School of Aviation

Fly with the best

With state-of-the-art technology, highly skilled instructors and strong partnerships across the industry – including with Republic Airways, one of the largest regional airlines in the country – BGSU School of Aviation graduates have clear paths to in-demand careers in aviation.

Visit Faculty‌/‌Staff Accreditation

School of Aviation

Aviation is a career for the future

BGSU's School of Aviation is one of the largest aviation programs in the state of Ohio and one of the highest-regarded programs in the country, making it the perfect place to earn your Bachelor of Science in Aviation with specializations in Flight Technology and Operations (FTO) or Aviation Management and Operations (AMO). Our fleet of training aircraft is among the most modern in the Midwest, and we are one of few academic programs with an airport within walking distance of campus.

Cutting-edge fleet and advanced facilities

Thanks to our long-time partnerships with the BG Flight Center and North Star Aviation, Inc., the BGSU School of Aviation is home to one of the most modern training fleets in the country, including 20 Piper Archer and Seminole aircraft. North Star recently invested $5 million in the BG Flight Center at the Wood County Regional Airport, more than doubling the center's instruction and office space. Our advanced facilities now include state-of-the-art, full-motion RedBird and FRASCA simulators, giving you access to some of the best training technology available. A CRJ-700 jet simulator – the same one used by commercial airlines – will soon be installed to further help our students prepare for careers as commercial pilots and flight operations professionals.

Become a professional pilot in less time

Our high education standards and extensive flight experience mean BGSU School of Aviation graduates are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain their Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificates with up to 500 fewer flight hours than are typically required, saving you considerable time and money. We also have an on-site PSI testing center, so you can take your FAA written exams right here in the flight center.

Learn in a community of aviators

We know all our students by name and work hard to establish a community of trust and excellence. When you sit in the pilot's chair, you are being supported by both the School of Aviation's expert faculty and staff and the highly qualified flight instructors and crew of the BG Flight Center.

Beyond the airfield and classrooms, the Aviation Ambassadors, Women in Aviation student organization and Alpha Eta Rho professional aviation fraternity offer many opportunities to become involved on campus. The Aviation Learning Community allows aviation students to live together and propel each other to new heights in their studies and careers.

Inspections-of-planes-by-students-at-BGSU-flight-center-during-sunrise

While we welcome ROTC and military students, the aviation flight technology program and courses do not qualify for GI Bill© or VA education benefits. However, many students are eligible for other military education benefits. Please contact Nontraditional and Military Student Services at 419 372-8136 or ntmss@bgsu.edu for further information.

BGSU Aviation in the News

BGSU aviation students advance education and skills with new, state-of-the-art simulator New flight simulator in the BGSU School of Aviation provides multi-pilot flight deck training for students on cutting-edge technology
Formative experience bolsters BGSU student’s passion for narrowing the gender gap in aviation BGSU senior and aspiring pilot Olivia Thornton values her role in inspiring the next generation of female aviators.
BGSU aviation program expands fleet amid record enrollment, protects promise of students flying within first year The expansion of the BGSU aviation fleet was supported through a key public-private partnership between the University and North Star Companies.
BGSU alumnus among top 1% of Air Force ROTC cadets chosen for highly competitive NATO combat pilot training program BGSU alumnus Nicholas Kowalski ‘23 was chosen for a highly competitive pilot training program as a top cadet in Air Force ROTC Detachment 620 at the University and nationwide.
Mission possible: BGSU alumni land in 48 states in fewer than 48 hours in successful world-record attempt BGSU alumni Barry Behnfeldt ‘83 and Aaron Wilson ‘04 successfully executed their 5,008-mile trek in hopes of setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest journey by plane through all 48 contiguous U.S. states.