Aerospace Sciences Institute
The primary mission of the Aerospace Sciences Institute (ASI) is to provide its students with the highest quality aviation education and flight training possible. The fundamental belief of the ASI is that the best-trained students will be the safest and most successful aviation professionals. The Aerospace Sciences Institute will strive to excel as a world leader in Aviation Education, providing students with the most current information, technology, and personalized training available in the aviation profession.
Flight Training Requirements
Professional Pilot major/minors must obtain an FAA First-class medical certificate issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) physician designated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Non-Professional Pilot Major-Minor or Minors must obtain a third class (or higher) medical certificate if they elect to enroll in flight classes.
All flight students must also be in compliance with all Department of Homeland Security regulations governing flight training for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
Candidates for the B.S. Professional Pilot degree must apply for program acceptance by completing the special aviation application at se.edu/aviation/professional-pilot-application/. In addition, they must submit a one-page essay on why they want to become a professional pilot as well as reference letter(s) describing their character and leadership qualities. All applications should be submitted to aviationadvising@se.edu no later than the prescribed deadline each year for consideration in that fall’s freshman class.
It is highly encouraged for B.S. Professional Pilot flight students to continue their flight training throughout each summer semester in order to successfully complete their flight training requirements within the prescribed eight semesters.
Special Charges
Some aviation courses require special deposits and/or fees in advance of any instruction administered by the Department of Flight. For additional information concerning current rates and charges, review the ASI website at se.edu/aviation/. Aircraft and associated flight costs are separate expenses and not covered under normal tuition and fees. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information about available financial aid opportunities.
Residence Experience Requirements
One-third of all Professional Pilot Major-Minor courses must be accomplished in residence at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. In addition, the Professional Pilot degree requires that at least the last two flight courses, including the corresponding ground courses, must be accomplished in residence. In no case will the requirement to accomplish the last two flight courses in residence be waived. Once a student is admitted to Southeastern’s Aerospace Sciences Institute, all flight training credit must be completed at SE or through another regionally accredited university aviation program.
Graduation Requirements
A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in all Professional Pilot and Aviation Management Major-Minor degree requirements, including specified general education requirements. In addition, no grade less than C in Professional Pilot ground courses is acceptable.
Advanced Standing Policy
Advanced Standing credit may be offered for FAA Airman Certificates and Ratings in accordance with the ASI Advanced Standing policy.
Department of Flight
Mr. Michael Gaffney, Director
Mr. Mike Amason, Chair; Mr. Kyle Thomas, Chief Flight Instructor–Manager of Operations
The academic curriculum of the aviation program is designed to meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR 141 while meeting the needs of various segments in the aviation industry, as well as to meet the requirements for an FAA Restricted ATP pilot certificate as prescribed by 14 CFR 61.160. The Professional Pilot program is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and adheres to strict internal standards to remain in good standing with that accreditation.
The Aerospace Sciences Institute is fully committed to promoting and maintaining a safety culture and has developed a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) to accomplish that end. For expanded information on policy and safety procedures, refer to the ASI Aviation Operations Portal.