Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced a collaboration with Kansas State University (K-State) to complement the University’s Aviation Open Distance education program. Under this agreement, K-State will recognize training completed at any of the domestic Cessna Pilot Center flight schools as credit towards the student’s bachelors degree in technology management at the University’s aviation school at their campus in Salina, Kansas.
“Cessna is thrilled with this unique opportunity to be even more involved in supporting pilot training, side by side with the highly respected, accredited aviation program at K-State Salina,” said Jodi Noah, Cessna senior vice president of single engine/propeller aircraft. “K-State is known for having one of the premier aviation programs in the country, just as Cessna Pilot Centers are recognized as the program of choice for those wanting to train on the most up-to-date, advanced aircraft. With this partnership, we are demonstrating the continued commitment to our heritage of providing the best tools for the finest pilot training available.”
The relationship between Cessna Pilot Centers and K-State will be made official at a signing ceremony at the Cessna exhibit at the 2013 EAA AirVenture Convention on Tuesday, July 30. Students will be able to take flight training at Cessna Pilot Centers and begin receiving university credit as of the fall semester of 2014.
“This is a great day for Kansas State University, for Cessna Aircraft Company, and for students pursuing aviation as a career,” said Verna Fitzsimmons, dean of Kansas State University Salina. “To our knowledge, this is the only arrangement of its kind in the country, with a top collegiate aviation program partnering with the undisputed leader in aviation training to provide convenient educational opportunities for aviation students all over the country.”
Cessna Pilot Centers have been in operation for more than forty years, teaching students to fly using the most updated technology and aircraft. Currently the centers use the Cessna Flight Training System, a comprehensive flight training program that combines home study labs with flight lesson courses resulting in a more thorough and in-depth curriculum.