'This Addition Sets Us Apart': ASU Launches Helicopter Pilot Training Track

SAN ANGELO, TX - Angelo State University students can now train to become helicopter pilots through a new Flight Operations - Helicopter degree track in ASU's Bachelor of Commercial Aviation (B.C.A.) program that is now accepting students into the new track for the upcoming fall semester.

With the addition of the Flight Operations - Helicopter track, Angelo State's B.C.A. program now offers four options for students to prepare for essential and rewarding careers in the aviation industry:

• Flight Operations - Helicopter (pilot)
• Flight Operations - Fixed Wing (airplane pilot)
• Aviation Administration
• Air Traffic Operations

Students in the Flight Operations - Helicopter track will take the same classroom courses as the Flight Operations - Fixed Wing students and undergo their flight training in three Schweizer helicopters recently added to the ASU/Skyline Aviation fleet of aircraft. The track was added to complement the existing Flight Operations program and offer another option for students interested in aviation careers. Potential career paths for graduates include EMS pilot, law enforcement, search and rescue, and helicopter flight instructor.

"The launch of our helicopter flight training track marks a significant milestone not just for ASU, but for aviation education in Texas," said Dr. Scott Turner, B.C.A. program director. "Very few universities nationwide offer fixed-wing and helicopter training under one program, and even fewer pair that with air traffic control and aviation administration. This addition sets us apart and offers students a truly comprehensive aviation education that aligns with the growing industry demands."

The announcement of the new Flight Operations - Helicopter degree track comes just a week after the official opening of the new ASU Aviation Training Facility at San Angelo Regional Airport - Mathis Field. By adding the new track and aircraft to the B.C.A. program, ASU will further expand its contributions to the aviation sector, ensuring that ASU continues to lead in producing graduates ready to support the broader needs of the aviation industry.

ASU enrolled its first students in the B.C.A. program in the fall of 2021 and produced its first graduates in spring 2024, a year ahead of schedule. The program produced 10 more graduates in fall 2024 and 19 more this spring. There are already 80 new students enrolled for this coming fall semester, which will bring the total number of students in the program to around 250. The ASU/Skyline Aviation fleet of aircraft has expanded from the initial two Diamond airplanes to 27 Diamond airplanes and three Schweizer helicopters.