www.inarng.org/
Please call the department for information we can send direct to you or should you have any additional specific questions you’d like answered please feel free to call the department at (800)- 833- 5325. I’d like to invite you to visit the ISU campus to see first hand the quality of facilities, faculty, and programs of the department. We try our best to be available for visits when your schedule will allow. When you come to campus to visit we’ll have a chance to chat and answer your many questions in person.
Warm regards,
Greg Schwab
Chair
Indiana State University reserves the right to modify information on this web page. The right to correct errors is also reserved.
Last updated 19 October 07