LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY

Louisiana Tech University's School of Aviation holds a pioneering place in the state's aviation education history, having been the first Louisiana flight school to earn FAA Part 141 certification and the first to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aviation — launching that program in 1967, making it one of the oldest collegiate aviation programs in the South. Located at Ruston Regional Airport (KRSN), a 10-minute drive from the main Ruston campus, the School of Aviation operates year-round training for fixed-wing certificates and ratings from private pilot through flight instructor and instrument flight instructor. In 2017, the school refreshed its fleet with 12 new Cessna Skyhawks and Piper Arrow aircraft, and ground, simulator, and actual flight training are all conducted at the Ruston Regional flight operations building. The program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and has established airline career partnerships with Southwest Airlines Destination 225, United Airlines Aviate, Cape Air, Republic Airlines, and SkyWest Airlines. Louisiana Tech's 100% graduate placement rate — with pilots moving directly into professional aviation careers — reflects the program's quality and its deep relationships with regional and national aviation employers.