Since its founding in 1990, the UNO Aviation Institute has allowed students to choose classes and majors that help them pursue their dreams of exploring the skies.
Student Damon Miller has been in the program for three years and has cherished every moment he gets flying amongst the clouds.
“I’ve been flying since I was little,” Miller said. “I went up with a distant family member in their little plane one time and they let me take the controls. I’ve loved it since then. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with it. I got towards the end of high school and I’m like, ‘I want to figure out a way to make money with this.’”
Most students at UNO spend their time in the library or in study groups, but aviation students have a unique path towards graduation.
“As far as pilot certificates go, you’ll get your private pilot license, instrument rating, commercial pilot license, multiengine rating and your CFI (Certified Flight Instructor),” Miller said.
Aviation student Reed Frank will go through the same process. For him, it’s about continuing the family legacy.
“I’m a fourth-generation pilot in my family, so it literally runs in my blood,” Frank said. “Before I can even remember, I’ve been in, around, flying, doing all kinds of things.”
Commercial and business airliners worldwide are estimated to need 743,000 new pilots by 2038 to keep up with demands, according to Boeing.
“We’re extremely lucky to be in the position we are, just because of the demand,” Frank said. “Once you hit 65, you have to retire from the airlines.”
As jobs in aviation are in high demand, the program gains attention from companies like Southwest and American Airlines for hiring positions. After graduation, the sky’s the limit.
“I just signed on with Envoy Air,” Miller said. “I’ll be taking a First Officer position with them in January.”
Frank has his ideal future all mapped out.
“Living out of Atlanta, flying for Delta, that would make all my dreams come true,” Frank said.
