UCA Aviation Academy
University of Central Arkansas
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About the Program
Certified Training Program for Pilot’s Licensure
The Aviation Academy at University of Central Arkansas is a highly certified pilot training program. The student will obtain the knowledge, skill, and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for pilot certification through training provided by Central Flying Academy, under their FAA approved Part 141 certificated training programs.
State-of-the-Art Technology and Planes
Training will take place in brand new Tecnam planes with all glass cockpits and the newest technology.
Multiple Pilot Licensure Options Available
Private License
A license that permits the holder to act as the pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft during visual day and night conditions. This license takes a minimum of 35 hours.
Instrument Rating
A rating that allows the holder to fly by sole reference to the aircraft’s instruments. This teaches a greater mastery of aircraft control, systems, and instrumentation. It also permits flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This rating takes a minimum of 35 hours.
Commercial License
The commercial pilot’s license allows you to fly for hire under certain conditions. The FAA requires 190 hours of accumulated flight time, including specific hours of experience in several areas such as night flying, cross country, and enhanced maneuvers.
Multi-Engine Rating
Multi-engine rating is an additional certification that allows a pilot to operate an aircraft with more than one engine. This rating can be added to a Private Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License. The FAA requires ground and flight instruction and a demonstration of the understanding of flight on one engine in a multi-engine aircraft.
Strong Partnership with Local Aviation Leaders
The academy is partnered with Central Flying Academy out of Little Rock, the premier general aviation firm of the south, for flight training and the latest in curriculum and instruction.
The academy is located at Conway Regional Airport, a new facility, with an uncontrolled field, therefore no FAA Control Tower.
Why Become a Pilot?
High-Paying Career Outlook
The median pay for airline pilots is $210,000.
$50,000 bonuses are being offered in some instances.
New pilot salaries have risen from $20,000 to $70,000.
In-Demand Occupation
Currently, airlines do not have enough pilots to use all their planes and regional airlines are suffering.
Airlines typically hire 5,000 pilots a year, but that number is expected to reach 18,000 by next year.
Airlines hired more pilots in 2022 than any year since 1990.
Significant Pilot Shortage
Major airlines are hiring regional airline pilots with no pool to replace these positions.
Significant pilot shortage forecast in the short and long term; 20,000 pilots needed by 2030 and more than 600,000 pilots needed by the year 2040.