Frequently Asked Questions

You should plan to apply 8-12 months before you hope to start our flight program. If you want to begin in Fall 2011, for example, you should apply in Fall 2010 or early Spring 2011.

Getting into Aviation Flight is a two-step process. First you must apply to SIUC at www.siuc.edu.

On your SIUC application, indicate "Aviation Flight" as the major of your choice.

Once you get accepted into SIUC, you should soon receive an application (probably via email) for our aviation program.

Print the application, complete it, and mail, fax, or pdf it back to us.

Congrats on being accepted! Your next step from here depends on if you are a new college student, or a transfer student.

1. New Students: sign up for a SOAR date at http://soar.siuc.edu/ (Transfer students read steps 2, 5)

(New students must be signed up for SOAR before they can be advised and register for classes.)

2. New AND Transfer Students: set up a network ID at https://netid.siu.edu/

Yes, there is a $30 application fee charged to when applying to SIUC. Waivers are available on a need-based status. To apply for a waiver please download the application fee waiver form at http://admissions.siuc.edu/pdfs/waiverform.pdf.

Yes. Upon beginning flight training all students will be required to purchase their own headset. For options visit your local airport or an online retailer such as Sporty's.

Aviation Flight students can start flying during their first semester at SIUC and many take their first flight lesson within the first few days of starting college. Exceptions to this do exist, but are often for medical or homeland security issues.

Although there are many factors that affect this such as weather, student health, etc, most students can complete their flight training through CFI in 2-and-a-half to 3 years.

If you will be a new freshman you must register for New Student Orientation before you can register for your first semester classes. Transfer students do not have to register for SOAR but are highly encouraged to do so. For more information please visit the New Student Orientation website at http://orientation.siuc.edu/

Good question!

For information and steps to fund flight training please visit our financial aid page.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Management (AVM) can be completed through a few different routes. Regardless of which route a student chooses, he should be in close touch with his academic advisor throughout his time as a student, to ensure he is on track to meet his career goals as well as academic requirements to graduate. Academic requirements are discussed below.

So you love aviation, but don't want to necessarily be a pilot or aircraft mechanic? Then Aviation Management is the degree for you! Did you know that out of the over 2 million aviation employees in the United States, only 200,000, or just 10%, are pilots. The other 90% includes everyone else working together to support the industry!

So for those of you in "the other 90%", what does our degree in Aviation Management prepare you for? Here are some examples of typical jobs our graduates hold:

DRIVE:
We encourage our students to bring a car starting their freshman year. It's the most convenient way to reach the airport, and if you're an Aviation Flight or Aviation Technologies student, you are reserved a campus parking sticker (no "freshman lottery" for you!).

The student handbook can be found here:     Aviation Technologies Student Handbook

Incoming students, who have completed their private pilot course may skip AF201A and AF201B pending successful completion of AF199.

It is free

The day begins and ends at Chicago O'Hare.  You need to get to Chicago to get on the flight or drive to Carbondale to join the activities.

You must be at least 14 years old and a HS freshman.

Yes

You will get a confirmation email from SIU if you are selected for the flight that will contain all of the details on how to check in at O'Hare.

Parents can be listed on the standby list and will be able to come on the flight if there are cancellations.

Sure can.  Just fill out the registration form and let us know what school you are from.

You don't need to bring anything with you.  Traveling light will help speed things up in security.  Whatever you bring, you will have to carry with you all day as nothing can be left on the aircraft during the day.

Dress in "Business Casual" which means cotton pants and a collared shirt.  Jeans are ok, but only if they are neat and not distressed.  No open toe shoes or T shirts.

The event will go on rain or shine.  If rain is forecast for Southern Illinois, bring your raincoat!