BGSU School of Aviation maintains 'gold standard' for aviation education excellence with AABI reaccreditation

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University has reaffirmed its position as a national leader in flight education, earning reaccreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Home to one of the largest aviation programs in the country and as one of the few universities with an airport on its campus, BGSU is one of only three universities in Ohio – and the only in the northwest region of the state – to hold the prestigious accreditation.

As part of the BGSU School of Aviation, both the flight technology and operations and aviation management and operations programs recently received the formal seal of approval following a rigorous multi-year review.

“AABI accreditation is the gold standard of aviation, representing the highest level of industry-specific recognition a four-year institution can achieve,” said Catherine Smith, M.Ed., director of the BGSU School of Aviation. “This reaccreditation is a testament to our relentless focus on safety, curriculum innovation and preparing our students for an industry that demands excellence.”

The AABI process is an exhaustive evaluation of a program’s faculty, student outcomes, equipment and safety protocols. BGSU first earned the accreditation in 2021.

The new five-year accreditation renewal confirms the program meets and exceeds the evolving standards of the global aviation industry.

“AABI affirms that we aren't just teaching students how to fly or work within the industry – we are upholding a culture of compliance and safety that mirrors the highest standards of excellence,” Smith said. “It ensures our students are earning a degree that carries weight within an industry that requires a technically skilled and well-prepared workforce."

With AABI status and FAA Part 141 approval, BGSU students can work towards eligibility requirements to qualify for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate later in their career. This may allow graduates to transition to a commercial airline cockpit with as few as 1,000 hours of flight time, rather than the 1,500 hours required of those from non-accredited programs.

The accreditation also bolsters the program’s "pathway" partnerships. Through programs like Delta Propel and the Republic Airways RJet Cadet program, students have a direct, streamlined pipeline to interview with and transition into roles at major and regional airlines before they even graduate.

As airlines and aviation companies actively seek out graduates from AABI-accredited programs, BGSU aviation management and operations students – with their well-rounded business foundation – are being selected for careers as airport managers, fixed-base operators and safety inspectors.

By intertwining a high-tech curriculum with industry-leading partnerships, BGSU continues to bridge the gap between the classroom and the hangar.

The University’s next AABI comprehensive review is scheduled for 2031.