Eastern Michigan University and its partner, Eagle Flight Centre, will expand their professional flight training program. The new program, which will operate out of Capital Region International Airport (LAN), will be modeled after a similar program that has been operating out of Willow Run Airport (YIP) in Ypsilanti for five years.
The new Lansing Flight Campus will offer area students the option of a four-year Bachelor of Science degree while pursuing their pilot ratings and certificates. The academic curriculum will prepare students for careers as professional pilots. Students will study aerodynamics, crew resource management, aviation law, advanced aircraft systems, and other advanced aviation topics. Students can complete their general education courses at Lansing Community College’s main campus and apply those credits to the Eastern Michigan degree.
Eastern is working with Lansing Community College and students of the LCC flight program — which was discontinued earlier this spring — to provide opportunities for those area students to complete their education.
Lansing students will share the same benefits as those studying at EMU’s main campus in Ypsilanti, according to university officials.
“The College of Technology considers its Aviation Flight Program to be one of the outstanding collegiate aviation programs, providing the opportunity for its students to earn both an undergraduate degree and become a commercial pilot at the same time,” said Morell Boone, dean of the EMU College of Technology. “We are excited for the opportunity to be able to offer this same high quality program on-site for students in the Lansing area.”
EMU and Eagle Flight train students for a range of levels, from private pilot through certified flight instructor. In the primary training fleet, the flight program uses new Cessna Skyhawks, equipped with glass cockpits, autopilots and on-board weather capability. Piper Seminoles are used for the multi-engine programs. Faculty and staff are professional pilots from both general aviation and military backgrounds.
The program includes EMU’s “Venture Learning”, which introduce students to real-world flight scenarios and cross-country flights during school breaks. Students and their instructors plan and fly trips to build experience in various climates, airspace and terrain. Destinations have included sites in Maine, Florida and South Carolina, along with numerous Midwest locations.
The Eagle Flight Centre will accommodate Lansing community residents who simply want to learn to fly. Community learners do not have to enroll at EMU or pay university tuition. They will be able to learn at their own pace, on their own schedule, according to company officials.
For more information: 734-481-3000, EMUAviation.com
