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Aviation

# 1

Ranked top "university to consider
when pursuing a degree in aviation"
by Flying Magazine

4

Areas of academic concentration

1947

OU Aviation program founded

Top 5 things you need to know about the School of Aviation Studies

Faculty, adjunct faculty, and instructors bring a combined 300 years of operational aviation and real-world experience into the classroom from disciplines of airlines, corporate aviation, air traffic control, Department of Defense, airport management, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and government.

We offer students the opportunity to apply to aviation internships all over the country. Currently, we’re connected to paid and volunteer opportunities at Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Raytheon, Tinker Air Force Base Airfield Operations, and UPS, to name a few.

The OU School of Aviation includes learning labs like the Simulation Center with state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control and Advanced Aviation Training Device simulation. Students are exposed to a wide variety of weather conditions and will gain proficiency in weather-related decision-making in flying and controlling.

Students join a legacy of more than 75 years of flight training at OU. The aviation facilities cultivate a small-college feel and atmosphere with all aviation courses taught at the OU-owned Max Westheimer Airport with class D airspace and full precision approaches.

You can join a number of student organizations that span across aviation disciplines, including the American Association of Airport Executives, Sooner Aviation Club, Sooner Air Traffic Control Association, National Intercollegiate Flying Association, Flying Sooners, and Women in Aviation.

The University of Oklahoma's crimson OU interlocked logo

Lance Lamkin, airport operations officer at OU’s Max Westheimer Airport, says CareerTech training gives students interested in an aviation career advantage as they pursue training opportunities beyond CareerTech. “If you’re coming from CareerTech to the University of Oklahoma School of Aviation, there isn’t much of a difference,” Lamkin said. “We make it a very seamless transition. I see the future of aviation in the state of Oklahoma being nothing but bright.”

Partnership Programs

The OU College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences School of Aviation partners with airlines across the U.S. to offer pathway programs that give students the opportunity to work toward careers with some of the nation’s largest airlines. These partnerships help qualifying students launch their aviation careers and get into the right seat of a commercial airline sooner.

The programs are open to students in Professional Pilot or Aviation Management – Flying concentrations with a private pilot certificate and provide recruitment, screening, selection, training and placement strategies to cadets—as well as mentorships with current pilots and tuition assistance—as they earn their ratings and ultimately become certified flight instructors for their airline at OU. 

The School of Aviation has a rich history of aviation education and training, and these partnerships help the university to continue providing excellent aviation training and flight education for future pilots. 

OU currently has cadet partnership agreements with the following airlines:

OU School of Aviation is part of Destination 225° University Pathway.

The Destination 225° University pathway is designed for collegiate aviators who attend a Southwest partner university or complete a Southwest Campus Reach Internship.

Leading aspiring pilots to Southwest Airlines

The Southwest Airlines Destination 225°Program provides various pathways to provide the opportunity to get you to the right seat of a Southwest aircraft.

The Destination 225° University pathway is designed for collegiate aviators who attend a Southwest® partner university or complete a Southwest Airlines® Campus Reach Internship.

Our vision is to ease the barriers to becoming a pilot and guide those who are selected to the University pathway in their next steps: gaining relevant flight experience with a Southwest Airlines partner, in order to put themselves in a position to join the ranks as a Southwest Airlines Pilot. Destination 225° is designed to be highly accessible, cost-effective, and innovative.

Southwest is proud to offer this transition training with the university and corporate partners.

Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program

Destination 225° University Pathway FAQ

How long will it typically take a Destination 225° candidate to become a First Officer?

  • This will differ by Destination 225° pathway and the experience each candidate brings, but the Cadet pathway will take approximately four years for training and flight experience.

Are there minimal educational requirements?

  • Educational requirements for Destination 225° are the same as the educational requirements for a First Officer position at Southwest Airlines. A high school diploma or equivalency is required, and a four-year college degree is preferred.

Do the Destination 225° pathways guarantee a job at Southwest Airlines?

  • While a job at Southwest Airlines is not guaranteed, Destination 225° was created to equip participants with the skills needed to start their career as a Southwest First Officer and is designed to build a pipeline of talented Pilots for Southwest. Neither acceptance into nor successfully completing the program guarantees employment or re-employment at Southwest Airlines.

What are the qualifications and experience required to become a Pilot at Southwest Airlines?

RJet Cadet

Flight students can receive a Conditional Offer of Employment with Republic Airways as early as their instrument rating or commercial certificate!

This program requires no commitment or contractual obligation. Below you’ll find the requirements for this program based on your flight training program in addition to the application and interview process. The RJet Cadet program is the ideal transition from the classroom to the cockpit with the nation’s leading regional carriers on ultra-modern Embraer E 170/175 aircraft. Because of our diversity in partners – Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines – as well as our broad base locations, Republic Airways offers a unique set of options for any interested candidate.

Republic Airways Cadet Program

  • Conditional Offer of Employment
  • Priority on class date selection
  • Mentorship from a current Republic Airways pilot
  • Opportunity to attend exclusive events in Indianapolis at our Headquarters and Training Center
  • Direct point of contact and resource within Talent Acquisition
  • Qualify to apply for RJet Ambassador position
Republic Airways Cadet Program

About PSA Airlines

PSA Airlines operates an all-jet fleet consisting of exclusively Bombardier regional Jet aircraft. We have an incredible team of more than 5,000 team members who do a tremendous job of operating more than 800 daily flights to nearly 100 destinations on behalf of American Airlines. 

As a PSA pilot, you'll be part of a close-knit, passionate team flying exclusively for American Airlines. You'll receive an enhanced compensation package, unparalleled advancement opportunities and benefits few other regionals can match. 

PSA's Mission

To always deliver satisfied customers to their destinations, safely and on time. 

PSA Airlines Cadet Program

PSA Difference

Your career as a mainline pilot for the largest airline in the world, American Airlines, can start here. PSA cadets can expect the following. 

  • Industry-leading first-year pay
  • Mentorship from airline industry experts and career-boosting opportunities
  • Minimal reserve time and a quick upgrade to captain
  • Guaranteed flow through to American Airlines in 5 years
  • A Cadet Package inclusive of training and tuition assistance, including the First Officer Sign-On bonus
  • Visit the website to view the Tuition and Bonus Breakdown

Envoy’s Cadet Program is designed to help the most promising university and commercial flight school student pilots make a smooth transition from the classroom to the regional flight deck.

Once you are employed as a Flight Instructor at one of our numerous affiliate programs, we provide you with all the benefits of being an Envoy employee. Benefits will include travel privileges for you and your immediate family on American Airlines flights; comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) retirement with company match contributions; American Airlines Group profit sharing; and paid vacation and sick time accrual.

Envoy Airlines Cadet Program

For more information, contact Envoy Pilot Recruitment at (972) 374-5607 or via email at Envoy.Cadet@aa.com.

Envoy Cadet Program

Alumni Quotes

Taylor Shannon sitting in front of a computer screen with an Air traffic simulation running.

"The aviation program at OU gave me the foundation to build a successful career as an air traffic controller. The aviation professors are knowledgeable in their respective fields and dedicated to your success as an individual and aviation professional.  Learning expands beyond the classroom through the ability to network and visit facilities as a part of aviation student organizations.  Small class sizes at a large university allow for quality training and friendships that last a lifetime. Boomer Sooner!"

- Taylor Shannon, School of Aviation

Pilot Matt Gense, School of Aviation Studies Alumnus Sitting in a cockpit of a airplane

“As a prospective student, I visited many collegiate programs across the country.  What stood out about the OU School of Aviation was just how welcoming the staff and students were.  OU felt like a big family from day one.  As a student, I quickly realized that this program is unique because although it is part of a big school, it maintains a small school feel.  I feel known rather than just being another student.  

I have never felt a part of something so special before.  Nowhere else in the country can you attend a school with an elite athletics program, distinguished academics, and receive the highest level of flight training.  OU Aviation is truly one of a kind!”

-  Matt Gense, School of Aviation Alumnus

Tom Bishop, School of Aviation Studies Alumnus in his pilot's uniform  with his arms crossed.

"OU Aviation is the foundation of my successful career as a professional pilot. The program’s framework of continuous learning has propelled me through a decade of professional flying. First, as a regional airline pilot, then as a corporate pilot, and now as a pilot at FedEx Express. In each new role, my experience at OU Aviation directly contributed to my ability to learn and excel. Beyond teaching technical knowledge and skills, the program has a strong sense of community and is an incubator for young pilots. OU Aviation creates lifelong friendships, professional connections, and unparalleled opportunities for growth and development."

- Tom Bishop, School of Aviation Alumnus

Student Organizations

The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The Alpha Eta Rho Golden wings logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
Alpha Eta Rho (AHP)
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The National Gay Pilots Association's Rainbowwings logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
National Gay Pilots Association
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The Women in Aviation International logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
Women in Aviation International
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The Colonel Kenneth R. Carson Aviation Leadership program logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
Colonel Ken Carson Leadership Program
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The NIFA Golden wings logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
NIFA Flying Sooners
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. A logo with half red circle with a control tower off-centered and a plane moving to the right in the middle on top of the color cream.
Sooner Air Traffic Control Association
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. A logo of the Sooner Schooner with Wings on the lower half in the middle on top of the color cream.
Sooner Aviation Club
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The AOPA logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The Ace Club bue winged logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
Air Line Pilots Association, International
The graphic has a top and bottom crimson border with an OU tailplane on the bottom right. The AAAE blue square logo in the middle on top of the color cream.
American Association of Airport Executives