The Ohio State University offers Flight Education through degree and non-degree options. In addition to the flight training offered to academic students through the Professional Pilot Specialization, The Ohio State University Flight Training Clinic offers flight training services to the general public. Flight Training Clinic students use the same aircraft as the academic students and have the option to follow the same Part 141 training outline as the academic students or to train Part 61.
Certificates and Ratings
The private pilot’s license is earned over two courses: Aviation 2101 and 2102. In these flight labs, a student will learn the fundamentals of flight, airplane operations, and regulations necessary to achieve a private pilot’s license.
The instrument rating is earned over two flight labs: Aviation 3101. In these labs, a student will learn the fundamentals of instrument flight, regulations, and approaches. Completion of these two courses culminates in an instrument rating.
The commercial pilot’s license is earned over three flight labs: Aviation 2501, 4101, and 4301. During these flight labs, a student will build the time necessary for the commercial license as well as become proficient in commercial maneuvers, regulations, and operations.
To become a Certified Flight Instructor, a student must complete one flight lab: Aviation 5101. Potential instructors learn how to most effectively teach students, as well as how to keep themselves and their students safe while learning. Completion of the flight lab results in the issuance of a certified flight instructor certificate.
To obtain a multi engine rating, a student must complete Aviation 4301. This flight lab teaches students the principles of multi engine operations, engine out operations, regulations, maneuvers, and procedures. Completion of the flight lab results in the multi engine rating.
Completion of Aviation 5201 will enable a flight instructor to have instrument teaching privileges. During 5201, an instructor will learn the fundamentals of teaching instrument flight to potential students.
Completion of Aviation 5102 allows an instructor to teach students in a multi engine aircraft.
Flight Slots
Students enrolled in the Professional Pilot program complete their flight training at The Ohio State University Airport. Students choose flight slots that are most compatible with their class schedule. A flight slot is 1.5 or 2 hours long, five days a week with opportunities to fly on weekends. A student’s flight slot is held at the same time each day with the same instructor, so it is easier to schedule around classes.
Transportation
Freshmen who are enrolled in the Professional Pilot Specialization are able to receive special permission to have a car on campus to travel to the airport. There is also the Connect car program on campus, offered by OSU Transportation & Parking and Hertz. Students can check one of these cars out, drive to the airport, and return the car back to its spot on campus. Fuel, insurance, maintenance, and campus parking are included. There is no public transportation available directly to the airport, but a COTA bus does stop at a shopping complex a half-mile from the airport. The walking route is through a subdivision lined with sidewalks.
