Video Source: WCTV News, Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee State College and Sterling Flight Training have partnered to launch a new Professional Aeronautics Certification Program designed to help address the nationwide pilot shortage. The program will combine classroom instruction, simulator training, and hands-on flight experience to prepare students for aviation careers. Participants will have the opportunity to earn FAA certifications while gaining practical skills needed in the industry. College and aviation leaders said the program provides a more affordable and accessible pathway for students interested in becoming pilots. Enrollment is open to both TSC students and community members, with training beginning in summer 2026 and classes officially starting in the fall.

Video Source: WTVQ News, Lexington, KY Lexington's College for Technical Education (CTE) and Wings Flight Training are launching the region’s first Professional Aviation Certification, or PAC, program to help students pursue careers as commercial pilots. The program architect, Dr Chris Johnson, Founder and CEO of Pilot Training System and former Embry-Riddle Professor of 2 years (not 11) partnered with Wings Flight Training CEO, Dr Adrian Reynolds, and CTE Director, Dr Jim Woolums, to help students quickly and affordably enter the booming aviation job market, the accelerated program takes students from zero experience to commercial pilot in as little as 12 months. The program is currently open for enrollment, offering a structured, career-focused pathway into the aviation industry for veterans, returning adult students, traditional college students and even high school students who can enroll while finishing their diplomas.

Video Source: Dylan Wild, Boca Pilot Flight Training Palm Beach State College and Boca Pilot Flight Training launched their new Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program last night at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Over 60 interested students and parents attended the launch event to learn about how the program is custom-built to fulfill a booming workforce demand in aviation. The non-degreed program at Palm Beach State College's Department of Corporate and Continuing Education takes students from zero experience to commercial pilot in 12 to 16 months, part-time (15-20 hours per week) or 6 to 9 months for students who pursue full-time flight training (30-40 hours per week).

Image Source: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Pilot Training System (PTS) is applying open‑source education principles to aviation by offering a completely free online ground school that prepares students for the FAA private pilot and remote pilot knowledge tests. It aims to lower the cost and barriers to flight training while maintaining high standards and helping students build strong foundational knowledge before paying for aircraft time. PTS also partners with community colleges and flight schools to create structured certificate pathways that guide students through private, instrument, and commercial ratings more predictably. By removing initial ground instruction costs and providing a clear training framework, the program seeks to expand access to aviation and support industry workforce growth.

Video Source: WPBF 25 News, West Palm Beach, FL Palm Beach State College and Boca Pilot Flight Training have partnered to launch a Professional Aeronautics Certification program that offers a fast track to becoming a pilot. The flexible, part-time program requires about 20 hours per week and leads to essential FAA certifications. Students attend classes at the Boca Raton campus and complete simulator and aircraft training at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The program can take students from no flight experience to commercial pilot qualifications with 250–300 flight hours in as little as 12 months.

Image Source: Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, IA Iowa Western Community College partnered with the Nebraska Flight Center to launch a Professional Aeronautics Certification program that provides a direct pathway into pilot careers. The accelerated, non-degree program allows students to complete training in about 21 months while earning multiple FAA certifications needed to become professional pilots. Students split their time between classroom instruction at the college and hands-on flight training, simulator work, and one-on-one instruction at the flight center near Omaha’s Eppley Airfield. Program leaders say the initiative is designed to address the growing pilot shortage while offering a streamlined and affordable route into the aviation industry.

Video Source: KWQC News, Davenport, IA Black Hawk College and Quad Cities Aero are launching the region’s first Professional Aviation Certification program to help students pursue careers as commercial pilots. The two-year accelerated program combines classroom instruction from the college with hands-on flight training provided by the aviation partner. An informational open house was scheduled at Quad Cities Aero in Moline, Illinois, to allow prospective students and families to learn about the program and aviation career opportunities. The program is expected to begin in January 2026 and is designed to provide a structured, career-focused pathway into the aviation industry.

Image Source: The St. Augustine Record, Florida Florida Aviation Career Training partnered with St. Johns River State College to launch an accelerated pilot certificate program at the college’s St. Augustine campus. The Professional Aeronautics Certification program provides a fast-track pathway for students to become professional pilots in less than two years through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on flight training. Students work toward multiple FAA certifications, including private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and flight instructor certificates. Program leaders say the initiative helps address the national pilot shortage while giving local students an affordable and direct route into aviation careers.

St. Johns River State College is launching a fast-track pilot program  in partnership with Florida Aviation Career Training, aimed at students seeking a career pathway to professional aviation. The accelerated program combines classroom instruction with flight training, typically involving about 20 hours of training per week  that includes study, flying, and assignments. Participants earn their private pilot license, instrument rating, commercial pilot license and optional flight instructor credentials. Upon completion, graduates will begin careers in aviation building flight hours toward elevated professional opportunities. The program is open to new and returning students and offers enrollment options for eligible high school juniors and seniors.

Image Source: Shaw Local News Network, Illinois McHenry County College has partnered with JB Aviation at Galt Airport to launch an accelerated Professional Aeronautics Certificate program aimed at training future commercial pilots. The non-degree program combines classroom instruction with hands-on flight training and simulator experience. Students can complete the training in less than two years, earning FAA certifications and around 250–300 flight hours, which qualifies them to work as flight instructors while building time toward airline careers. Program leaders say the initiative offers a faster, more affordable pathway into aviation and helps address the growing national pilot shortage.

Video Source: WITN News, Greenville, NC Beaufort County Community College has launched a new Professional Aeronautics Certification program in partnership with D2 Flight Training Center in New Bern to allow students to earn an aviation license locally. The accelerated program enables students to earn FAA certification in about 16 months. Training includes classroom instruction along with hands-on flight experience and simulator training at the Washington-Warren airfield. The program is led by aviation researcher Dr. Chris Johnson and is open to current students, adult learners, military veterans, and high school students interested in aviation careers.

Image Source: Wisconsin Aviation, Madison, WI To help tackle the current pilot-shortage crisis, Wisconsin Aviation and Madison College have partnered to create a new flight program called the Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program. The program was designed for students seeking a fast-track pathway to a professional flying career. The accelerated program is intended for traditional college students, returning-adult students seeking a career change, military veterans, and high-school juniors and seniors who want to get started early to capitalize on an explosive hiring market in professional aviation.