Jet Access Commits $400,000 Toward New Pilot Development Program

Jet Access Flight Training has launched a new Pilot Development Program to support the aviation industry’s efforts to combat the growing pilot shortage and assist with community development in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Jet Access will sponsor the first certificate of flight training for 22 students who join the Jet Access Flight Training Advanced Commercial Track program at Columbus Municipal Airport (BAK). Applicants are now welcome to apply through June 30, 2022, and sponsorships will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jet Access has committed nearly $400,000 toward the Pilot Development Program to encourage residents of Columbus and Bartholomew County to pursue a career in aviation. Jet Access provides flight training through accelerated course offerings in 11 locations throughout the country, including six in Indiana.

“Most of our flight training campuses in Indiana are located near Indianapolis and the surrounding counties where potential students are more likely to be exposed to career opportunities in private aviation,” said John Mauch, Executive Vice President of Flight Training Operations at Jet Access. “The Pilot Development Program, along with our new partnership with Purdue Global, will help us expand our reach beyond the Greater Indianapolis market. After the initial launch in Columbus, we are planning to explore opportunities to expand the program to additional locations.”

Jet Access Flight Training graduates receive preferential hiring for flight instructor positions with Jet Access, along with eligibility for the optional Jet Access Aviation Career Corporate Pilot Flowthrough Program. The Pilot Flowthrough Program provides training and employment as instructors, in addition to career guidance and mentorships with Jet Access charter pilots, preparing them for a professional career. Jet Access does not require students to become an instructor or flow through to Jet Access charter.

“Our flight training model focuses on providing a foundation for the next generation of pilots to pursue a career in aviation of their choosing – whether it’s in charter, flight training, corporate, or airlines,” said John Mauch, Executive Vice President of Flight Training Operations at Jet Access. “The student funding program will provide the opportunity for 22 students in Central Indiana to enroll in Jet Access’ accelerated program at a fraction of the cost. This will give them a head start in their career, whether it’s with our company or somewhere else. We believe in earning our employees’ commitment and providing them with the choice of career path that’s best for them and their families.”

An added, yet optional, incentive of the Pilot Development Program is the strategic partnership between Jet Access and Purdue University Global. Students interested in obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree at Purdue University Global while doing their flight training at Jet Access will be entitled to receive a 20 percent tuition discount off most undergraduate programs (including Professional Flight) and 14 percent off most graduate programs.

Students can earn up to 45 credits from industry certifications toward the Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight if they already possess the following certifications: Private Pilot Certification, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate, and Multiengine Rating. The total savings is $28,400, which includes $18,420 for transferred credits and Resource Fee in addition to the 20 percent tuition reduction which results in additional savings of $10,017.

This accelerated professional pilot pathway is designed to allow students to complete their flight training and if desired, work as a flight instructor while continuing to take online courses at Purdue Global, thereby allowing someone to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight within a three-year period, while also accumulating the required 1,500 flight hours to test for the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP).