For over 80 years, aviation studies have been a significant part of John Brown University’s educational landscape. However, the university’s aviation program was discontinued, leaving a void in the field. Thankfully, this gap is about to be bridged. A new partnership between JBU and Airo, a flight school and aviation company, is set to launch a four-year bachelor program in professional flight starting from the fall 2025 semester. This development is a significant milestone in the resurgence of aviation studies at JBU, and it marks a new chapter in the history of the university’s aviation program. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in aviation. Airo, in collaboration with JBU, will lead students in flight and ground instruction at the Springdale Municipal Airport. Students will have the opportunity to earn private and commercial pilot licenses, instrument flight ratings, and flight instructor certifications. The program’s curriculum will be a business-focused, liberal arts education that will complement the technical skills of flying an airplane or helicopter. This will not only provide students with a well-rounded education but also make them more attractive to potential employers in the industry. The partnership between JBU and Airo is a result of a shared vision to promote aviation talent in Northwest Arkansas. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that there will be 18,500 job openings per year in the airline and commercial pilot industry between 2025 and 2033. This growth in demand for pilots has created an exciting opportunity for students to pursue a career in aviation. To prepare students for the demands of the industry, the program will incorporate real-world experiences and practical training. This will not only enhance their technical skills but also equip them with the business acumen and communication skills necessary to succeed in the industry. The program is expected to admit around 75-100 students per semester, with the first two semesters taking on just 20 students. The university and Airo expect high interest in the program, and current JBU students have already expressed interest in switching their majors to professional flight. “This is an exciting opportunity for students to pursue their passion for aviation,” said Julie Gumm, chief marketing and communications officer for the university. “The partnership between JBU and Airo will provide students with a unique and comprehensive education that will prepare them for success in the industry.”
The program will also offer students the chance to gain practical experience through helicopter tours and other aerial services offered by Airo. This will not only enhance their technical skills but also provide them with valuable industry connections and networking opportunities. In addition to the technical skills and business acumen, the program will also equip students with the ability to provide customer service as pilots and air crew. This is an essential aspect of the industry, and it will give graduates a competitive edge in the job market. There are several different routes that graduates can take when looking for aviation jobs. They can work as a pilot for airlines, private charter or corporations that utilize aerial operations. They can also explore opportunities in Christian missionary work for pilots, which can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path. JBU will be one of 15 Christian colleges in the United States that offer an aviation program, and it will be the second university in the state of Arkansas to offer an aviation bachelor program. This is a significant achievement for the university, and it demonstrates its commitment to providing students with a high-quality education. The program’s success will be measured by monitoring job placement after graduation, which the university and Airo hope will reach 90-100%. By retaining aviation talent in the region, the program aims to reduce the number of aspiring pilots who leave the state to pursue their education. “By having this program right in our own backyard, it gives students the opportunity to stay and pursue their education,” said Camron McAhren, president and CEO of Airo. “This is a win-win situation for both the university and the region, as it provides students with access to a high-quality education and the region with a talented and educated workforce.”
The program’s impact will also be felt in the local community, as it will provide students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects and apply their knowledge and skills to practical problems. This will not only enhance their technical skills but also equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in the industry. In conclusion, the revival of aviation studies at John Brown University is a significant development that marks a new chapter in the history of the university’s aviation program. The partnership between JBU and Airo is a result of a shared vision to promote aviation talent in Northwest Arkansas, and it has the potential to make a positive impact on the region’s economy and society. As the program takes off, it will provide students with a unique and comprehensive education that will prepare them for success in the industry.