Southwest becomes first TN community college with aviation program
by: Sarah Taber
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Federal Aviation Administration has granted Southwest Tennessee Community College a provisional Part 141 designation, making it the first two-year college in Tennessee and the only one in West Tennessee with this certification.
The distinction means the college met FAA standards for pilot training and that students can now train to become an airline transport pilot faster and at a lower cost. A celebration was held at the college’s Maxine A. Smith Center Thursday where President Dr. Tracy D. Hall received the official certification.
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Presentation ceremony for new aviation degree program -
Presentation ceremony for new aviation degree program
“Aviation is a critical industry to the Mid-South economy, and this important certification is another shining example of Southwest Tennessee Community College preparing our students to be workforce-ready and to have an impact in our community and region,” said Southwest President Tracy D. Hall. “This 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.
The distinction speeds up students’ pathway to earning an airline transport pilot certificate, cutting 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.
“The Aviation Operations Technology program here at Southwest 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. “The program’s Part 141 provisional certification demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Southwest 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. The college’s program directly addresses this demand by providing accessible, high-quality training to students seeking careers in aviation.
“We are honored that the FAA has chosen Southwest’s program with this designation,” said Aaron Jagers Jr., department chair of technologies. “This is a testament to the capabilities of instructors and students in the program and the college’s dedication to making it a success to meet not only the Mid-South’s needs, but that of the global community which pilots serve.”
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