Purdue Aviation Lands Flight School Status

(photo courtesy Purdue University)

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Part 141 flight school certification for Purdue Aviation LLC. The university says the status allows Purdue Aviation to offer a more structured flight training syllabus for future pilots.

Purdue Aviation, which is co-owned by the Purdue Research Foundation and university alumnus Scott Niswonger, previously offered flight training under the FAA Part 61 regulation. Jeff Pittard, president of Purdue Aviation, says the new certification brings more to the table.

"Part 141 requires a more stringent process involving FAA approval of pilot training curriculums, personnel, facilities and aircraft," said Pittard. "The Part 141 designation allows students in the program to qualify for pilot certification in less time than Part 61."

Niswonger says the Part 141 certification is the "next logical step" and "key to the future growth of Purdue Aviation." The company plans to begin offering flight classes under the new certification soon. Pittard adds the certification will lead to approval from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to allow veterans to use their benefits at the school.

The university says the certification will also benefit the recently-announced partnership with Italy-based aircraft company Costruzioni Aeronautiche TECNAM, but allowing students to gain multi-engine flight experience.