Southern Illinois University Carbondale

The School of Aviation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale provides comprehensive aviation education. The school serves more than 600 students. It started as a small service unit that offered flight classes with four airplanes and spare parts. Over time it has grown into a program with multiple degree tracks and facilities at the Southern Illinois Airport.

The school offers three undergraduate majors. These are Aviation Flight, Aviation Management, and Aviation Technologies. The Aviation Technologies program includes an online option for distance learners. The school also offers a graduate degree in Aviation Management. Undergraduate students may choose minors in Air Traffic Control, Airport Management and Planning, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

The Aviation Flight program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International. The school offers certificate programs in Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance and Airframe Maintenance. Students train on current equipment and a variety of flight training devices. They also use procedure trainers and learning laboratories as part of their instruction.

The Transportation Education Center houses the program. It sits at the Southern Illinois Airport. The center includes a 60,000 square foot hangar and classroom building. It also contains a 12,000 square foot Helicopter Laboratory. Students have access to a fleet of airplanes during their studies.

The Flying Salukis is the school's competitive flying team. The team has 15 to 18 members. It competes in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. The team has won nine national titles since 1977. It has also earned nine straight top three national finishes. The school maintains partnerships with major airlines. It also has international agreements to train aviation technology students in China and to prepare pilots, mechanics, and avionics technicians with Saudia Airlines.

The Boeing Company donated $50,000 to the School of Aviation. This gift helps subsidize the cost of aviation education for students. The school lists available scholarships and active student organizations. It also hosts community events and welcome days for students and families.

Services

• Aviation Flight
• Aviation Management
• Aviation Technologies
• Aviation Management (M.S.)
• Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance
• Airframe Maintenance
• Air Traffic Control minor
• Airport Management and Planning minor
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems minor