UCA Opens Aviation Academy to Meet Critical Shortage
The University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy is a pilot training program where students obtain the knowledge, skill and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for pilot certification. With multiple pilot licensure options available, including a private license, instrument rating, and commercial license, students of the program have ground opportunities followed by flight training. Located at the growing Conway Regional Airport, the academy utilizes brand-new, state-of-the-art Tecnam planes with all glass cockpits featuring the newest technology.
The idea for the academy began a little over a decade ago, but it took time for the idea to take off according to acting director Brad Teague, “I can remember being sent to other states to research their aviation programs. Then after some discussion as to where it would fit in our degree programs and mission with no clear resolution, it kind of got put on the back burner.” Teague, himself a certified pilot, never forgot about it, though.
And, in 2022, UCA President Houston Davis learned of growing community interest in an aviation program and visited with Conway Regional Airport Director Jake Briley about the idea. The discussion that ensued showed all the possible paths to make it happen.
In July, Teague will hand over the reins of UCA athletics to Matt Whiting and assume the full-time role as the program director. The Aviation Academy is operated by the UCA Division of Outreach and Community Engagement in partnership with Central Flying Service of Little Rock, the City of Conway and Conway Regional Airport. The program will enhance the local economy while working to address current and future pilot shortages which will be good for UCA, Central Arkansas and beyond.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aviation industry will see a projected average of 17,000 job openings annually for airline and commercial pilots over the next decade. This program will assist in meeting that demand as Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee-Sanders noted for November’s announcement.
She said, “I couldn’t be more grateful for the combined efforts at the University of Central Arkansas, the City of Conway and the Conway Regional Airport to spearhead this initiative. Our state faces critical skilled worker shortages in industries like aviation. It will take all of us working together on new projects like the UCA Aviation Academy to overcome these challenges and lead Arkansas’ economy into the next decade and beyond.”
Sanders described Conway as “our state’s fastest growing city last year.” And, much like the aviation industry and UCA’s aviation program, the city is “taking off with jobs and businesses opening up left and right.” This new program opens the door for UCA to partner with the city to bring even more opportunities to the “City of Colleges”.
“This partnership between the City of Conway and the University of Central Arkansas is a prime example of the leadership process at work. It’s what makes Conway special,” said Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry. “We’re confident the UCA Aviation Academy will bring more students to the University of Central Arkansas and greater visibility to the Conway Regional Airport.”
Zane Harris, one of the students in the first cohort for this program, agreed as he feels this a great opportunity which will broaden horizons for all involved. “I think this program will help fill the need of having additional pilots across the nation and in central Arkansas. Also, this program is really unique since there are no prerequisites or degree requirements. I hope this program will open the door for people who are looking for high-quality flight training and spread awareness of the amazing opportunities aviation provides,” Harris said.
Additionally, this innovative program launches a new era for continuing education by offering a model of specialized certifications and career training in tandem with the potential of earning a degree if a student decides to expand their horizons even further.
John Gardner, a U.S. Air Force retiree and first cohort aviation student, while working towards his commercial certification and his desire to fly, has also thought of fulfilling another dream: earning his degree. “I am a retired U.S. Air Force aircraft mechanic that has always had a desire to learn to fly. I saw the program on UCA’s Facebook page and thought now is the time to go after my dream of flying.
“Honestly, when I started the program I had not given this any thought as I am the oldest student in class. The thought of continuing and finishing a degree at my age is another dream this class has rekindled so I will probably be looking into coming back to school,” Gardner said.
“The flexibility of this academy allows students to first pursue their workforce training needs if that is their main goal but also provides them a path to continue or pursue other degree options with the university if desired,” said UCA President Houston Davis.
“Many students may prioritize securing their commercial pilot certificate to immediately work in the industry while other students will choose to attend UCA for another degree but also want to do their pilot training while in college.”
The new Aviation Academy shows UCA’s dedication to student development, innovative training programs, community partnerships, economic impact and more for years to come. Davis said, “This innovative program is a win for the students, the industry, the city, the state and the university.”