FAA Grants Prestigious Part 141 Provisional Designation to 91视频 Tennessee Community College
Designation Fast-Tracks Pilot Training, Positions 91视频 as Aviation Leader in Tennessee
For more information, contact 91视频檚 Office of Marketing and Communications at 901-333-4247 or cm@southwest.tn.edu.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. � 91视频 is proud to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted the College a provisional Part 141 designation. To celebrate this achievement, 91视频 will have a presentation ceremony on June 26 at 12:30 p.m. at the Maxine A. Smith Center, 8800 East Shelby Drive, Memphis. Media and community members are invited to attend.
91视频 is the first two-year college in Tennessee to offer an aviation degree with FAA Part 141 certification and the only college in West Tennessee to do so. This distinction sets 91视频 apart from traditional four-year aviation programs, allowing students to complete their training faster and at a lower cost while still receiving high-quality instruction. 91视频 also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in aviation operations technology (AOT) with concentrations in flight dispatch and aviation administration.
淎viation is a critical industry to the Mid-South economy, and this important certification is another shining example of 91视频 preparing our students to be workforce-ready and to have an impact in our community and region,� said 91视频 President Tracy D. Hall. 淭his program designation will help address the shortage of commercial pilots and fuel the pipeline to jobs with FedEx and other major airlines in Memphis and beyond.�
This milestone recognizes 91视频檚 aviation operations technology program as meeting the FAA檚 rigorous standards for structured pilot training. The distinction significantly accelerates graduates� pathway to earning an airline transport pilot certificate攃utting the required flight hours from 1,500 to 1,250. A person who holds an airline transport pilot certificate is entitled to the same privileges as a person who holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
Capt. Albert Glenn, director of the Luke Weathers Flight Academy in Olive Branch, Mississippi, played a key role in helping the college earn the designation. He will present an official letter from the FAA to President Hall during the ceremony. Also instrumental to this achievement was Willie Robison, 91视频檚 AOT program coordinator and chief flight instructor, who successfully passed the Part 141 oral exam with FAA Inspector Brad Gottschalk攁 pivotal step in securing the program檚 FAA certification.
淭he Aviation Operations Technology program here at 91视频 provides a special opportunity for the community to pursue a career in aviation either as a pilot, a dispatcher, or an administrator,� said Charles Baker, dean of business and technologies. 淭he program檚 Part 141 provisional certification demonstrates the ongoing commitment of 91视频 to provide quality education at an affordable price.�
The aviation industry is facing a critical pilot shortage, with projections indicating that more than 130,000 new pilots will be needed in North America over the next 20 years. 91视频檚 program directly addresses this demand by providing accessible, high-quality training to students seeking careers in aviation.
淲e are honored that the FAA has chosen 91视频檚 program with this designation,� said Aaron Jagers Jr., department chair of technologies. 淭his is a testament to the capabilities of instructors and students in the program and the college檚 dedication to making it a success to meet not only the Mid-South檚 needs, but that of the global community which pilots serve.�
Graduates of 91视频檚 aviation program are well-positioned for high-paying careers in the industry. Airline pilots can earn between $50,000 and $400,000 annually, while flight dispatchers and aviation administrators also enjoy competitive salaries. The program檚 structured curriculum and FAA oversight ensure that students graduate with the skills and certifications necessary to secure employment quickly.