Why study aviation flight operations at BGSU in Ohio?
- An airport you can walk to. Wood County Regional Airport is right next to campus. Few aviation programs in the country offer that. It means less time commuting and more time flying.
- One-on-one mentoring. You’ll work closely with highly qualified flight instructors who coach you through every stage of training.
- Gold-standard accreditation. The aviation flight operations program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), the top accreditation for collegiate aviation.
- Scholarships for pilots. Flight training costs more than most majors. Alumni and industry partners have invested in aviation scholarships to help.
- State-of-the-art facilities. Most flight technology classes are at the Bowling Green Flight Center. The four-building complex is over 40,000 square feet and houses:
- One of the most modern training fleets in the Midwest
- More than 120 staff members
- State-of-the-art full-motion RedBird and Precision Flight Controls simulators
- A CRJ-700 jet simulator – the same model used by commercial airlines
- Heated hangar space
- On-site maintenance
- Real-world experience. Our programs prioritize hands-on, experiential, life-long learning, bolstered by strong partnerships with industry leaders.
- A direct line to the airlines.
- Through our partnership with Republic Airways, one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S., you can receive a conditional job offer as early as your second year.
- BGSU is also a Delta Propel university partner. Eligible students benefit from a streamlined hiring process and a defined career pathway to Endeavor Air and Delta Air Lines.
- Top-tier student organizations. Forge lifelong connections in flight training through our student organizations.
- Part 141 training. BGSU offers FAA-approved Part 141 flight training. That structure can help you earn your commercial pilot certificate with less flight time and expense than Part 61 training. You can also take your FAA written exams at our on-site PSI testing center.
- Aviation Learning Community. Live and learn alongside peers who share your schedule and goals – and early-morning flight times.
Public university in the nation for career preparation
The Wall Street Journal
Career - what can you do with an aviation flight operations degree?
An aviation flight operations degree isn’t just about learning to fly a plane. It’s about launching a career of great responsibility – and adventure – in a growing industry.
Pilot roles include:
- Commercial airline pilot. One of the most sought-after careers for graduates. Demand for well-trained pilots is rising as airlines expand fleets.
- Corporate and charter pilot. Fly executives, government officials and other high-profile clients in private jets.
- Cargo and freight pilot. Fly for major shipping carriers, with stability, high earning potential and international routes.
- Flight instructor. Train aspiring pilots while building flight hours toward professional pilot roles.
- Aviation operations and management. Pursue careers in airline operations, flight scheduling and airport management.
Is it hard to become a pilot? Yes. But is it worth it? Our graduates think so. For students who are bright, dedicated and detail-oriented, the BGSU aviation program offers all the tools you need to take off in your career.
Career paths
- Charter pilot
- Commercial airline pilot
- Corporate pilot
- Emergency medical services (EMS) pilot
- Flight instructor
- Firefighting pilot
- Government or law enforcement pilot
- Military pilot
- Test pilot
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The aviation flight operations program is designed to prepare students for positions in general and commercial aviation. All instruction leading toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certification is conducted in accordance with the appropriate Federal Aviation regulations.
In addition to being trained as commercial pilots, students also study:
- General education subjects
- Aircraft systems
- Crew concepts
- Management and administration
The program is geared toward training students with no previous flight experience. It focuses on creating future pilots in the airline and corporate aviation environment.
We aim to create competent, skillful professional pilots and flight department leaders who can solve flight operations problems within the aviation industry. Our students also learn crew resource management, operational risk management, and professional safety skills that will prove critical in the aviation industry.
Instilled in the foundation of all aviation coursework is the critical importance of the professional, business and ethical responsibility you’ll one day hold in the global aviation environment.
Sample courses
- Advanced Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance
- Advanced Aircraft Systems
- Aviation Law
- Commercial Ground and Flight
- Crew Resource Management
- Instrument Ground and Flight
- Jet Transition
- Private Pilot Ground and Flight
The BGSU School of Aviation is one of the largest aviation programs in Ohio.
Costs and scholarships
Aviation programs are a significant investment. For 2026-27, required flight lab courses total $79,008 over the degree, in addition to tuition, housing and food. The Falcon Tuition Guarantee locks in tuition for four years. Scholarships for aviation students are also available.
Secondary admissions process
Applicants to the aviation flight operations program must complete a secondary admission review – required essays – after submitting the BGSU application.
If you are admitted to aviation flight operations but choose not to attend BGSU for that fall cohort, you must reapply for a future fall cohort. You cannot start at BGSU in another major and later transfer into aviation flight operations. Because space is limited, BGSU cannot hold your aviation flight operations spot for a future term.
Military education benefits
The aviation flight operations program and courses do not qualify for GI Bill© or VA education benefits. However, many students are eligible for other military education benefits. Please contact Nontraditional and Military Student Services at 419-372-8136 or ntmss@bgsu.edu for further information.
University in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
Frequently asked questions:
You are required to earn the follow ratings or certificates prior to graduation:
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Multi-Engine Rating
The majority of our students also choose to become flight instructors (elective). Flight instructors build important flight hours and get paid for it.
While it is not a program requirement to stay in the local area and complete flight training during the summers, it is highly recommended. Many students are able to accelerate their training completion timeline by flying during the summer semester.
In January 2014, BGSU formed a strategic partnership with Bowling Green Flight Center (BGFC), a private company, to provide the flight training for aviation students.
There is an additional charge from about $65,000 to $80,000 for the required flight courses over the course of the 4-year degree. This amount is comparable with most other university aviation programs or pilot training schools. Even though this seems like a great deal of money, the long term financial rewards as an airline pilot are substantial. Financial aid is available. Review program costs.
The aviation flight operations program and courses do not qualify for GI Bill© or VA education benefits. However, many students are eligible for other military education benefits. Contact Nontraditional and Military Student Services at 419-372-8136 or ntmss@bgsu.edu for further information.
Yes. But you must have earned you Private Pilot Certificate at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the fall semester to be eligible to maintain enrollment in instrument-level courses (AERT 2800 – Instrument Ground School, AERT 2810 – Basic Instrument Flight Instruction).
The aviation program does not have any special computer requirements. We recommend prospective students reference the general BGSU recommendations for devices.
Yes. The program is accredited through Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). The FAA certifies the program for pilot training.
The aviation flight operations program is part of the School of Aviation in the BGSU College of Engineering and Innovation.
Updated: 11/09/2026 07:07PM