The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Aviation Institute offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Professional Flight—designed to launch your career as a professional pilot. Whether your goal is to fly for airlines, cargo carriers, corporate operators, or the military, our program equips you with the skills, certifications, and confidence needed to succeed.
From day one, you'll receive a comprehensive aviation education paired with hands-on flight training. As you progress through the program, you’ll earn key FAA certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Multi-Engine ratings—all while working toward your bachelor’s degree.
Professional Flight: Focused on Your Future
UNO’s Professional Flight concentration is tailored for students who want to specialize in fixed-wing operations. Our curriculum blends classroom learning with real-world flying experience using a fleet of modern aircraft and advanced flight simulators. Students benefit from personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a structured training environment modeled after airline and corporate flight departments.
You’ll also earn your Certified Flight Instructor rating, allowing you to build flight hours and gain valuable teaching experience. This pathway helps position you for competitive airline cadet programs and other professional flying opportunities.
A Culture of Safety and Professionalism
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. UNO maintains a strong safety culture supported by experienced flight operations staff, faculty with industry backgrounds, and a curriculum aligned with FAA and industry best practices. Our commitment ensures that students are not only well-trained pilots but also responsible aviation professionals.
Nationally Accredited, Industry-Aligned
UNO’s Aviation program is authorized under the FAA’s Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certification, which allows eligible graduates to enter the airline industry with fewer required flight hours. Combined with strong industry partnerships and a growing network of alumni, you’ll graduate with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional connections needed to thrive in today’s dynamic aviation industry.
Average U.S. pilot salary as of 2024.
Approximately 42% of active pilots will retire within the next ten years.
260,000 new pilots will be needed over next 10 years.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Aviation Institute offers a Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Professional Flight, designed to provide aspiring pilots with the skills, certifications, and experience needed to succeed in the aviation industry.
Our students work toward earning a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings, as well as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate with an instrument rating—setting the stage for a successful flying career. Alongside this, students have access to state-of-the-art simulators, including a Boeing 737 Simulator, and three Redbird simulators.
UNO is proud to have partnerships with Destination 225, Envoy, United Airlines, Jet Linx, Republic Airways, and Mesa Airlines, providing students with direct pathways to airline careers. These partnerships offer students exceptional internship and job placement opportunities, with a direct connection to some of the leading names in aviation.
UNO's Aviation program is backed by REVV and Oracle Aviation, ensuring our students receive top-tier flight instruction and cutting-edge resources. With access to state-of-the-art flight simulators, a growing fleet of aircraft, and faculty with real-world aviation experience, UNO ensures you are well-equipped to take the next step in your aviation career.
Graduates of UNO’s Professional Flight program are well-prepared for a wide range of aviation careers, especially as commercial pilots. With a Bachelor of Science in Aviation, UNO graduates can look forward to exciting opportunities in several flight-related professions, including:
Major U.S. Air Carrier (domestic and international)
Cargo Air Carrier
Corperate Organizations
