Charleston Southern University in South Carolina has received $1.25 million from the U.S. Department of Education to expand equipment and training capacity for its rapidly growing Aeronautics program, which includes equipment designed to prepare the next generation of professional pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals.
The federal funding will support the purchase of:
- Flight simulators
- Air traffic control tower simulators
- A multi-engine Redbird flight simulator
- Two commercial-grade drones
- A mobile aircraft maintenance trailer
- Temporary mobile office at Berkeley County Airport
- Aircraft parts, maintenance tools, simulator furnishings, and other aviation supplies.
“Ultimately, this investment allows us to keep the costs down for our students,” said Professor Lloyd Richardson, Chair of the Aeronautics department. “We are thankful for this congressional support that gives aspiring aviators greater access to collegiate flight training when the industry demands highly trained professionals.”
Launched in 2021 with 19 students and one full-time faculty member, CSU’s Aeronautics program has grown to 216 students and faculty that includes four U.S. Air Force combat pilot veterans, a U.S. Air Force air traffic controller, and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. In 2025, CSU purchased a flight school and completed a building expansion featuring classrooms, an auditorium, offices, and the Emory and Lisa Main Flight Simulation Lab.
This year, CSU launched an air traffic management degree, the first FAA-recognized Standard AT-CTI pathway in the state of South Carolina.
In addition to the professional pilot and air traffic management degree programs, CSU offers degrees in aviation maintenance management and aerospace management. Through a partnership with Trident Technical College, students can complete a two-year program before continuing at CSU to earn their bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance management online.
For more information: CharlestonSouthern.edu
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