By Ariyana Griffin
Special to the AFRO
Tuskegee University (TU) has announced $6.7 million in federal funding aimed at the launch of a new aviation degree program in the fall. The funding was sponsored by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.).
According to information released in a statement, the Tuskegee aviation degree program will grant students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation science on a pilot track. The program will begin with a cohort of 25 students and is expected to expand to over 200.
The aviation degree will consist of two components. Students must first understand the general education core and aviation science related courses in aerodynamics, aircraft structures, aircraft propulsion, performance stability and control as well as meteorology. They then will begin flight training where students will be able to take the appropriate FAA certification for private and commercial pilot certificates. Students will get the unique opportunity to earn their flight hours on Moton Field, the same area where the historic Tuskegee airmen flew.
The program is still awaiting approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A main goal of the degree program is to not only introduce aviation to a new generation of students but to also help aid the shortage of pilots which is expected to increase.
“This program is important because at Tuskegee the history of the Airmen shows that learning trades and skills is fundamental in building a self-sufficient lifestyle,” said Angelo Burrell, a junior at TU. “I believe this flight school will open doors and opportunities that minorities never had. I personally do not know any pilots back home in Los Angeles so to be able to participate in this and show my community they can do it too is everything.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “about 16,800 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.” Commercial pilots are mandated to retire at 65 years old.
“The most exciting part is the opportunity to train our students to become pilots,” said S. Keith Hargrove, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for TU. “In the tradition of Gen. Chappie James and the Tuskegee Airmen, we will continue the tradition of excellence in Aviation.”
Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Jr. served as a fighter pilot during his time in the United States Air Force. In 1975 he made history by becoming the first African American to reach the rank of four-star general in the Air Force.
“We look forward to starting the program this fall after our proposal to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, our accrediting body, is reviewed,” said University President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris. “This program will create opportunities for young aviators who dream of spending their lives soaring through the skies – here and around the world. I think Gen. Chappie James and Capt. Alfred Anderson would both be proud.”
Charles Alfred Anderson Sr. is credited to be the father of Black Aviation, he was also the chief flight instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen.
“The most exciting part is the opportunity to train our students to become pilots,” said Hargrove. “In the tradition of General Chappie James and the Tuskegee Airmen, we will continue the tradition of excellence in aviation.”
