Liberty University Offers "Jump-Start Your Aviation Career" Opportunity for High School Students

Liberty University

By Carmelo Turdo

of Lynchburg, VA offers realistic opportunities for today's youth to train for careers in aviation.  In a recent feature story, The Aero Experience introduced Liberty University to our readers during their Cessna Top Hawk tour visit to Air Associates of Missouri in July.   

Liberty University is a partner school for the Cessna Top Hawk Flight Training Affiliate program, offering online aeronautical degree programs and flight training opportunities at Cessna Pilot Training Centers, including Air Associates of Missouri.  Liberty University also encourages high school students to participate in the Flight Training Affiliate Program and earn credits toward their aeronautics degree through the EDGE Dual Enrollment Program.  This video from Liberty University explains the high school dual enrollment program concisely.



CFI Jonny Hewitt with the Liberty

University Cessna Top Hawk aircraft

High school students can conceivably earn their private pilot certificate and an associate degree (or half-way to a bachelor degree) before entering college.  Progress toward the aeronautical degree and higher-level pilot ratings can continue through the remaining undergraduate education courses, resulting in early entry into a career with regional airlines that actively recruit Liberty University graduates.  The student does not have to attend the physical campus to participate in these programs.  Liberty University also encourages military veterans to enroll using their GI Bill benefits and the university's Yellow Ribbon financial aid program.

Visit Liberty University's School of Aeronautics and related online resources for more information about these opportunities.

Liberty University Top Hawk Team Visits Air Associates of Missouri on Tour of Flight Training Affiliates

By Carmelo Turdo

Phil McLanahan (L) and
Jonny Hewitt

Pilots from the Liberty University School of Aeronautics visited  Air Associates of Missouri today during their Midwest tour on their way to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.  Liberty University is a partner school for the Cessna Top Hawk Flight Training Affiliate program, offering online aeronautical degree programs and flight training opportunities at Cessna Pilot Training Centers such as Air Associates of Missouri.  The Aero Experience met with Jonny Hewitt, CFI, and Phil McLanahan, A&P/IA, to get a first-hand look at the Liberty University Top Hawk Program in action.

Hewitt and McLanahan have embarked on a tour of the network of flight affiliates that have joined together to offer flight training at local home airports for students of the Liberty University School of Aeronautics.  The Flight Training Affiliate Program gives students who do not attend the school's Lynchburg, VA campus an opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science Degree from Liberty University Online while taking flight training at Cessna Pilot Centers like Air Associates of Missouri.  This arrangement is also available to students receiving federal financial aide and service veterans receiving GI Bill benefits. 

 

 

During the Cessna Top Hawk tour, Hewitt and McLanahan have already made a positive impact on the people they have met at the Flight Training Affiliates around the country.  Numerous students have begun the application process for the Liberty University degree and flight programs.  And as often happens within the aviation community, there are opportunities to interact with some very special aviators:

 

 

During the visit to Air Associates of Missouri, Liberty University CFI Jonny Hewitt gave local service veteran and program applicant, Timothy McKenna, a discovery orientation flight in the local area surrounding Spirit of St. Louis Airport where Air Associates of Missouri is based.  Just prior to the flight, Hewitt explained the financial aide options for service veterans and those using federal tuition assistance:

 

Prospective student,Timothy McKenna (L), with CFI Jonny Hewitt 

The Liberty University Top Hawk team will have their new Cessna 172 Skyhawk at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015, and The Aero Experience will visit them at their exhibit next week.  Check out the Liberty University School of Aeronautics and the Flight Training Affiliate Program with Air Associates of Missouri and start your application today. 

The Aero Experience wishes to thank the Liberty University Top Hawk Team and Air Associates of Missouri for their hospitality.