The Ohio State Univerity - Department of Aviation

This section is designed to answer the most common questions asked by prospective students. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at the numbers listed at the end of this document.

Q. Why choose Ohio State Aviation?

Our students are attracted to the size, reputation, depth, diversity, possibilities, and the experience of a world class, nationally ranked university and a well-known and well-established aviation program. They enjoy the best of both worlds: a large university community but a small, closely-knit department.

The Ohio State University Airport is one of only two university-owned and operated airports in the country. The airport has its own Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) control tower with radar service. The airport provides an excellent learning environment, a high level of safety, and valuable hands-on experience for students.

Central Ohio is home to a number of significant aviation companies. These companies actively and aggressively support Ohio State aviation students.

Ohio State aviation students find the costs to be competitive with other aviation programs.

Q. Why is the aviation major offered through three colleges?

Aviation is a very diverse field, and is larger than any one single program, department, or college. Offering a degree through the colleges of Engineering, Business, or Behavioral Sciences allows aviation students to choose which degree program captures their interest.

Q. How do I decide which college is the best choice for me?

An individual’s skills, abilities, interests, and goals will help the student match up to the best college.

Q. Can I change my college and/or my concentration?

Students are able to change their college and/or their specialization. Before making any changes, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor, not only to discuss changes but to regularly review their progress on an ongoing basis.

Q. Is there an aviation minor?

An aviation minor is available. It can be used to complement a student’s current degree program, earn extra credit hours, or to become more informed about aviation. Please see your academic advisor for more details.

Q. Is there a graduate program?

Currently, a Master’s of Science in Air Transportation Systems is under development. An undergraduate program in Air Transportation Systems is also being developed.

Q. How many students are in the Department of Aviation?

There are approximately 200 aviation students, generally evenly split
between Aircraft Systems and Aviation Management.

Q. Are the costs of the Aircraft Systems concentration included in tuition?

The costs for the flight education component of Aircraft Systems are not part of regular tuition. They are processed as laboratory fees in addition to tuition. Currently, the total flight costs for the entire Aircraft Systems concentration is approximately $40,000. However, the total lump sum does not have to be presented at one time. An account is created at the flight education facility, and funds are added on an as-needed basis. Flight lab fees vary depending on the flight class taken.

Q. Besides traditional financial assistance resources, are there aviation financial assistance resources for tuition and/or flight lab fees?

Numerous scholarships are available specific to aviation. Local businesses offer a number of scholarships specific to Ohio State Aviation as do a number of other sponsors, including the Department of Aviation. Please see the “Scholarships” section of this website for more information.

Q. How long does the flight component of Aircraft Systems take?

The flight component is designed to last nine quarters. However, adverse weather conditions may affect program completion time. It is suggested that students begin flying as soon as possible, continue flying during summer quarters, and allow extra time for completion.

Q. Which licenses and ratings are earned in the Aircraft Systems concentration?

The flight component of Aircraft Systems begins with the student earning a Private Pilot license. Following the Private Pilot license, an instrument rating is added. Then the student earns a Commercial Pilot license with a complex aircraft endorsement. The graduation requirement is met by either obtaining a multi-engine rating or a Certified Flight Instructor license.

Q. How many flight hours do Aircraft Systems students have when they graduate?

On average, students will graduate from the aviation program with approximately 350 hours total time. This can vary depending on the student.

Q. Do military branches provide financial assistance for tuition and/or flight education?

This is a question best answered by each branch. Generally, ROTC programs provide financial assistance for tuition, but not for laboratory fees. Deferred Active Duty and Reserve commitments likewise often provide assistance. Contact each branch to learn their specific benefits.

Q. Where is The Ohio State University Airport located?

The airport is located seven miles northwest of campus, approximately eleven minutes away. From campus, go north on OH-315, take the Bethel Rd. exit, and follow the signs to the airport. The address of the airport is:

The Ohio State University Airport
2160 West Case Road
Columbus, OH 43235

For more information about the airport, please visit www.osuairport.org.

Q. Is there transportation to the airport?

Campus Area Bus Service (CABS) has five trips to and from the airport -- two in the early morning, one at noon and two at the end of the day. See the CABS website for the schedule athttp://www.tp.ohio-state.edu/cabs/.

Enrolled freshmen that live on campus and would like to use a car to travel to the airport are able to obtain special permission to have a car on campus. Please contact an academic advisor for more information.

Q. Are there aviation employment, internship, co-op, or other opportunities for students?

The university airport offers employment opportunities to upwards of 20 students per year. Jobs include customer relations, external relations and line service. With the amount of corporate and business aircraft using the airport, students will get first-hand exposure to many aspects of the airport environment. In addition, central Ohio is rich with premiere aviation companies who regularly provide opportunities for students. Involvement in the industry compliments the students’ education, provides networking contacts, and gives real-life experiences during their education. After graduation, significant numbers of students begin their careers with these companies.

Q. What’s the typical career track for an Aircraft Systems graduate?

To build upon the average of 350 flight hours at graduation, Aircraft Systems graduates typically flight instruct, fly industrial applications, charters, cargo, and/or business aviation missions. These examples are by no means exhaustive but do indicate the variety of available career building experiences. Generally speaking, at approximately 700+ hours, one becomes qualified for additional opportunities with regional airlines, and larger charter, cargo, and business aviation missions.

Q. What’s the typical career track for an Aviation Management graduate?

Aviation Management graduates go directly to operational positions with airports, airlines, charters, fractional aviation, fixed base operators, corporate flight departments, aircraft manufacturers, aviation services, and government aviation agencies. Like Aircraft Systems graduates, Aviation Management graduates “build” their hours of experience by distinguishing themselves applying the concepts and practices of the Management curriculum. Our industry partners report that Aviation Management graduates are more quickly promoted than others with unrelated degrees.

Q. Is flight training available for non-aviation students, faculty, staff, or the general public?

Yes. To learn how to begin flying, contact the Flight Training Clinic to determine availability or to obatin a referral to other flight training resources.

Q. Who should I contact for more information?

Academic Advising: Dr Chuck Patterson 614.292.2405
patterson.13@osu.edu

Aviation Management: Jim Oppermann 614.688.8746
oppermann.1@osu.edu

Aircraft Systems: Candi Roby 614.292.5614
croby@osuairport.org

Flight Training Clinic: Michael Farley 614.292.5614
mfarley@osuairport.org

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