Taking the College Track to the Cockpit Continued from page 37 Student recruitment to Auburn University’s aviation programs is multi-pronged. In September 2015, the school hired a communication and marketing specialist to operate outreach programs to promote the aviation curriculum. “Along with an increased social media presence, we established ‘Striped Wings,’ an ambassador type out- reach organization in which selected students in the avia- tion programs go out to high schools, air shows, flying events, and career expos to promote aviation careers,” Hutto explained. “We do this throughout much of the Southeast. We also attend the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) show at Oshkosh and ‘Sun ‘n Fun’ in Florida. We are also considering representation at the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) conven- tion to promote the degree programs as well as AUO, which is open to the public as a general aviation airport.” Last year, the university established a week-long aviation summer camp on the Auburn University campus for high school students. During that time, they are exposed to different aspects of avia- tion such as behind the scenes airport tours. The pilot shortage has become a recruiting tool itself. Hutto adds: “It’s a combination of the ATP requirement, and the increased amount of flying by the airlines today. Because of this, job prospects are very good, and that is also helping us to promote our aviation programs.” www.auburn.edu/aviationcenter PURDUE UNIVERSITY, INDIANA As far back as the 1930s, Purdue University has offered flight training. In fact, Amelia Earhart was a Purdue fac- ulty member from 1935-1937, and her ill-fated, attempted, round-the-world flight took place aboard a Purdue Research Foundation-funded Lockheed Electra, according to Dr. John Wensveen, Head of the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University offers seven different majors in aviation at the undergradu- ate level, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree—Aviation Management, Professional Flight, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Airline Management and Operations, Airport Management and Operations, Aviation Aerospace Financial Analysis and Unmanned Aero Systems. A Master of 38 Aviation Business Journal | 3rd Quarter 2016 Science in Aviation and Aerospace Management, and a Ph.D. in Aviation Technology are also available. As Wensveen noted, the Professional Flight program prepares students for careers as professional pilots. “After four years, students will have earned their Private, Commercial, Multi-Engine and Instrument ratings,” he said. “The Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument ratings can also be earned.” Purdue is the only university in the country that in- cludes training on jet aircraft. “We introduced jet train- ing approximately a decade ago and require six hours in our Embraer Phenom 100, which is our primary jet trainer,” Wensveen stated. “We also operate a Nextant 400XTi, on which students can apply for first officer jet experience, though that aircraft is mostly used as an in-house corporate aircraft for official travel.”
