Aviation – Flight School
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 1960's. 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.
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 B.S. 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 B.S. 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.
School of Applied Studies
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.