Potential Careers
- Airline Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Corporate Pilot
- Charter Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- Cargo Pilot
Commercial Aviation
Turn passion for aviation into a profession.
Our Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Commercial Aviation is competitive and highly selective. Our program combines rigorous academic study with elite flight training. Earn a degree in Aviation online while completing your flight training with one of our flight training affiliates. We are in the process of applying for FAA part 141 approval of this program.
Application Checklist
- Must be an admitted student at Jacksonville State University before applying to the flight program.
- GPA Requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Complete Commercial Aviation Concentration Application.*
- FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate.**
- U.S. Proof of Citizenship
About Flight Fees
Flight practicum courses have an associated course fee established by the Aviation Department prior to the beginning of the academic year. More information on these fees will be available online, and students in the Commercial Aviation concentration must acknowledge understanding of the additional fees upon application to the concentration. The flight practicum course fees (which cover cost of flight instruction, airplane rental, fuel) have a total range of $100,000 to $140,000 for all FAA ratings (private pilot, instrument, commercial, CFI, CFII, MEI). These flight fees are in addition to tuition and other fees.Equipment and Technology
To start your flight training at Jacksonville State University, you need a mix of flight gear, technology, and specific documentation. While the university provides aircraft, you are responsible for the personal equipment required for flight practicum courses.- Aviation Headset
- Pilot Logbook
- Kneeboard
- Flashlight
- View limiting device- for instrument training sessions
- Flight bag
- iPad or Tablet: highly recommended for flight training
- ForeFlight Mobile: Standard electronic flight bag (EFB) software
- Laptop
Median Annual Salary
| Airline Pilot | $219,000 |
| Commercial Pilot | $113,080 |
| Charter Pilot | $93,000 |
| Flight Instructor | $75,000 |
Commercial Aviation FAQs
The Commercial Aviation concentration has a multi-part application. Step 1: apply to Jax State and select Aviation Management as your major. Step 2: Once admitted, access the Commercial Aviation secondary application on this website. Step 3: For semi-finalists, virtual interviews will occur between May 15 and May 27.
We plan to enroll 30 students for the first cohort of Commercial Aviation students at Jax State.
The secondary application is evaluated on academic, personal, and professional characteristics indicative of professional success in the aviation industry. University Admissions will forward transcripts. Student applicants will write several mini essays in response to prompts. The application process is competitive, and the essays are an opportunity for students to distinguish themselves by explaining why they should be chosen for the program. Minimum qualifications vary by student status:
- First-time freshmen (with or without dual enrollment): hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- Current Jax State students in another major: minimum 2.5 Jax State GPA, hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate, hold a private pilot license
- Transfer students: minimum 2.5 college GPA, hold a Class 1 Medical Certificate, hold a private pilot license
For those pursuing an airline career, we require an FFA First-Class Medical certificate to ensure you meet long-term health standards.
Student applicants will write several mini essays in response to prompts. The application process is competitive, and the essays are an opportunity for students to distinguish themselves by explaining why they should be chosen for the program. The responses are limited to 150 words maximum each.
For Fall 2026, students must be admitted to Jax State prior to May 15. Students must submit the secondary application and Class 1 Medical Certificate by May 15 (Must be admitted to Jax State to access this application.) Semi-finalists will interview virtually May 15-May 27. Notification of admission status will be sent out June 1.
Jax State is in the process of obtaining FAA approval. The partnering flight schools hold FAA Part 141 certification.
The required curriculum includes several flight practicum courses, when students will travel to a partner flight school. The course fees for those courses will cover flight instruction, airplane rental, and fuel. Jax State includes all FAA ratings in the major, so graduates will have about 300 hours and all ratings needed to be successful. These ratings include private pilot, instrument, commercial, certified flight instructor, certified flight instrument instructor, multi engine instructor.
Yes, commercial aviation students will need to provide their own transportation to the flight school.
Per FAA regulations, you must be at least 16 years old to solo an airplane and 17 years old to earn a private pilot certificate. You must also be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. You will also need to provide proof of citizenship.
Part 141 programs (typical for universities) use an FAA-approved, highly structured syllabus that allows for lower minimum flight hour requirements compared to the more flexible Part 61.
Students are typically scheduled for a minimum of 3–4 activities per week, which can include actual flights, simulator sessions, or ground orals.
Jax State offers numerous scholarship opportunities to all students. Information regarding First Time Freshman and First Time Transfer merit scholarships can be found here. Additionally, the JaxApp is a single application that allows you to apply for over 250 scholarships including alumni, foundation, and departmental scholarships. A list of public scholarships for aviation students is available through ALPA’s Cleared to Dream website.
For more information regarding federal and private student aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
We understand that sometimes life events happen. If a student needs to pause training, we handle it on a case-by-case basis with the focus on helping you return smoothly. We generally allow training breaks – for example, if you need to take a semester off or deal with a personal issue, we’ll freeze your enrollment. When you’re ready to come back, we do a proficiency evaluation flight to see what skills might need refreshing, and then we’ll work out a “re-training” plan to get you back up to speed. There may be some additional hours needed if the break was long (because skills get rusty), and we’re upfront about those potential costs.
Have a Question?
*Current Jacksonville State University students must apply and be admitted to the Commercial Aviation concentration through a secondary application prior to the application deadline. A link to the application is available through academic advisors. The secondary application is evaluated on academic, personal, and professional characteristics indicative of professional success in the aviation industry. University Admissions will forward transcripts. Student applicants will write several mini essays in response to prompts. The application process is competitive, and the essays are an opportunity for students to distinguish themselves by explaining why they should be chosen for the program. Also, transfer students applying for Commercial Aviation must hold a Private Pilot Certificate at the time of application and have at least a 2.5 college GPA to be considered for enrollment.
**The Commercial Aviation concentration curriculum is designed for students seeking a career as an Airline Transport Pilot, and in order to earn and maintain this rating an aviator must have this medical status. Students must submit their FAA medical certificate (with no limitations except corrective lenses) at the time of application. Click here to learn more about the FAA's medical requirement or to locate an Aviation Medical Examiner