Flight School
History
Original Program
Bob Jones University has had an interest in training aviators since the move to Greenville, S.C., in 1947. At that time, students who were World War II veterans were eager to earn their pilot’s licenses. They kept venerable Piper Cubs busy at the Greenville Downtown Airport. A downturn in general aviation caused the demise of that program, and it closed operations in the early 1960s.
New Program
Our present program began in 1974 with one instructor who flew the corporate aircraft owned by the University. From that humble beginning, the program has grown to include 5 full-time and 3 part-time instructors, 8 training aircraft, a dedicated maintenance and office staff, and an aviation mechanic training program. In 2004, our flight school was awarded FAA approved flight school status for the Private Pilot training. In 2005, we were awarded FAA approval for the Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot training. We operate from our own private ramp located on the southeast side of the Greenville Downtown Airport, about three miles from campus.
Degrees
Five aviation majors are offered under different academic divisions of the University:
School of Religion
For missionary pilots, our flagship program is the five-year program, in which the student obtains the Aircraft Mechanic Certificate and Private Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating while completing the Missionary Aviation BS degree.
For students who are seeking ministries in areas where mechanic certification is not needed, a four-year program is available in which the Commercial Pilot Certificate is obtained while completing the Missionary Aviation BS degree.
School of Business
For students interested in preparing for a career in commercial aviation, there is a four-year Business and Commercial Aviation program. This program combines business courses, airport management courses, and flight training through the Commercial Certificate with ratings for single- and multi-engine airplanes.
For students interested in preparing for a career in aviation management or maintenance, there is a four-year Aviation Management program. This program combines airport management courses and the obtaining of the Aircraft Mechanic Certificate for Airframe and Powerplant.
For students interested in a career in aircraft maintenance, there is a 3-year program in which the student can obtain the Aircraft Mechanic Certificate for Airframe and Powerplant. This program combined with the Bible courses and electives earns an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
We also provide flight training to students of any major who wish to learn how to fly. Many students have earned their certificates and used the credits to satisfy general elective requirements for their degree.
Our qualified instructors, both in flight and mechanics, are waiting to serve you and help you achieve education goals.
