THE PILOT PLACE PARTNERS WITH PURDUE GLOBAL
OFFERING THE SCHOOL OF AVIATION
PARTNERSHIP WITH PURDUE GLOBAL
Our partnership with Purdue Global offers benefits to our flight school students who are interested in advancing their aviation careers. The School of Aviation includes online bachelor’s degrees in professional flight or aviation management.
BS in Professional Flight
Purdue Global’s professional flight degree program is a collaboration between Purdue Global and Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. It combines the quality of Purdue’s legendary aviation program spanning more than six decades with the flexibility and affordability that Purdue Global offers. Legendary aviators like Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong, and Sully Sullenberger once called Purdue University their home.
After completing your professional pilot certificates and ratings, you could receive 45 transfer credits when enrolled in the professional flight degree at Purdue Global, which could help you:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in professional flight online in 2–3 years
- Save up to $28,400 in tuition
- Work on your degree while completing your flight training or working as a full-time flight instructor
BS in Aviation Management
Purdue Global’s aviation management program combines aviation operations and business management skills to develop you for managerial-level positions. Offered 100% online, you’ll gain specialized knowledge of the aviation industry, taught by faculty with years of aviation industry experience as pilots, entrepreneurs, executives, managers, and military personnel. This program can also accept eligible transfer credits for those who hold FAA certificates and ratings.
Why Choose Purdue Global?
Receive a Partner School Tuition Reduction: Purdue Global’s alliance with our flight school includes a variety of time- and money-saving benefits. Through the partnership, all students and immediate family members receive a 20% tuition reduction on undergraduate programs and a 14% tuition reduction on graduate programs. Textbooks are included for undergraduate programs.
Created for Adults: With flexible learning options, a generous transfer credit policy, and personalized support, we're dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Nationally Ranked and Respected: Purdue Global is part of the respected Purdue University system, one of the most prestigious research universities in the world.
Enroll now or visit ThePilotPlace.PurdueGlobal.edu to learn more about this opportunity.
International Students
Welcome to The Pilot Place — your destination for top-tier flight training and career development, set in the stunning coastal city of Sarasota, Florida. With sunshine nearly every day of the year, it’s always a great time to take to the skies.
Our students train in a dynamic aviation environment that includes:
- An FAA Air Traffic Control Tower for real-world communication practice
- Light commercial airline traffic for authentic flight scenarios
- Access to both Class B and uncontrolled airspace for diverse training experiences
- Breathtaking views of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including the world-renowned Siesta Key Beach
When you're not flying, Sarasota offers the perfect setting to relax and recharge — whether you’re studying by the pool or unwinding on the sand.
International Students: Visa & TSA Guidelines
If you're not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need a valid visa for flight training and TSA (Transportation Security Administration) clearance. Permanent residents must also obtain TSA approval, although a visa is not required.
Planning Your Stay
Explore helpful resources on accommodations, international admissions, and travel logistics — including visa application details — to make your transition smooth and stress-free.
Have questions or need personalized support? We’re here to help. Click the button below to get started!
Accelerate Your Aviation Goals with Time Building Programs!
Building flight time is a key step toward earning your pilot’s license or advancing your aviation career. Our Time Building Programs offer affordable access to well‑maintained aircraft so you can log hours efficiently and confidently.
Cessna 150
A reliable and economical training aircraft ideal for steady hour‑building.
- 10 Hours: $65 per hour — Total: $650
- 50 Hours: $55 per hour — Total: $2,750
Piper Warrior
A comfortable, stable aircraft perfect for cross‑country time building.
- 10 Hours: $70 per hour — Total: $700
- 50 Hours: $60 per hour — Total: $3,000
SportCruiser
A modern, efficient light‑sport aircraft with excellent visibility.
- 10 Hours: $74 per hour — Total: $740
- 50 Hours: $64 per hour — Total: $3,200
Beechcraft Duchess (Multi‑Engine)
Ideal for advanced pilots needing multi‑engine time for commercial or ATP pathways.
- 10 Hours: $179 per hour — Total: $1,790
- 50 Hours: $169 per hour — Total: $8,450
*Checkout required. 7% FL Sales Tax will be added to the listed prices.
Request Time Building Information
Credit for Prior Learning
See the University Catalog for Prior Learning policy. Credits for certifications apply only to BS in Professional Flight.
Employment and Completion Time
Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. This program is relatively new and thus historical data regarding time to completion are not available. Completion time estimates based on: 3 years, 2 courses per term; 2 years, 3 courses per term.
Nationally Ranked and Respected
Source: www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-public-universities-united-states. Rankings apply to Purdue University West Lafayette and not to Purdue Global.
Textbooks
Not all courses require textbooks; some use electronic instructional materials. Books and course materials are included in the price of tuition for all undergraduate courses. Graduate students are responsible for the cost of textbooks/instructional materials.
Tuition Reduction
Must be an employee, member (if an association), flight student (if a flight school), or family member of an employee, member, or flight student of an organization with which Purdue Global has an educational relationship; family members include spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, and children. Tuition reduction cannot be applied in conjunction with any other Purdue Global reduction, voucher, scholarship, military tuition reductions, or ExcelTrack® pricing.
Your Pilot Journey with The Pilot Place
Step 1: Earn Your Private Pilot Certificate
Your aviation journey at The Pilot Place begins with your Private Pilot Certificate—the foundation of everything ahead.
You’ll start in a single-engine aircraft, learning essential skills like takeoffs, landings, navigation, and radio communication. Alongside flight training, you’ll complete ground school covering weather, aircraft systems, and FAA regulations.
This step is where confidence is built and your passion for flying becomes real.
Step 2: Add Your Instrument Rating
Once you’re a private pilot, you’ll advance your skills with an Instrument Rating.
At The Pilot Place, you’ll learn to fly using instruments alone—allowing you to safely navigate through clouds, low visibility, and changing weather conditions. This phase sharpens your precision, decision-making, and situational awareness—critical skills for any serious pilot.
Step 3: Earn Your Commercial Pilot Certificate
Now it’s time to turn your passion into a profession.
The Commercial Pilot Certificate at The Pilot Place trains you to a higher standard, focusing on advanced maneuvers, safety procedures, and real-world flight scenarios.
This certification allows you to be paid for flying—opening the door to careers in charter, cargo, and beyond.
Step 4: Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
A powerful next step is becoming a Certified Flight Instructor.
At The Pilot Place, this allows you to build flight hours while getting paid—one of the most common and effective paths toward airline readiness.
Teaching others not only strengthens your own skills, but also positions you within the aviation community and accelerates your growth.
Step 5: Add Your Multi-Engine Rating
To fly more advanced aircraft, you’ll expand your training with a Multi-Engine Rating.
You’ll learn how to operate aircraft with multiple engines, manage higher performance, and handle complex in-flight scenarios—including engine-out procedures.
This is a key requirement for most professional aviation careers.
Step 6: Build Flight Hours & Prepare for Airlines
With your certifications complete, the focus shifts to experience.
At The Pilot Place, you’ll continue flying—often as an instructor or in other commercial roles—to build toward the FAA-required flight hours (typically up to 1,500 for airline eligibility).
During this stage, you’ll refine your skills, gain real-world exposure, and prepare for airline interviews.
Step 7: Launch Your Career as a Professional Pilot
Once you meet the requirements, you’re ready to step into the industry.
Graduates from The Pilot Place can pursue roles as First Officers with regional airlines or other commercial aviation opportunities.
From there, your career continues to climb—toward larger aircraft, major airlines, and long-term success in aviation.
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